Introduction: Rope Puzzle
This is a fun and easy little project to make. I made the main pieces with scrap wood and an old piece of rope. I purchased the wood beads from a craft store but these could have been made from scrap wood blocks as well. The solution is not intuitive so it might be a challenge for your friends and family. See the last step for a solution video.
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Step 1: Tools/Materials
Tools:
- Saw
- Drill or Drill Press
- Drill Bits
- Sander
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Lighter
Materials:
- Wood: (10" x 1.5" x .5")
- Rope: 1/4" Diameter x 30" Long
- Wood Beads:
Step 2: Drawing
You will be building two of these pieces.
Step 3: Measure/Mark Wood
I cut the blocks to 5" long. You can make this dimension smaller or larger based off your preference.
Step 4: Cut to Length
Cut two pieces.
Step 5: Mark and Punch Hole Locations
Mark hole locations per the drawing.
Step 6: Drill Holes
Drill 1/2" Diameter Holes per the marks.
Step 7: Small Bead Counter-Bore
I counterbored the small beads to allow a pocket for the knots. This picture shows the top side (counterbore) and bottom side (small hole).
Step 8: Ready to Build
Cut the rope to 14" Long - make two of these. You should now have all the parts to build your puzzle.
Step 9: Gather Pieces for One Section
Step 10: Feed Rope Through Wood As Shown
Step 11: Push Rope Through Large Wood Beads
Step 12: Feed Rope Through Small Bead
I used a lighter to seal the frayed ends of the rope. This allowed the rope to slide through the small hole pretty easy. The counterbore on the small bead should be oriented towards the end of the rope.
Step 13: Tie Knots at the Ends of Rope
Step 14: Cut Off Excess Rope
Step 15: Burn Ends of Rope to Seal
After melting the ends, add a little glue to the beads. Pull the rope into the counterbore of the outer bead.
Step 16: Puzzle Is Ready
Step 17: In Puzzle Form
See the video (next step) to show how to solve it. Reverse the process to get it back in puzzle form.
Step 18: Solution
Enjoy your puzzle!

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31 Comments
4 years ago
Our 8-year-old granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed this! We did have to make a few changes that I thought I'd share. The wood size was fine, but the rope was far too short. We made it about 12" per piece enabling a nice knot and finish. We also made the holes in the wood slightly larger so small fingers could easily do the "trick." She didn't share how to solve it until every adult had a chance to try to figure it out! I'm sure this will give her lots of enjoyments! Thanks for the cute instructable!
Tip 4 years ago on Step 13
If you're looking for a good knot that will hold well on synthetic cords and ropes, try a Figure of Eight knot
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure-eight_knot
Once you get the hang of it, it's no more difficult than a simple overhand hitch.
5 years ago
I love this type of physical puzzle, they also infuriate me sometimes when I can remember how I did them. I found the Horseshoe/ring puzzle in a junk shop but it was separated so I put it back together so they wouldn't lose the bits, took me half an hour as I couldn't remember how I did it
Reply 5 years ago
Yeah, I'm the same way. I have multiple puzzles that I've posted on instructables sitting on a table at work. Sometimes I need to go back and look at my own directions to figure out how to solve them :(.
5 years ago
I've seen this same puzzle done using a slightly loose loop of rope tied around each of their wrists. They are then challenged to separate themselves without untying any of the loops (yes, I solved it - in about 15 seconds).
Reply 5 years ago
That's a pretty good idea!
5 years ago
I have a sneaky and devious mind. I recognized the solution from the photo. Think outside the box! Nice job!
Reply 5 years ago
Thanks
Reply 5 years ago
Thanks. Yep, some people see the solution instantly while others never get it.
Reply 5 years ago
I'm a never get it apparently. At one time I thought I was intelligent. Go figger.
5 years ago
ARRGGHHH..............! Just got the solution.! I feel slow!
Reply 5 years ago
Yeah, some people get it instantly. I've had others that still haven't figure it out.
5 years ago
I took it to work today. The average solution time was about 5 minutes.
5 years ago
I had it figured out as soon as I saw the picture.
I had something very similar in steel!
Nice job!
These things are good fun!
5 years ago
super, i just bragging to myself, that i already know the secret. ( NOT )
BUT I WAS WRONG. hahaha i had a pity feeling for a few seconds.
Conclusion! No outside the box thinking for me i think.
awesome tricky
5 years ago
I loved it so much, I gathered some stuff at work and made one for my team to figure out. Mine wasn't as elegant, but your instructable inspired me to give it a go. BTW none of them could figure it out....
Nicely Done !!
Reply 5 years ago
Thanks. I haven't had anyone figure it out yet either. Although my only subjects are my kids. I will bring it to work tomorrow.
5 years ago
Very nice and so simple.
Reply 5 years ago
Thanks
5 years ago
Makes a great party game using lengths of string tied loosely to people's wrists. Escape by passing string through loop and over hand as with the hole and bead used in the instructable.