Just what is a cardboard connector?

Welcome to the wild world of cardboard creativity! At Makedo, we don’t just make tools; we invented the keys to unlock your child’s imagination with a simple twist of a Scru-Driver.

Our mission is simple. We make:

Tools. For kids. For cardboard.

Makedo cardboard construction kits include clever, kid-safe tools for cutting cardboard, reusable cardboard connectors known as Scrus, and everything your little engineer needs to turn an everyday cardboard box into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Move over tape and glue, the Makedo Scru and Scru+ cardboard connectors are the building blocks of the Makedo Construction System. They are reusable, kid-safe plastic fasteners specifically designed to connect (and easily disconnect) cardboard without the mess or permanence of the usual go-tos.

Beyond Tape: Why Your Kids Need Cardboard Connectors

Hand your kids a Makedo kit, tell them Scrus are mightier than tape, and watch the magic happen—suddenly, the carton is a castle and the big box is a spaceship. No screens, just pure, unstoppable creativity.

This form of upcycled play empowers kids to make their own toys and fun.

The Scru and Scru+ don’t just connect cardboard; they work like real screws but are way more fun and kid-friendly. Each Makedo Scru (not cardboard screws, but Makedo Scrus!) twists and fastens through the cardboard, clamping the layers together tightly, and creating stronger structural holds so their creations actually last through epic playtime adventures.

Thanks to the Scru’s wide, flat head and the way it compresses the cardboard when connecting, creations can hold up some serious weight, so you can build BIG. Kids can build life-sized forts, massive cardboard mazes, and wearable armour that actually survives a living room battle.

Once you use up your tape and glue, they are gone! Plus, cardboard covered in glue or packing tape can’t always be recycled, which can slow the recycling process or even end up in landfill.

But with Makedo cardboard connectors, when your kid is done piloting their cardboard rocketship, they can simply twist left to release the Scru or Scru+ from the cardboard and toss them into their kit for the next big build. The cardboard is left clean and ready to recycle or reuse. One box of Scrus = hundreds of wild creations, year after year.

Why the Scru Beats Tape and Glue

• Clamping force, not sticky messes.
• Build it. Play it. No drying or waiting—just instant fun.
• Holds strong, even for the wildest builds (just use those engineering skills!)
• Not a one-and-done. Scrus are built to last and are endlessly reusable.
  

"My 5-year-old grandson had a day off kinder. The challenge was on. To make a dragon costume with wings and a long tail. Horns on its head. A mouth that opened with big teeth. And the main requirement. It has to scare mummy when she gets home from work. After 3 delightful hours, I think we nailed it. 
Thank you, Makedo, for all the future non-screen hours we will have building, exploring, learning, creating and having so much fun!"

- Lynda H.

 

Why choose Makedo for open-ended play:
(Simple Solutions for your Family)

It’s every parent’s dream: two hours of glorious, screen-free play. Your living room transforms as your kid engineers something truly spectacular, learning real skills and having real fun—all from a spark of imagination.

Makedo turns ordinary shipping boxes into reclaimed construction materials! This reusable, sustainable set is an investment over traditional toys or STEM Kits. Unlike most toys, Makedo grows with your child. There’s always a new way to use their Makedo kit as their ideas (and skills) get bigger and bolder.

Families with Makedo:

• Spend quality time together
• Tap into your child’s imagination
• Nurture wellbeing and focus
• Helps develop fine and gross motor skills
• Promotes “making” with the resources on hand

Comparing Scru vs Scru+

Scru

 

• Standard size
• Firmly connect up to 3 layers of cardboard
• Perfect for everyday building, boxes, and details
  
• Compatible with Makedo Deco Range
• Endlessly reusable!

 

 

Scru+

 

• Extra long size
• Connect up to 5 layers of cardboard
• Ideal for heavy-duty builds, thick cardboard, and layering for added strength
• Secure moving parts
• Compatible with Makedo Deco Range
• Recommended for Makedo Movement Range
• Attach 3D-printed parts like hinges or brackets
• Endlessly reusable!

The Makedo Scru:
Your Everyday Workhorse

Think of this as the backbone of your building toolkit. The Scru is the go-to connector your kids will reach for again and again. It’s the secret weapon behind every build.

• Sweetly sized: Perfect for connecting up to 3 layers of standard cardboard.
• When to use: Suitable for most cardboard connections, like attaching a cardboard robot’s arm or crafting a handle for a cardboard shield. This Scru is your go-to connection most of the time!
• Why Kids Love it: It’s light, fast, and oh-so-satisfying to twist, with just the right length for twisting into cardboard.

The Makedo Scru+:
For Next-Level Cardboard Construction

The Scru+ is longer and designed for the heavy lifting of cardboard architecture. If your kid is planning to build something they can sit inside, you need these!

• Connect more: Easily connects up to 5 layers of cardboard
• When to use: Connect new features to existing structures, add support to panels and corners, and secure moving parts like a swinging arm or castle drawbridge.
• Bonus: Scru+ is the perfect companion for the Makedo Movement Range—think Roto-Ring, Spin-Hinge, and whatever wild 3D printed gadget your maker dreams up.

💡 Parent Pro-Tip: Don’t stress about which to pick! Our kits (like Explore and Discover) come loaded with just the right mix of Scru and Scru+, so your makers can start building, right out of the box. But if you need more to build with, you can grab one of our Scru Combo top-up packs.

Fun Projects

Create an Epic Structure: Cubic Castle

Epic castle built with only two boxes and surprisingly few Makedo Scrus! The Scru+ shines at turning standard delivery boxes into a modular architecture kit!

Build a Towering Archway: Gateway to the City

Challenge your maker to build a grand entrance to their creations with an eye-catching feat of engineering, like a grand cardboard arch!

Build a real, working cardboard arcade: DIY Plinko

Want to see Scrus in action? Head over to the Makedo Inspiration Hub for DIY Plinko and more incredible creations, because Scrus make connections that mean business. Ramps, catapults, and moving parts are all possible. Rainy day? Get ready for hours of cardboard arcade fun!

Now it's your turn!

Ready to ditch the tape and hot glue? Grab the Makedo Discover kit to get the perfect entry-level mix of Scrus and tools for your family’s first big build.