Beer Can Cryptex

# Beer Can Cryptex

This is one of those cryptex ring password puzzle lock boxes, except it's design to hold a standard beer can.  And I've recently added two “tall” models to support tallboy beer cans.   Standard cans hold 5 encoder rings (11.8 million combinations), and tallboys hold 7 encoder rings (8 billion).

## Bring Along

• Superglue OR
• 6x M5x16 screws (or just glue)

## Print

• 1x EndCapRing
• 1x EndCap
• 2x EndCapLid
• 1x InsideTube
• 1x OutsideTube
• 10x Ring
• 5x SnapRing
• 5x SymbolRing

For Tallboys, print additional:

• 2x SnapRing
• 2x SymbolRing

## Encode

To set the code, pop the SnapRings into the SymbolRings so the notch lines up with the letter.

## Assembly Overview

1. Screw/Glue an EndCapLid and EndCapRing to the EndCap with 2 Ring. Mind the notch.
2. Screw/Glue another EndCapLid to the InsideTube with a Ring
3. Insert the SnapRing into the SymbolRing with the notch lined up with the appropriate symbol
4. Stack all the assembled rings into the OutsideTube
5. Screw on the assembled EndCap.
6. Insert a 12-oz can of New Glarus Spotted Cow into InsideTube
7. Insert the InsideTube assembly into the notch-aligned OutsideTube
8. Scramble.

## Assembly Details

The cryptex is printed in lots of parts.  I provided a .3mf for 2-color prints, separate models for each color, and a combined model if you don't have the ability to mess with colors.

### EndCap

There is a stupid sunburst design for the lid. Stack the Sun on EndCapLid, offset by +9mm. (You'll need two of these)

The EndCap itself has seperate Rivets if this is your thing. They are offset by +1mm. Otherwise use EndCapRivets which has built-in rivets

The CapRing is pretty simple, but add a gold ring to it, rather than printing seperately. It is offset by +3mm

Assemble these parts with 3 M5x16 screws.

Note: If the EndCap screws tight but the notch is not aligned, then the threaded part is in upside down.

### InsideTube

The InsideTube's endcap is tricky because I originally designed it with the shark fins going the other way, but I messed up the design somewhere and I don't have time to change it, so this part needs support. I'll fix it one day.

It can have Rivets. The rivets are offset by +1mm, or use the InsideTubeRivets single print file, which makes supports easier.

The InsideTube also requires it's own EndCapLid.

Assemble these parts with 3 M5x16 screws.

Use InsideTube-Tall to support “tallboy” cans

### OutsideTube

Pretty straight forward. Add a Ring at +3mm.

Use OutsideTube-tall to support “tallboy” cans.

### SymbolRing

You'll need 5 of these.

This is the most visible part. Symbols is added to SymbolRing, and offset by +2mm. Add a gold ring at +15.8mm (this precise number is due to the height of a beer can and the presence of 5 rings)

Also print 5 SnapRings. These work well if printed with a different color than the symbol ring.

Note: This model is pretty tight.  Sometimes the SnapRings don't get snapped in enough and the cap won't screw on.  It'll probably require some sanding to get things smooth enough.

Note 2: If the notch on the SnapRing seems to be between two symbols, then the SnapRing is in upside down.

## Summary

This cryptex was obviously heavily influenced by Cryptex by Cees. That one pretty neatly holds those little airplane liquor bottles.

https://www.printables.com/model/28937-cryptex-5-6-7-8-or-10-letter-wheels

My other project is an automated Ukulele player. Follow my progress at Blue Sky: 

https://bsky.app/profile/acutatororchestra.bsky.social