Spin Box

This is a fun puzzle box that has a unique trick to open it. It is completely printable and doesn't require any supports, but it does require assembly and some super glue.

Spinning the box in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions uses centrifugal force to move the pins and allow the box to be opened.

Assembly is pretty straighforward. The lid has two connectors that need to be attached. They are slightly asymetrical, but are designed to only fit in the correct orientation. There are also arrows that will line up when placed correctly.

The box has 4 pins and 4 pin holders. Start by gluing one pin holder on each side of the box as seen below. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you not glue both holders on one side without placing the pins first.

After attaching the pin holders as shown above, place one pin in each holder with the rounded end of the pin facing the middle of the box. REMEMBER to place the pin in the opposite side before gluing it in place as shown below.

Move the pins completely inside of the pin holder then place the lid on top of the box. Give it a little shake to cause the pins to “lock” the box.

To open the box, spin the box both clockwise and counterclockwise. This causes the pins to fall back into the pin holders and allows the lid to be removed.

If you scale the box below about 60% of the original size the printed pins may not work very well. I have used stainless steel rods instead of the printed pins on a few boxes and they work really well, especially for smaller boxes. I just ordered them on amazon and cut them to size.