Sunday 17 October 2021

Nuts N' Bolts

A couple of weeks ago I spotted an announcement from Phil Wigfield on Discord that he’d be releasing a new brass bolt puzzle in a couple of weeks’ time, so I made a mental note to keep an eye out for it on his Etsy shop

A couple of days later a package arrived from Walsall out of the blue – which surprised me at first, but the note inside really blew me away. It was a letter from Phil gifting me a copy of his latest as-yet-unavailable puzzle Nuts N’ Bolts. Thank you, Phil!

I was quite keen to play so I opened up the customary little wooden box and lifted the little contraption off its satiny pillow – it’s an interesting looking little beastie – a pair of parallel bolts courtesy of a pair of fat conjoined nuts seem to be held together by a single nut and bolt combo that pierces the whole lot of them… and trapped far out of reach is a pair of washers that you’re aiming to remove.

Seems obvious that you need to remove the crossing bolt and then you’ll be able to remove the big bolts and Robert’s your mother’s brother. Only it’s not quite a simple as that… you might find the first step works pretty much as you’d hope, only from then on things get “interesting” – and by “interesting”, I mean all progress ceases!

Definitely time to Think(c).

There is a beautifully elegant solution that leaves you with a pair of freed washers and a nice smile on the face.

At this point you’ll know exactly what he’s done to create this little piece of glorious engineering, but I defy you to find the traces of his handiwork… he’s gone to a lot of trouble to keep things unseen that should not be seen… it is beautifully made, and a lovely puzzle – and if I hadn’t just been given a copy, I’d be queuing up for a copy when they’re released...probably tomorrow. ;-) 

You're welcome!


13 comments:

  1. Phil has blown me away with all of the puzzles he has designed and release in just a single year. Great guy and great puzzles. I'm a big fan.

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  2. This looks amazing! Once my bank account settles, I’ll be adding this to my collection. Phil's stuff is beautifully made.

    Kevin
    Puzzlemad

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    1. ...it is, and this one really stands out...

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  3. This October is getting expensive... -Tyler

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  4. I’d be interested in reading a review from you ‘professional’ puzzlers, on Phil’s latest puzzle Undercover? It looks awesome!

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    1. Good grief I've been acused of a lot of strange things, but that's definitely a new one! In lieu of a professional, I'll happily write about any puzzles I enjoy...

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  5. Haha! If you knew how much a ‘novice puzzler’ I am you would understand why I refer to you and other highly regarded puzzlers as such! I’m not much good at solving mechanical puzzles but I totally appreciate how aesthetically pleasing they can be, particularly the handmade type. I hope you get to enjoy Phil’s latest creation and you or one of your puzzle friends will give us some feedback! - chrisshelm

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    1. Hi Chris - I picked up a copy from Phil on Saturday at MPP - I've taken some pics of it but haven't solved it yet... :-)

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    2. Brilliant. Looking forward to your feedback and any pics - Chris

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  6. And ‘No’ , I have no connection whatsoever to Phil, apart from I have previously bought a couple of his puzzles!!

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    1. ...that wouldn't be Phil's style anyway - he's an absoulte gent! :-)

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