OctaLock™ Core Set – The Complete Modular Building System
Most construction toys hit a dead end the moment you finish the model on the box. There’s nothing new to explore, nothing fresh to make, and nothing that moves the way you wish it would.
OctaLock™ was built to break that pattern.
With over 200 precision-made parts and a connector system engineered for real mechanical strength, it lets you build a huge variety of working contraptions — from catapults to creatures to kinetic sculptures — all from the same Core Set.
And with a growing library of step-by-step manuals, you never run out of things to build. Each project introduces new techniques, new mechanisms, and new ways to experiment. One box. Endless builds.
A building system with no finish line.
LIMITED EARLY ACCESS RELEASE
We’re releasing a small batch of OctaLock™ Core Sets before the full manual library is complete, and you can be among the first to own one.
This early release will include 7 full step-by-step build manuals at launch, with many more on the way. The complete library will be released gradually through 2025–2026, and every owner gets them free as they’re published.
With over 60 different instructions for builds in development, the Core Set lets you create everything from working rubber band blasters, ballista and catapult mechanisms, and Da Vinci–style machines, to insects, dinosaurs, driving contraptions, kinetic desk sculptures, and even fidget toys. Each project introduces new mechanical principles and rewards experimentation.
What makes OctaLock™ different?
- Rugged connections – builds stay solid, even during active play.
- 8-way rotational locking system – every joint locks securely at 45° intervals for endless configurations.
- Innovative spike-cup locking system with embedded nuts — components stack and interlock securely with a simple twist of a screw.
- Smart, modular geometry – precision-fit parts with standardized dimensions make complex mechanisms easy to design.
- Expandable platform – future OctaLock™ Expansion Packs snap right into the same system.
- Hands-on STEM learning – perfect for students, hobbyists, or adults rediscovering the joy of building.
- Intuitive and easy to follow manuals – every model includes detailed step-by-step guides that make advanced builds simple to follow and easy to succeed with.
More than a building toy, the OctaLock™ Core Set is a creative lab in a box. It is a system where imagination and engineering finally meet.
Key Features:
- 200+ precision-made components engineered for durability and reusability
- Builds over 60 unique contraptions ranging from art to functional mechanisms
- Encourages STEM/STEAM learning through experimentation and play
- Designed for both kids and adults — equally at home on a workbench or a living room table
- Compact roll-out tray system keeps every piece organized and ready to build
- Includes full-color, easy-to-follow manuals for every model
Want updates the moment new manuals drop? Join our behind-the-workbench newsletter (see bottom of page).
For the story behind the Eightfold geometry that inspired OctaLock™, visit the Gnomewood Workshop Chronicles
OctaLock™ and its components are trademarks of Gnobby Gnome Whatnots™. Patents pending.
What's Included
Details and Dimensions
FAQ
Manuals / Downloads
A Gnomish Limerick
A Note From the Maker
Every item you’ll find here is imagined, designed, beta-tested, and made by us — right in our own little workshop. We don’t buy things to resell; we create them from scratch, one small batch at a time. Each piece is built, hand-finished, and assembled with care before it makes its way to you. Every piece carries its own subtle character — a blend of digital precision and human touch that makes each one uniquely yours.
Every now and then, we come across something out in the wild that’s simply too clever to ignore — something beautifully simple that deserves a second look. When that happens, we can’t resist rolling up our sleeves and tweaking it just a little, refining proportions, smoothing details, or adding our own finishing touches. In those cases, we proudly credit the original maker and share what we’ve changed, because great ideas deserve both gratitude and evolution.
Many of our products are patented, and most are trademarked — the result of months of invention, iteration, and a deep love of making things that didn’t exist before. When you purchase from Gnobby Gnome Whatnots™, you’re not just buying a product — you’re supporting a maker’s dream, and taking home something you won’t find anywhere else.
Return policy
Our goal is for every customer to be completely satisfied with their purchase. If something isn’t right, please reach out to us — we truly care about every one of our customers and will do our best to make it right.
Our growth has always come from word of mouth and happy customers, so your satisfaction means a lot to us. Please contact us so we can work with you directly to resolve the issue quickly and personally.
Shipping
We do our best to ship every order as quickly as possible. If your item is in stock, it will ship right away. If not, we’ll build it for you — each piece is made in the order it’s received. Our small workshop team works carefully and efficiently to ensure every product meets our quality standards before it leaves the door.
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Delivery times vary by location, but rest assured we’re working hard to get your order to you as soon as we can.