DIY puzzle boxes can be a great project to get you started on working with wood. They’re fun to create, are reasonably priced, and provide you with the valuable opportunity to push your skills as a carpenter and craftsman to the limit. Looking for a fun and unique project that you can use? These 20 DIY puzzle box plans will get you started making your own. With some tools, a cutting board, and sometimes, you can create these yourself. Have fun and be creative! Just try giving one to a friend and see how long it takes them to figure out how it works! And once you tell them you made it, they’ll probably be pretty impressed at your handy DIY woodworking skills.
DIY Puzzle Box Plans
Telling someone you made something is always impressive, so whether you’re looking for a new challenge or just want something to give as a gift, puzzle boxes are an excellent choice. Do you like your gifts to be a little more practical than not? Puzzle boxes are a great decorative and fun way to store things like jewelry, money, or even special treats for yourself. If you’re looking for some new DIY projects to try out over the next year, we’ve collected 20 of the best puzzle box plans we could find. We hope they can help spark some inspiration.
Puzzle boxes are a fun, unique way to store your valuables. These 20 DIY Puzzle Box Plans will help you build your own according to your own specifications.
How To Make An Escape Room Puzzle Box
Imagine the delight and excitement of your family and friends when they see this box for the first time with a challenge to unlock it and uncover its secrets. What will they do? How will they think of ways to open it? Put your puzzle box in a safe place where no one but you can access it. At a future date ask your friends, relatives or kids to find out how to make an escape room puzzle box. This is a step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to make an escape room-style puzzle box. The design is easy to construct, and intricate enough that they will challenge anyone willing to open them. This article will provide many different design approaches, so you can create your own puzzle box. Enjoy!
Tools:
- Scarab
- Hasp
- Painter's Tape
- Rotary Tool *refer to safety instructions that come with the tool
- Wood Stain
- Rags
- Sand Paper
- Sponge
- Chip Brushes and Foam Brushes
- 5 Minute Clear Epoxy
- Super Glue
- Decorative Molding
- Miter Box and Saw
- Mod Podge Roller
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Clear Lacquer Spray
Materials:
DIY Paint Stick Puzzle Box by The King of Random
Difficulty Level: Easy
By combining patience, creativity, and attention to detail, is one of the most challenging free puzzle boxes to build. The puzzle box can be built from materials you probably already have in your home, and the tools needed can be found at your local home improvement store. With just a few simple steps you can have your very own DIY paint stick puzzle box. All of the materials needed can be found from a home improvement store (for free), and it makes a gift that is sure to be loved by anyone who receives it. Whether you decide to use your puzzle box for a simple storage box or as a unique decoration is up to you. Either way, it’s a fun little project to build and enjoy.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Wooden Puzzle Box Plan
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
If you want a puzzle box that lets you show off your woodworking skills, the Wooden Puzzle Box is a good choice. It requires more work than some others out there, but it’s pretty intricate and has many secret compartments. You’ll learn everything you need to know by studying these comprehensive drawings. This wooden puzzle box has hidden compartments and secret chests and will function as a gift box. These sturdy wood puzzle boxes aren't difficult to build but will put your woodworking skills to the test. And is there anything better than the satisfaction that comes from building something beautiful with your own hands?
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
How to Build a Puzzle Box
Difficulty Level: Easy
Do you want to build a puzzle box for yourself or for a gift for someone else? Are you looking for a homemade project to do with kids? We'll take the mystery out of building this deceptively attractive item! With detailed instructions and pictures, you can build your own DIY Puzzle Box on a weekend. This article will give you all the information you need, including what types of wood to use, how to drill precise holes in straight lines, and how to produce the hidden joints that are common in this type of box. You will have enough information to get started and then some guidance as you build your very own puzzle box.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
DIY Puzzle Box
Difficulty Level: Easy
Do you have a free afternoon and some basic woodworking skills? Then you can build this DIY puzzle box, which can keep just about anything safe and secure. The design of this box holds the secret to opening it, so it’s up to you to figure out what that is. It’s just one example of how to put your woodworking skills to good use. This DIY puzzle box is easily built and can be put to good use afterward. It’s sturdy too, so you don’t need to worry about it coming apart or breaking during construction or use. The DIY puzzle box is a fun and useful project that can provide hours of amusement as you, your friends, and your family try to figure out how to open the thing! Get a building and see for yourself!
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
DIY Escape Room LockBox Puzzle by Inspire to Make
Difficulty Level: Advanced
This is a DIY Plastic Lock Box Escape Room Puzzle. Build your own escape room puzzle box with the ultimate in escapism! Combining high technology and classic craftsmanship this project is suitable for intermediate to advanced level builders. Some knowledge of electronics and soldering is required. The lockbox is made of strong plastic. The code has to be worked out before you can open the box. There is a time lock installed in the first step, which was the most difficult part of this project. This puzzle box was designed for all building lovers, who are ready for any challenge!
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Ball Puzzle Box Plan
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you’ve ever played with a ball puzzle box, you know how frustrating it can be to open. But if you’ve ever tried building one, you know how frustrating it can be to figure out how to put it together! And yet, both are incredibly gratifying once you’re finished—especially if you take your time and do things right. The only tools you’ll need for this project are some wood glue and a few clamps, but there are also lots of little pieces that will require patience as you cut and assemble them. You might want to practice on something first, in fact!.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Awesome Trick Box Plans
Difficulty Level: Advanced
This trick box is one of the easiest-looking ones on this list, but might also be one of the hardest to build. But if you’re ready to tackle it, then this project’s for you. It’s a really cool puzzle box that would look amazing in anyone’s home. This awesome trick box might be one of the best-looking puzzle boxes on this list. The finished product is very refined and wouldn’t look out of place on any living room mantel or shelf. But it’s also pretty difficult to build, requiring quite a few tools like a table saw, scroll saw, belt grinder, and more. If you already have these tools, then this is a great project to test your skills on.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Dovetailed Puzzle Box
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Here is a beautiful puzzle box plan that’s just as difficult to build as it is to solve. You’ll find the plans, but it’s an incredible project that will be a talking point for years to come. Look at the possibilities that this puzzle box can offer. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but you’re able to put your own special touch on the design by choosing a color scheme. Whether you want a strong grain pattern and earth tone finish, or you prefer a more neutral finish with subtle grain patterning, you get to choose your journey. It is an amazing work of art and will last a lifetime because it is built to dovetail together, making it very strong.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Puzzler Puzzle Box
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Ready for a challenge? If so, the Puzzler Puzzle Box might be your ace in the hole for such matters. This micro-sized puzzle box uses small magnets to hold it together and to move the pieces away from you before putting you at the mercy of solving one of these tiny traps. This is a puzzler puzzle box that’s different from most. You don’t need any special tools to make it, besides some wood and magnets, and you probably have most of the other things you need on hand already. If you’re interested in puzzle boxes, this might be the one for you. This puzzler puzzle box is a fun project that can be done on a weekend. It has the potential to hold quite a lot of items inside if you go with a large box.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Dragon Puzzle Box by Erhan Cubukcuoglu
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Trying to find a wooden puzzle box that is both challenging and fun? Look no further than this dragon puzzle box plan. This wooden box combines all the fun of traditional wooden toys and games with the satisfaction of solving challenging puzzles. This puzzle box is made from red oak, walnut, and birdseye maple, but the secret chambers are made from cherry. There are lots of little intricate pieces that move inside this puzzle box, and getting them all right is going to test any woodworker’s skill and patience. The box itself is constructed using dovetails and finger joints and then lined inside with a thin piece of wood to finish it out nicely.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
di Resta: Puzzle Box by Make:
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
This di Resta Puzzle Box plan will take you through each step of the building process to build a beautiful, unique gift for yourself or someone special. You’ll start by cutting out all of the elements needed on a table saw or with a jigsaw. Then, you will cut the joints using a router and some pattern bit tips. After that, you’ll secure the pieces together using wood glue and hammer in some finishing nails so you don’t split the wood. Finally, you will attach the hinges and finish it with two coats of stain or paint so that it’s ready for gifting. You can even replace the butt hinges with some combination locks if you want to make this a truly locked puzzle box.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Dragon Puzzle Box by DIY Puzzles
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Are you looking for a challenging puzzle box project? This Dragon Puzzle Box is chock full of intricate pieces that make it one of the most challenging puzzle boxes to date! It’s complex-looking and will take time and patience to put together, so only advanced woodworkers should attempt this one. The Dragon Puzzle Box is not a simple build. You will spend a lot of time figuring it out. It’s a great puzzle box challenge. The Chinese Dragon Puzzle Box is a fairly challenging puzzle box that involves a lot of clever moving pieces. It’s not the easiest box to figure out, and it will take quite a bit of time to master. Still, if you’re looking for a great challenge, this is definitely the right box to hone your skills on.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Nail Puzzle Box
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
The Nail Puzzle Box is a functional decorative box that’s sure to impress. A sliding nail mechanism turns this puzzle box into a gift to be enjoyed for years to come. The entertaining nail puzzle box is fun to give out as an office gift or at a holiday party and will certainly get people trying to figure out how it works. Also available in a smaller size, this box should be easy enough for anyone to put together, even if they’ve never tackled a project like this before.
On the exterior, this box looks like an ordinary rectangular wooden box, but the titillating mystery awakens when one realizes that it does not open with a key or a latch. This box looks so simple, yet is so interesting and challenging to play with. It looks the same as a normal puzzle box, but it has a unique sliding nail system to open this box.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Twin Lock Box
This Twin Lock Box is a great way to store your valuables and keep them safe from harm. Twin Lock Box keeps your belongings safe and dry. This rugged, waterproof box is made of heavy-duty plastic with a rubberized gasket to keep out the elements. The box seals completely and has a dual locking system for added security. A handle on top makes carrying the box easy. It features a unique Twin Lock design that has been tested for strength. The lid of the box can be opened in two directions, allowing for all types of items to be stored inside, from jewelry and documents to keepsakes and collectibles. Waterproof, reliable, portable, and lightweight.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Clever Puzzle Boxes
Clever Puzzle Boxes can be used for gifts, or for advertising. It is high quality, very interesting object to build, and even after the product is opened the box itself can be used in many ways. The manufacturer guarantees that this puzzle will bring hours of fun and satisfaction to whoever may get it. Clever Puzzle Boxes might take some brainpower, but you can always rely on their cleverness and ingenuity to solve them. These clever puzzle boxes teach children about the pieces of a compass and how to use them. Children are encouraged to solve their own puzzles, working towards the goal of discovering how each element can be used together across four different components. This plan doesn’t require a large amount of lumber to build one box. That makes it the perfect project for using an exotic species that you’ve been saving for a special project.......
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
How To Build A Complex Puzzle Box
It seems like Christmas is getting earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? You’re probably already looking for gift ideas. If you’re into art and craftsmanship, each year you could build a special puzzle box and give it to your loved ones as a Christmas present. This keyless puzzle box is a true masterpiece. If you are interested in building your own, the plans and instructions in this manual will help you greatly succeed.
It is an incredibly complex puzzle box that takes extremely precise woodworking, precise cutting, and patience to build. Building a puzzle box can be a rewarding experience and one you can share with your children. The results will be something they can keep forever, or give as a meaningful gift. It’s also exciting to show someone this elaborate clockwork toy up close. Puzzles come in all sizes, shapes, and levels of complexity. Being able to put this together will provide hours of fun for the entire family.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
My First Puzzle Box
The My First Puzzle Box is a fun and entertaining item that kids will love to explore. With its colorful house design and three interchangeable images, it's an engaging way to start young children in puzzle play. This box comes with different images and a small wooden house with pegs that can slide in and out, helping your child to develop their matching and retrieving skills. It's enjoyed as children get to watch all the pieces magically rearrange on their own. This box comes with several interlocking pieces in four different shapes, which are fixed together via high-quality magnets, forming a simple yet interesting puzzle. Once complete it serves as a wonderful keepsake, ready to be displayed for friends and family to enjoy.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Mini Puzzle Box
The Mini Puzzle Box is a compact, portable puzzle box hinged with a magnetic clasp. These puzzles have a hidden drawer and knob -plus the puzzle box makes a great gift item, storage compartment, or decorative display stand. Contains various easy to assemble puzzles. The Mini Puzzle Box features attractive wooden inlay and quality hinges, this little box promises hours of entertainment and is fully assembled on arrival so there is no need for any tool or skill. This unique puzzle can keep you busy for hours while still fitting in your pocket! That version is ideal for kids and as birthday gifts. An unsolved version can be requested, complete with colorful puzzle-printed panels to give your brain a workout.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
Dragon Puzzle Box
This Dragon Puzzle Box is a mystery waiting to be solved. First, the dragon is carved out of a solid piece of fine quality teak. Then, after drying naturally, the colors of its carvings are printed onto the surface by a unique process. Admire the contrast between ancient and modern craftsmanship with this puzzle box. This stunning Dragon puzzle box is intricately carved from beech wood in the mountains of China and makes the perfect gift! It's sure to provide a fun challenge for both kids and adults to try and open, and when they do you will hear the magical sound of the dragon.
Tools:
- Table saw
- Hand saw (or bandsaw)
- Drill press
- Strap clamps
- A bunch more clamps!
Materials:
- Wood Glue
- boxwood
- board
- nail
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