Metal Puzzle Assembly Beginner’s Guide
A Simple Start to the Art of Metal Building
Getting started with metal model puzzles is both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re a first-time builder or stepping up to more complex designs, these tips will help you enjoy a smooth and satisfying assembly experience.
“In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.”
— Product Designer
Getting Started: Assembly Tips
Use clippers to remove parts cleanly
Small clippers make it easy to cut pieces directly from the metal sheet, keeping edges clean and preventing unnecessary bending.
Tweezers and needle nose pliers are your best friends
These tools help handle small parts, bend tabs precisely, and reach tight spaces during assembly.
Plan before you build
Take a moment to study the instructions and understand how each part fits together.
⚠️ Avoid bending the same fold line back and forth more than twice—overworking the metal can weaken or break the piece. Always use a gentle touch.
Understand tabs and connection symbols
Parts are secured using tabs and slots. Pay close attention to the symbols in the instructions
⏺ symbol → Fold the tab 90°
▲ symbol → Twist the tab 90°
Correct tab handling ensures a strong and clean final structure.
Understanding Skill Levels
Each model is assigned a difficulty level to help you choose the right challenge. Pick a level that matches your experience and the time you’d like to spend building.
⭐/⭐⭐Easy
Beginner
⏱ Build time: up to 1 hour⭐⭐⭐Moderate
Semi-casual builder
⏱ Build time: up to 4 hours⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Challenging
Casual builder
⏱ Build time: 8+ hours⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Expert
Experienced hobbyist
⏱ Build time: 12+ hours
Starting at the right level makes the process more enjoyable and helps build confidence.
Recommended Tools for Best Results
Using the right tools can make a big difference in both ease and precision
Needle Nose Pliers
Ideal for holding parts, bending and twisting tabs, and reaching narrow areas where flat pliers cannot.Flat Nose Pliers
Perfect for securing parts firmly and creating tight connections by pulling and twisting tabs.Clippers
Excellent for cutting pieces directly from the metal sheet, eliminating the need to bend parts back and forth.Tweezers
Great for handling small or delicate pieces with accuracy and control.
One Last Tip Before You Begin
We know it’s tempting to jump right in—but taking a few minutes to carefully read the instruction manual before starting will save time and prevent mistakes later.
Enjoy the process, take it step by step, and most importantly—have fun building.