Have you mastered the perfect rubik's block solving algorithm? Or are you just really frustrated with it and are ready to give up? Whatever your reasons, disassembling the Rubik's Block is actually easy. You can do this with your bare hands, but it's easier to use the tools listed below. Before you begin, don't forget that the center of the Rubik's Cube is not designed to be detached. So, be careful with that part.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Unpacking the Rubik's Block
Step 1. Rotate the top side about 45°
Lay the block flat on your palm and hold the top layer. Rotate the top layer so the corners are sticking out of the middle layer. Maintain this position for the next step.
Step 2. Pry out one of the middle squares on the top layer
To be clear, start by gouging out the center squares on the top layer, not the squares in the corners. Use gentle, steady pressure to pry it out without breaking it. Once successful, shake it while pushing the back of the box to remove it.
- You can pry it out more easily with a tool like a flat head screwdriver. Using a screwdriver as a lever, plug the small flat end under the center box and push it down.
- Below are some other recommended tools, just in case you don't have a screwdriver. In an emergency, you can use your thumb, but it will be more difficult.
Step 3. Remove the boxes that are in the corners
Now, there will be a gap where the center box was originally located. Remove the corner box by sliding it into the empty slit. Turn it slightly to the side while pulling it out. It may be a little difficult to slide the internal locking mechanism, but with gentle, persistent pressure, the corner box will come off easily.
Step 4. Pull out the corner box that is directly below it
Now you've removed the three squares and the top layer of the Rubik's Cube is still at 45°. Remove the edge box that is in the middle, just below the row you removed.
The boxes will come off easily without the top layer holding them in place, but you can use a lever if necessary
Step 5. Proceed with removing all the rest of the box
At this point, it will be much easier to remove the subsequent boxes since there are no more retainers around them. There is no special way in this step. Just drag the boxes as you wish. Slide it sideways if necessary until the box comes off easily. You can also reverse the position of the Rubik's cube so that you can remove the remaining layers from a different angle. The last few boxes come off very easily.
Method 2 of 2: Optional Tricks
Step 1. Use another tool if you don't have a flat head screwdriver
Above, it was recommended that you use a flat head screwdriver to pry out the first few squares of the Rubik's block. This tool is a great choice, but there are other tools that can be used. Anything thin and sturdy will work. Some other alternatives are:
- Spoon
- Butter knife
- Ice cream stick
- Thin wrench or nails from the toolbox
Step 2. Sand the edges of the box
Sand the two sides of the box that rub against each other. You can do this on the sides of the box that are tangent to each other to open up very small gaps between them. This will make the Rubik's squares a little easier to disassemble (as well as reassemble).
Be careful when using this method. Sanding that is too worn will make the Rubik's rubik looser after reinstalling it later. Even the boxes can be removed by themselves
Step 3. Use Vaseline
Adding a little Vaseline or (similar lubricant) between the layers that can be rotated will also make it easier to disassemble the Rubik's. When reassembled, the boxes will slide in more easily (as in the sanding method above). However, this method has the added benefit of not causing any damage in the long run.
Step 4. Reinstall the Rubik's Cube starting from the edge of the box
See the article on how to reassemble a rubik's block for more detailed instructions. The basic process is as follows:
- Start by attaching the box to the edge of the bottom layer (not the corner box). Match each edge square to the center square present on the layer, i.e. they must be the same color.
- Now, attach the corner squares to the bottom layer. Again, the colors should be the same.
- Mount the corner box on the middle layer (the middle box is in place, on the main frame.
- Apply the top layer one at a time. When you've finished a row, tilt the top layer about 45° (as you did when you unpacked it). The last box installed is the middle box.
Tips
- Do not be rude. Use firm, persistent pressure to pry the cube. Grabbing or jerking the box can break it and will make the Rubik impossible to put back together.
- When reassembling, the last box is usually the hardest. To make it easier to install, apply Vaseline to the edges.
