Brain Teaser: The Three-Ring Puzzle
You can make this three-ring wire puzzle any size you want but for demonstration purposes, we are going to make a 4.5-inch by 5-inch puzzle. This is one version of the classic ring puzzle project. and we plan to make 4 different versions. The first was the Open Loop Puzzle, the second is the Three-Ring Puzzle and the third is the Butterfly Puzzle and the fourth is a Ten-Ring Puzzle.
Ring puzzles are all fun and all use the same principle, putting an open-loop onto a closed loop by passing through a ring. This puzzle has three rings you must negotiate. The puzzle variation will dictate if the key or lock is the open or closed-loop and how many rings you must pass through. Regardless of how many obstacles the lock may have, one of the loops will always be open. The open-loop will always have the rings on it. In this puzzle, the lock is the open-loop with three rings and the key is the closed-loop.
Materials and Equipment Needed
- 1 solid wire (12 gauge) 47″ inches long
- 1 solid wire (12 gauge) 19″ inches long
- 3 split key rings 1.5 inches
- Needle nose pliers
Time Needed: 10 minutes
How to Make a Three-Ring Puzzle
- The Lock
• From the end of your 47-inch wire measure 1.25 inches and bend to the right 90 degrees.
• Measure 1.25 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 1.25 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 1.75 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 1.75 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 2.5 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 2.5 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 2.5 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 1/2 inch and bend to the left.
• Measure 3 inches and bend to the left
• Measure 3.5 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 3.5 inches and bend to the left.
• Measure 3.5 inches and bend to the left.
• Measure 1/2 inch and bend to the right.
• Measure 4 inches and bend to the right.
• Now measure 5 inches and bend to the right.
• Measure 4.5 inches and make another 90-degree bend to the right.
• Measure 4 inches and make a small loop to hole the ring.
• Trim the remaining wire.
• Place the first ring on your loop and run it through the first corner.
• Place the second ring on the outside wire and the first inside wire.
• Place the third ring on the inside wires as shown in the image below
Now your lock is ready.
- The Key
• From the end of your 19 in wire, measure 1.5 inches and make a large u shaped bend in the wire. It should measure at least 1/2 inch across.
• Now measure 8.5 inches and bend the wire back with a 1/2 inch end.
• Measure 7 inches and bend to the left and twist wire on the other side and trim the remaining wire.
• Bend the other end around the wire to complete the key
Now your key is ready.
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