Introduction: Fun and Easy Cardboard Horseshoe Puzzel
In this instructable, I'll show you how to create a fun and entertaining horseshoe puzzle. Its easy to make and you don't need anything complex to make this. The goal of this puzzle is to take the ring off - but how...?
Step 1: Step 1: Materials
You only need a few materials for this project - no fancy tools, just things you can find around your house:
- Glue (I used a hot glue gun for this project)
- Ruler or tape measure
- Pencil, pen, or marker
- Some string (I used some nylon string because that's the only thing I found)
- Cardboard
That's it!
Step 2: Step 2: Cutting Some Suqares
To make the horseshoes, you'll have to cut eight 5-inch by 5-inch squares. To make this easier, I cut out one 5" square and used this to trace 7 more.
Step 3: Step 3: Making the Horseshoes
To make the horseshoes, you'll have to measure 1-inch inwards from 3 sides on one of the cardboard squares (look at the pictures for more details). Once you've made the three marks, draw three intersecting lines on the marks so they create a U shape, then cut on the lines to create a horseshoe. To transform the rest of the squares into horseshoes, line the first horseshoe to another square and trace the inside. Now, just cut on the lines - you now have a second horseshoe! Do this for the rest of the squares until you have 8 of them.
Step 4: Step 4: Making Notches (optional)
To make the horseshoe puzzle look better when complete, take 4 horseshoes and cut a small notch at the end of each one. This will allow you to put the string on a easier and neater (you'll see what I mean later).
Step 5: Step 5: Gluing
Take two of the four horseshoes that you cut a notch in and glue them together. Then, add two plain horseshoes(the ones without any notches) on each side so the notches form a small hole - one of your "handles" is ready. Use the remaining horseshoes to make another handle.
Step 6: Step 6: Attaching Strings
I cut out two 6.5 inch strings for my horseshoe puzzle, you can cut any length that you want (try not to cut anything under 6 inches or the puzzle wont work well). To attach the strings, take one of the horseshoe handles and pour hot glue into the two holes you made earlier. Then, stick each string into both the holes. Don't glue the other horseshoe handle yet because we still have to put on the ring.
Step 7: Step 7: Making the Ring
To make the ring, you have to cut out a 4 inch (in diameter) circle - then you'll have to hollow out the inside (I poked my scissors into the ring and slowly trimmed away the interior).
Step 8: Step 8: Finish the Horseshoe Puzzle
Slide the ring onto the two strings then glue the other end of the strings to the second handle and your finished! I hope you enjoyed this instructable and don't forget to follow, favorite, and comment!! :D
Step 9: !!!!Spoiler!!!! Step 9: How to Get the Ring Off
To get the ring off, you have to pull the ring through one oh the horseshoes. The ring is too small for both the ends to fit on, so only pull it through one end(look at the pictures for more info). Then, try to pull the ring all the way around so it comes off! To put the ring back on, repeat the same process but backwards.

Runner Up in the
Puzzles Challenge

Participated in the
Maker Olympics Contest 2016

Participated in the
Cardboard Contest 2016
3 Comments
6 years ago
Such a great, classic puzzle. Nicely done!
6 years ago
Thanks!! I hope you enjoyed my instructable!!!
6 years ago
thanks for the advise