BUTTONHOLE PUZZLE (POCKET SIZED)

This is a new version on an old puzzle.  Invented by Sam Loyd 1841-1911.  The puzzle is placed on a buttonhole and seems impossible to remove.  This is where the term buttonholed (to get someone's attention) came from.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

You will need strong string and a piece of pipe.
I used para cord and some copper pipe 1/4 O.D. x 5/32 I.D.
The main thing is to pick something small enough to fit thru a buttonhole.
Tools:
Something to cut the para cord.  A hot knife would work best, I used the knife on the Multi-tool.
Something to fuse the ends of the para cord.  I used a lighter and a candle.
Something to cut the pipe.  A pipe cutter or hacksaw.  I used the saw on the Multi-tool.
Something to smooth the pipe, after cutting.  I used the file on the Mulit-tool and fine sandpaper.
Something to crimp (Smash) the pipe.  Pliers, hammer, press, clamp whatever, not your teeth. 

Comments

[anonymouse197]

This is great, thank you! The only copper that I was slightly thicker than I would have liked, so I folded it in half (which took quite some time) but it makes for a good effect and works well. Thanks for introducing me to this - great instructable!

[vaiomouse8]

I'm an Archer and and still use old fashioned aluminum arrows. when one breaks or bends I get an arrow pen (just pull out the ink stick from a pull off cap bic pen and jam it in the end of a cut off arrow) and use the rest to make a few of these

just another idea for sourcing tube

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Good idea. You make me feel old.....I used wood arrows.

[vaiomouse8]

I have wood ones for my recurve :) i like fletching arrows myself with feathers. I'm not so keen on these new tiny carbon fiber arrows with rubber feathers. I like a little wight behind mine.

I made one of your puzzles and i was really funny to see how easily my friends got frustrated

[Martyka]

Awesome instructable. I made one from it. Good work :)

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Thanks. They make great stocking stuffers. And there is still time before xmas.

[djzadjza]

I love this puzzle, it is clever and cheap. i think i will make some for friends and relatives for christmas gifts! Great 'ible

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

They are very cheap, but I think saying inexpensive sounds better, especially if you are giving them as gifts. The first time I was shown one of these, it was a gift. Even though I have made many since, I still have the one that was presented to me.

Thanks for the comment,

Charles

[mechcem]

This a excellent project and well laid out ible

slightly on topic, What brand of multi-tool is shown in step 7?

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Thanks for the Comment.

The multi-tool is a blacked-out Leatherman Charge. My favorite of many different multi-tools that I own. Black looks cool but if you drop it in the woods, it is very hard to find.

[sunshiine]

Kewl! I think I might find a different use for this but I can't think of one right this minute but when I do I will make a comment here! Thanks for sharing!
Sunshiine

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Sorry for the double reply. My computer was acting strange, and I didn't think the first one worked.

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Etch your name and number on it and take it to a job interview. Attach it to the interviewer's shirt. Tell them to give you a call.

Make a pen version. If someone asks what is sticking out of the top of your pen, there is your chance to puzzle someone.

Let me know what you come up with,

Thanks for the comment,

Charles

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Etch your name and number on it. Take it to a job interview. Put it on the interviewers shirt. Tell him you'll be expecting a call.

Put an ink cartridge into it, and always have something to write with.

Cheap enough to give to friends and strangers.

Let me know what you come up with,

Charles

[Win Guy]

Amazing! I just picked up a foot of pipe to try this. I'll let you know how it turns out, but I probably won't be able to show you a picture because my camera is defunct... Maybe I'll be able to make a photocopy, though.

Well done 'ible! Great job.

Win Guy

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Good luck with the puzzle and good luck with the camera.

Thanks for the comment,

Charles

[Win Guy]

  Charles ~
 I just made one! I think I should have made it a little longer, though. Nevertheless, I tested it and it does work and baffles everyone, every time! There should be a picture below, I ended up photocopying it.
 Cheers!

  Win Guy

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Thanks for the comment. You might have a good thing there with the photocopier, that's a cool effect. Looks kind of religious.

Have fun,

Charles

[squeakydf]

I recall seeing this as a kid about thirty-five years ago, i'm going to see if my dad remembers "locking" it to my shirt. Took two days and i couldn't figure it out. Good times with the dad.

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

This puzzle has been around, in one form or another, for ages. Good luck making one for yourself.
Thanks for the comment.

[Bugsley]

This is fantastic, i have got to try this one. Thanks, great Instructable.

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Thanks

[rickyspears]

I can see where this might become a great 'parlor game' for single guys. While at a party, put this on the shirt you're wearing. Then ask girls to try to remove it. You'll get them to stand very close to you for a while with their hands against your chest. What an icebreaker!

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

The single guy could put it on the shirt of a girl that he wants to talk to. You could carry it anywhere, because it's pocket sized. It's a good icebreaker or a way to liven up a conversation. Wait for a lull and then ask, "Have you ever seen the Amazing Buttonhole Puzzle?"
Thanks for the reply.

[scoochmaroo]

This is great!

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Thanks