DIY Disentanglement Puzzle (Wooden & 3D Printed Versions)

This classic rope-and-ball puzzle is a timeless disentanglement challenge. Two versions are included. The first is made from wood, a pipe clamp, and screws. The second version is 3D printed - files included. Paracord is used on both versions.

The objective is simple: free the ball without damaging the puzzle. Success depends on careful observation, spatial reasoning, and a bit of patience.

Materials:

Wood Version:

1. Wood Block - 7" x 2.25" x .75"
2. Wood Ball - 1" diameter
3. Wood Dowel - 3/8" diameter x .75" long
4. Paracord - 4mm, 23" Long
5. Pipe Routing Clamp - ID needs to be smaller than ball

3D Print Version

1. Paracord - 4mm x 18" Long

Tools :

Wood Version

1. Tape Measure
2. Pencil
3. Scissors
4. Lighter
5. Saw
6. Drill
7. Drill Bits - 3/16" and 3/8" Diameter
8. Sand Paper
9. Screw Driver

3D Print

1. 3D Printer / Material
2. Same tools used for paracord as above

You will be building to this model. The parts consist of a block, ball, end caps, pipe routing clamp, screws, and a cord.

The size of the base is somewhat arbitrary. I used a piece of scrap wood that measured 7" long x 2.25" wide x .75" thick. If you decide to change size, make sure to adjust the paracord length accordingly.

See the previous step for hole locations. For the clamp, I drilled pilot holes ~ 1/2" deep. Choose a drill bit that matches the screw size you plan to use. For the paracord hole, note that it is counterbored to hide the knot.

Not required - just gives a better feel

The wood ball was purchased from a hobby shop. You can just as easily use a block or another object. The only requirement is that it doesn't pass through the clamp.

I don't have a picture of me drilling the holes. Because holding a sphere for drilling is notoriously difficult and potentially dangerous, I suggest using a V-block, a wooden handscrew clamp, or drilling a shallow depression in a scrap piece of wood to cradle the ball. Once you've settled on a clamp, drill a counterbore hole per the dimensions shown.

Use 4 mm paracord cut to a length of 23 inches. Melt both ends with a lighter to prevent fraying and make it easier to thread the cord through the holes.

As mentioned above, the routing clamp needs to be small enough to prevent the ball from passing through. I don't have a part number for the clamp I used, but the dimensions are roughly as shown.

You are now ready to assemble.

Attach the clamp as shown.

Feed the paracord into the base.

Tie a single knot at the end of the cord. I melted the knot slightly after trimming the end. Pull the cord into the hole.

Repeat the same process for the ball.

End caps were made from a 3/8" dowel. Cut to 1/4" long. Press the caps into the holes on the base and ball. For the ball, you will need to sand the edges to keep the ball round.

Your finished puzzle should look like the picture shown.

You will need to print these parts. See attached STL files.

Since this puzzle is smaller, the paracord can be shorter. Note: The picture shows 17 inches, but I recommend cutting it to 18 inches to make the puzzle easier to manipulate

With all the parts printed and the paracord cut, you are ready to assemble.

Same as the wood version.

Again, same as the wood version

Press the end cap flush with the base. This should be a very snug fit. If loose, use a small amount of glue.

Press cap into ball so it matches the diameter. This should be a very snug fit. If loose, use a small amount of glue.

Your finished puzzle should look like the picture shown.

Routed the paracord as shown.

Feed ball through loop

Pull cord under bracket / rod.

Pull slack to clean up the look. The puzzle is now ready to be solved.

Work backwards from the pictures. The video shows the setup and solution if the pictures were not clear.

The initial rendering was done in CAD. This was just a test to see how the various AI models could change it around.

I'm very happy with how these turned out. Hope you enjoy making your own. Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, if you like this puzzle, take a look at my instructables page for plenty of others.