Stressful

[Stressful]

Six binder clips prop each other open.

Designed and constructed in April, 2011.

The handles of six binder clips weave together in a way that holds all clips open. This "explosive" configuration is quite stable despite its high potential energy. I will leave the construction method as an entertaining puzzle. Here's a hint: you should need to strain your hands no more than when normally opening a binder clip.

The 24 symmetries are the same as those of a volleyball, namely, the Pyritohedral group.

Update: by request, here are a few more assembly tips:

Copyright © 2011–2020 by Zachary Abel. All rights reserved. Last updated on 4/7/2020.