Parts by Categories

Master Category Tree

Once you learn what pieces are called, it's pretty easy to link that rare piece (odd shape/size/color, or has a print/sticker) to a set. Many pieces (especially with stickers or prints) are only in one set.

Make sure to check out the "Decorated" modified categories. This is where you find most of those print/stickered rare pieces.





One great thing about bricklink categories is that the search feature can be limited to only the parts in that category. This way you can use simple describers to hunt down your piece.

Example:

Let's say you have the below piece:

Once you become familiar with part categories, you'll know this is a "modified brick"

Since it has a sticker, you also know it should be in the "Decorated" category. Go to the Master Category tree, and look for "Brick, Modified, Decorated"

Once there, put "eject" in the "Find" box

You get only two results. You can quickly see it's the "left" pattern. Click on the "Item No." To the right of the image you'll see the column heading "Item Appears In" and low and behold, only 1 set is listed. Click this link.

This one sticker piece enabled you to identify set 7701 Grand Titan.