# Very hard puzzle, enjoy. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 17, 2006, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760 "2006-03-17T15:56:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/61 "2006-03-19T12:57:41Z")
I think I’ll take **ianzin** ’s answer as definitive, him being an accomplished professional magician and all. ---
**Author:** ![hermann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b487fb/32.png) [@hermann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hermann)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/62 "2006-03-19T17:20:13Z")
> [@Jessica Rabbit](#): > > I’m working on getting some better photos. > > By the looks of it, the holes are not drilled at an angle. Well, to heck with the bolt, then. How are the holes drilled? The drilled part of the wood is 2.3cm, and the space between the drilled parts is 2.2cm. How did the drill bit get in there to drill the hole? I guess you could use a shorter bit and drill from both sides, but something has to hold the bit to drill. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/63 "2006-03-19T18:03:33Z")
> [@Jessica Rabbit](#): > > How’s this?: > > Take it all as you will, take the rules as you will, give whatever kind of answer you like (other than “you look like a robot”, that is). And if you don’t want to, don’t even take it as a probelm, take it as “here’s something interesting, what do you think of it?” > > I gave up on asking people for answers, now I’m just saying: I’ve had a lot of fun with this object, feel free to do the same. > > And if I can get any other information that might help you enjoy this more, I will pass it on. How’s this? DON’T CALL SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T HAVE A SOLUTION A PUZZLE! Call it a musing, an enigma, a conundrum, something for people who have no family, friends, or job. Have some respect for what people might want, or not want, to spend their time on. I like puzzles. I don’t enjoy wasting my time. ---
**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/64 "2006-03-19T19:59:02Z")
> [@ianzin](#): > > I make impossible objects myself (I would provide the URL to my site but the Mods might not want me to in case it’s held to constitute advertising a commercial concern) **ianzin** , in the context of this thread, you are free to link to your site. - **xash** General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2006, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/65 "2006-03-19T22:20:16Z")
> [@xash](#): > > **ianzin** , in the context of this thread, you are free to link to your site. > > - **xash** > General Questions Moderator Thanks for that **Xash.** I was hoping a mod would stop by and OK that. ---
**Author:** ![Jessica\_Rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bcef8e/32.png) [@Jessica\_Rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jessica_Rabbit)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/66 "2006-03-20T05:14:38Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > How’s this? DON’T CALL SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T HAVE A SOLUTION A PUZZLE! Call it a musing, an enigma, a conundrum, something for people who have no family, friends, or job. Have some respect for what people might want, or not want, to spend their time on. > > I like puzzles. I don’t enjoy wasting my time. …Sounds like you might need a time out. Oh, and I didn’t force you to get involved, there was no gun to your head. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/67 "2006-03-20T06:34:06Z")
> [@Jessica Rabbit](#): > > …Sounds like you might need a time out. > > Oh, and I didn’t force you to get involved, there was no gun to your head. You called it a puzzle. People do puzzles because they like the challenge of coming up with a solution. Not only did you waste people’s time here by not defiing the problem well (and let people attempt to figure out how the device was created, then told me the challenge was to extract the bolt), but then you say it may not even have a solution—“Enjoy!” Rather than tempt the mods with me telling you what I think of your mental abilities or your manners concerning others’ time; or wasting more of my time taking you to The Pit, I’ll just leave you to yourself. And this little riddle to bide your time: She fancies herself as sexy, at least in realm of the unreal. But for those attracted to brains, she has absolutely no appeal. She says things are this, but then claims they are that, I don’t know where her head is, but I can see her ass under her hat. Can you tell me the name of this jerk? Oh, and this does have a solution. I promise. One more thing, the next time you speak with your sire, you may want to ask him why he never taught you abou the appropriate times to offer an apology. Just a thought… ---
**Author:** ![nivlac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3bc359/32.png) [@nivlac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nivlac)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/68 "2006-03-20T07:13:33Z")
> [@ianzin](#): > > The wood is treated with water or steam and pressure so that it can be deformed just enough, and just long enough, for the bolt to be inserted. It is then restored to its original shape and allowed to thoroughly dry. > > This is how it is made. > > If you have been told of any conditions that would invalidate this explanation, then you have been misled, either deliberately or mistakenly. Yes, this is the definitive answer (as I and others have also pointed out), but some people prefer a more exotic answer. ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/69 "2006-03-20T07:27:04Z")
> [@xash](#): > > **ianzin** , in the context of this thread, you are free to link to your site. > > - **xash** > General Questions Moderator Please do, **ianzin** , I’d like to see it. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/70 "2006-03-20T08:27:59Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > You called it a puzzle. People do puzzles because they like the challenge of coming up with a solution. Not only did you waste people’s time here by not defiing the problem well (and let people attempt to figure out how the device was created, then told me the challenge was to extract the bolt), but then you say it may not even have a solution—“Enjoy!” > > Rather than tempt the mods with me telling you what I think of your mental abilities or your manners concerning others’ time; or wasting more of my time taking you to The Pit, I’ll just leave you to yourself. And this little riddle to bide your time: > > She fancies herself as sexy, at least in realm of the unreal. > But for those attracted to brains, she has absolutely no appeal. > She says things are this, but then claims they are that, > I don’t know where her head is, but I can see her ass under her hat. > > Can you tell me the name of this jerk? Now that’s just mean. This woman is clearly looking for a solution to a very pressing problem. The folks at [www.ratemybody.com](http://www.ratemybody.com) were unable to help, and that is very unfortunate. Her clues seem to be unreliable, if not misleading. There seems to be no "solution " that would be acceptable to her, other than maybe witchcraft. Let it go. We can all agree that there is some sort of sorcery involved, if all of the rules are obeyed. Magic is the only obvious solution. Possibly black magik. ---
**Author:** ![Jessica\_Rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bcef8e/32.png) [@Jessica\_Rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jessica_Rabbit)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/71 "2006-03-20T08:59:11Z")
For anyone who would like to know, here is why I put it up: Of course, as it said, I did put up the rmb thread in the hope of getting an answer. However, I didn’t put up this thread asking for someone to answer my problem for me. I love this problem, I’ve had a lot of fun with it. It has given me, and many of my friends, a lot of enjoyment. For this reason I put it up, for other people to enjoy, as I have. It looks like a lot of people have been letting it get to them, I take it as a lighthearted idea, to think about in boring classes, making dinner, or in the shower. I assumed other would take it the same way. But it seems people have taken it either very seriously, or taken this thread as a demand for an answer. Looking back on it, I should have put this up in the pointless mundane section, but it’s too late now. ---
**Author:** ![A.R.Cane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/72 "2006-03-20T11:01:27Z")
> [@Jessica Rabbit](#): > > For anyone who would like to know, here is why I put it up: > > Of course, as it said, I did put up the rmb thread in the hope of getting an answer. > > However, I didn’t put up this thread asking for someone to answer my problem for me. > > I love this problem, I’ve had a lot of fun with it. It has given me, and many of my friends, a lot of enjoyment. For this reason I put it up, for other people to enjoy, as I have. It looks like a lot of people have been letting it get to them, I take it as a lighthearted idea, to think about in boring classes, making dinner, or in the shower. I assumed other would take it the same way. But it seems people have taken it either very seriously, or taken this thread as a demand for an answer. Looking back on it, I should have put this up in the pointless mundane section, but it’s too late now. I don’t think you did anything wrong, it’s an interesting question and I suspect there’s an answer that doesn’t violate the stated conditions. It’s like the problems of arranging six coins in two rows of four coins each, or, divide a pie into three pieces and, w/o cutting it again, give half away. Those are fairly simple if you read them carefully and I’d guess your puzzle is too. As to those who got smarmy about it, I can only hope they don’t have driver’s licenses, or, if they do, don’t use the same roads I do. ---
**Author:** ![Jessica\_Rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bcef8e/32.png) [@Jessica\_Rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jessica_Rabbit)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/73 "2006-03-20T11:41:04Z")
> [@A.R. Cane](#): > > I don’t think you did anything wrong, it’s an interesting question and I suspect there’s an answer that doesn’t violate the stated conditions. It’s like the problems of arranging six coins in two rows of four coins each, or, divide a pie into three pieces and, w/o cutting it again, give half away. Those are fairly simple if you read them carefully and I’d guess your puzzle is too. > As to those who got smarmy about it, I can only hope they don’t have driver’s licenses, or, if they do, don’t use the same roads I do. I lean toward there being no solution to the puzzle as I was given it, but not finding the answer, to me, doesn’t prove that there isn’t one. “I don’t think you did anything wrong” … ok, now I’m totally confused, I’ve asked a few people now, most have said I’ve done nothing wrong, but those who think I have done wrong can’t give me an explaination (or don’t want to) as to what it was… 😕 ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/74 "2006-03-20T12:14:58Z")
**Moderator warning** > [@magellan01](#): > > Rather than tempt the mods with me telling you what I think of your mental abilities or your manners concerning others’ time; or wasting more of my time taking you to The Pit, I’ll just leave you to yourself. And this little riddle to bide your time: > > She fancies herself as sexy, at least in realm of the unreal. > But for those attracted to brains, she has absolutely no appeal. > She says things are this, but then claims they are that, > I don’t know where her head is, but I can see her ass under her hat. > > Can you tell me the name of this jerk? Well, too late, you tempted me. **magellan01**. You obviously forgot what forum you’re in. Don’t do this in General Questions again. A mild, but _second_ warning. **samclem** ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/75 "2006-03-20T15:48:55Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > **Moderator warning** > > Well, too late, you tempted me. > > **magellan01**. You obviously forgot what forum you’re in. Don’t do this in General Questions again. > > A mild, but _second_ warning. > > **samclem** If you say so. But I feel this is highly unwarranted. The OP title was completely misleading,and the post itself unclear. I engaged in good faith and, when saw the problems in her unclear thinking, politlely asked for clarification. PLease look at the exchange. Then she posts this—ahem—wonderfully helpful information—ahem: > [@](#): > > How’s this?: > > Take it all as you will, take the rules as you will, give whatever kind of answer you like (other than “you look like a robot”, that is). And if you don’t want to, don’t even take it as a probelm, take it as “here’s something interesting, what do you think of it?” > > I gave up on asking people for answers, now I’m just saying: I’ve had a lot of fun with this object, feel free to do the same. Based on that she deserves a major slapdown and be encouraged to offer up her brilliance elsewhere. So, given the forum, I responded: > [@](#): > > How’s this? DON’T CALL SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T HAVE A SOLUTION A PUZZLE! Call it a musing, an enigma, a conundrum, something for people who have no family, friends, or job. Have some respect for what people might want, or not want, to spend their time on. > > I like puzzles. I don’t enjoy wasting my time. A completely appropriate response, spelling out the problem which she, amazingly, was unable to see. To which, she offers further brilliance: > [@](#): > > …Sounds like you might need a time out. > > Oh, and I didn’t force you to get involved, there was no gun to your head. No apology. No “I should have done this or shouldn’t have done that, including mislead people with my OP title.” But instead, makes the problem _mine_. Given the forum, I kept on the gloves. And called her no names, which she most certainly deserves to have tatooed on her forehead. Please tell me which rule I ran afoul of. And by the way, where’s the admonition/advice to her about not offering up misleading thread titles? ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/76 "2006-03-20T15:52:40Z")
> [@Jessica Rabbit](#): > > … ok, now I’m totally confused, I’ve asked a few people now, most have said I’ve done nothing wrong, but those who think I have done wrong can’t give me an explaination (or don’t want to) as to what it was… 😕 Yes, I can see that you are, in fact, confused. I don’t know how you could post this thinking it true given my posts to you. You may want to read them over again. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/77 "2006-03-20T17:23:17Z")
**Jessica** , I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong, but I do suspect that, when you saw several people immediately explain how this puzzle was created (and thereby reveal that you were operating on incorrect assumptions), you got defensive and changed the question in order to keep your original assumptions safe. That’s not violating board rules by any stretch, but it is a little frustrating for some folks. It’s as if I asked, “How does [this optical illusion work](http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/fcs_hollow-face/index.html)? I know that it’s not an actual film, and has nothing to do with how we perceive shadows.” Someone might come in and say, “Yes, actually, it has everything to do with how we perceive shadows, and it’s a real film–that’s a fact.” If, at that point, you respond by saying, “I just think it’s fun to consider this illusion and try to figure out how it could work if it didn’t have anything to do with how we perceive shadows,” people would get frustrated: they’d think that you weren’t interested in the facts, and they’d feel kinda jerked around. I know it’s fun for you to consider how this could be created if it weren’t created in the way it’s created. Thing is, it’d be nice for you to acknowledge that several people have given you a factual answer as to how it was created, and that your original assumptions about its creation were false. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![PBear42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecccb3/32.png) [@PBear42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PBear42)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/78 "2006-03-20T20:04:12Z")
A few further thoughts: 1. I agree with A.R. Cane and others that this was a perfectly reasonable question, and an interesting one. 2. Like jjimm and others, I defer to ianzin’s expertise as to how the thing is made. And add my voice to those requesting that he (?) post a link to his site. 3. Herman, the answer to your question is that you can get adapters which redirect a drill bit into tight places. In other words, although it’s the usual construction, it’s not necessary that the bit line up with the motor. But the simpler answer, if we accept ianzin’s explanation, is that you use a long drill bit while the end tooth is deflected. 4. If one were to pursue the multi-part bolt/pencil solution, the simple answer to how to put it together would be Krazy/Super glue. (Moisten one side, glue the other, connect and done.) Or use a fast setting epoxy (many that cure in less than an hour). Not like strength is an issue in this application. 5. Ianzin, any thoughts about the dent (see [#21](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7208485&postcount=21))? Significant or irrelevant? ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/79 "2006-03-20T21:11:15Z")
> [@A.R. Cane](#): > > It’s like the problems of arranging six coins in two rows of four coins each, or, divide a pie into three pieces and, w/o cutting it again, give half away. Do tell! ---
**Author:** ![A.R.Cane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2006, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760/80 "2006-03-20T21:22:30Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > Do tell! Read the problems again, just as written, and don’t assume anything. If it doesn’t become clear I’ll elaborate further. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-hard-puzzle-enjoy/348760.md?page=5)