Admiral Byrd Middle School Technology & Engineering Education

Nail Puzzle

Overview

The nail puzzle project is used to provide practice reading a technical drawing, using hand tools, and machines in the production lab. It is also a fun and challenging puzzle! Students will use basic hand tools such as the try square, scratch awl, as well as the drill press, belt sander, and miter saw to complete this project. The technical drawing and solution (try on your own first!) are located below.

Objective

The object of the puzzle is to balance all of the loose nails (located around the perimeter of the wooden block) on top of the center nail (which is stationary) without allowing the nails to rest against the wood and without the use of magnets, glue, or other means of fastening them in place.

Technical Drawing

Nail Puzzle Drawing.pdf

Solution

While the goal is for you to figure it out on your own, if you get stuck and cannot figure out the solution, click here.

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