diff --git a/code/modules/research/techweb/all_nodes.dm b/code/modules/research/techweb/all_nodes.dm
index 038a41b3cd..3aa59d8301 100644
--- a/code/modules/research/techweb/all_nodes.dm
+++ b/code/modules/research/techweb/all_nodes.dm
@@ -1045,7 +1045,7 @@
 	boost_item_paths = list()
 	for(var/path in GLOB.uplink_items)
 		var/datum/uplink_item/UI = new path
-		if(!UI.item)
+		if(!UI.item || !UI.illegal_tech)
 			continue
 		boost_item_paths |= UI.item	//allows deconning to unlock.
 
diff --git a/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm b/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm
index 09e955d2f9..23b4581600 100644
--- a/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm
+++ b/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm
@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(uplink_items, subtypesof(/datum/uplink_item))
 	var/player_minimum //The minimum crew size needed for this item to be added to uplinks.
 	var/purchase_log_vis = TRUE // Visible in the purchase log?
 	var/restricted = FALSE // Adds restrictions for VR/Events
+	var/illegal_tech = TRUE // Can this item be deconstructed to unlock certain techweb research nodes?
 
 /datum/uplink_item/New()
 	. = ..()
@@ -769,6 +770,7 @@ datum/uplink_item/stealthy_weapons/taeclowndo_shoes
 	item = /obj/item/ammo_box/a357
 	cost = 4
 	exclude_modes = list(/datum/game_mode/nuclear/clown_ops)
+	illegal_tech = FALSE
 
 /datum/uplink_item/ammo/a40mm
 	name = "40mm Grenade"
@@ -898,6 +900,7 @@ datum/uplink_item/stealthy_weapons/taeclowndo_shoes
 	item = /obj/item/ammo_box/foambox/riot
 	cost = 2
 	surplus = 0
+	illegal_tech = FALSE
 
 /datum/uplink_item/ammo/bioterror
 	name = "Box of Bioterror Syringes"
@@ -1926,6 +1929,7 @@ datum/uplink_item/stealthy_weapons/taeclowndo_shoes
 	item = /obj/item/toy/syndicateballoon
 	cost = 20
 	cant_discount = TRUE
+	illegal_tech = FALSE
 
 /datum/uplink_item/badass/syndiecash
 	name = "Syndicate Briefcase Full of Cash"
@@ -1949,9 +1953,11 @@ datum/uplink_item/stealthy_weapons/taeclowndo_shoes
 	item = /obj/item/toy/cards/deck/syndicate
 	cost = 1
 	surplus = 40
+	illegal_tech = FALSE
 
 /datum/uplink_item/badass/syndiecigs
 	name = "Syndicate Smokes"
 	desc = "Strong flavor, dense smoke, infused with omnizine."
 	item = /obj/item/storage/fancy/cigarettes/cigpack_syndicate
 	cost = 2
+	illegal_tech = FALSE