Introduction: Lego Cryptex (Concept Model)
Step 1: Pieces Needed
Refer to the pictures in the nest steps for pieces:
Outer Chamber
-1x2 brick (21)
-1x3 brick (6)
-1x4 brick (12)
Inner Chamber
-1x1 brick (1)
-1x2 brick (8)
-1x3 brick (1)
-2x2 brick (6)
-1x3 corner brick (5)
-1x2 downward-sloped brick (3)
-1x2 upward-sloped brick (3)
-1x2 flat panel (3)
-2x2 flat panel (1)
Front Endcap
-1x2 brick (1)
-1x4 brick (1)
-1x6 brick (2)
-2x2 brick (2)
-2x3 brick (3)
-2x4 brick (1)
-1x4 flat panel (1)
Back Endcap
-1x2 brick (4)
-1x3 brick (2)
-1x4 brick (2)
-1x6 brick (2)
-2x2 brick (1)
-2x4 brick (2)
-1x4 panel (1)
Locks (may vary based on what type of locks are built. This is the number of bricks for all three types.)
-1x2 brick (13)
-1x6 brick (6)
-2x2 brick (1)
-2x3 brick (2)
-2x4 brick (2)
-1x8 panel (4)
-1x6 flat panel (3)
Top
-1x2 (14)
-1x4 (5)
Step 2: Build the Outer Chamber
Follow the pictures. As a side note, the cryptex is built in a uniform style that can create a long cryptex with many locks.
Step 3: Build the Inner Chamber
Follow the pictures. The space of the inner chamber is only 1x1 brick big, so objects like pencils (or secret messages) are the only things that the cryptex will hold.
Step 4: Build the Front Endcap
Follow the pictures. The inner chamber comes out from this endcap.
Step 5: Build the Back Endcap
Follow the pictures. This endcap is where you will push out the inner chamber from. You can try to pull the innner chamber out, but it will likely break, so a type of rod may be needed.
Step 6: Build the Locks
Follow the pictures. There are three types of locks that can be built. After all of them are built, one of them will be without the 1x8 panels to create a better fit.
Step 7: Build the Top
follow the pictures. This part is the top of the outer chamber, which will hold down the locks.
Step 8: Assemble Everything
With all the parts, place them together in the indicated order. You can place the inner chamber before the locks to make it easier.
Step 9: How to Solve
To solve the cryptex, slide the bars in the correct sequence to unlock the cryptex. To release the cryptex, push the cryptex from the back endcap (recommended with a rod). It's designed to slightly break open if you try to force it open without solving it, but it can occasionally jam from both taking it out and returning it.
Step 10: Finished!
Coming Soon: Lego Cryptex V2 (Scaled)

Participated in the
MakerBot Challenge
14 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
If you saw this Instructable, please see the Photo Instructable of this and support both Instructables in ratings and in contests.
Thank you!
2 years ago
cool
10 years ago on Introduction
I was looking for a lego cryptex, and i was thinking that its just impossible to make a lego cryptex... But this.... Oh man! This is amazing and this is very easy to make... I have just one question: This is your idea? If it your idea, you are genious!!! Thanks, i love your site... ( Sorry for my english, im not American , i am Russian :) )
10 years ago on Introduction
i made one
11 years ago on Introduction
Bravo!
11 years ago on Introduction
Lego vinegar canister?
11 years ago on Introduction
ah yes my favriet inventer DAVINCI
11 years ago on Step 5
how do u make this part
11 years ago on Step 10
my criptex is not moving at all when solved why is that?
11 years ago on Introduction
nice pics on last one and also this is awesome!
12 years ago on Introduction
Technically, this isn't based on a video game so I doubt it would meet the criteria for the game.life challenge.
That said this is a pretty clever invention, however those wishing to get to the secrets inside could just smash it on the floor. Maybe you could superglue the blocks to overcome this.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
That's okay. It was rejected anyways (somewhere in the background: OBJECTION!).
Yeah, gluing the pieces together will really help. But I wanted to keep the pieces available for my V2 version. See the last step video, and subscribe to keep updated.
12 years ago on Introduction
i rated. very amazing!!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thank you!