Ever wondered how to take apart a Rubik’s Cube? Whether you want to clean it, adjust its performance, or just satisfy your curiosity, taking a cube apart is a simple process. It’s a great way to understand how the puzzle works from the inside out.

This guide will walk you through the right way to disassemble and reassemble your cube, whether you have an original Rubik’s brand or a modern speed cube.

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Guide: How To Take Apart A Rubik’s Cube

Before you start, it’s helpful to know what kind of cube you have. While they all look similar, the disassembly method can change slightly between a classic, screw-based cube and a modern, pop-apart speed cube.

Method 1: The “Twist and Pop” for Modern Speed Cubes

Most modern speed cubes from brands like GAN, MoYu, and QiYi are designed to be taken apart without any tools. This method is quick and easy once you get the hang of it.

Turn the Top Layer 45 Degrees: Twist the top face so it’s halfway between a full turn. This aligns the internal feet of the pieces in a way that allows them to be removed.
Pry an Edge Piece Out: Gently wedge your thumb or a plastic pry tool under one of the edge pieces (a piece with two colors) on the top layer.
Apply Firm Pressure: Push up on the edge piece while wiggling it slightly. It should pop out. Many users on cubing forums recommend applying steady, firm pressure rather than a sudden jerk to avoid damaging the piece’s stalk.
Remove the Rest: Once the first edge is out, the adjacent corner pieces will come out easily. From there, the rest of the cube can be disassembled piece by piece.

Method 2: Unscrewing a Traditional Rubik’s Brand Cube

If you have an official Rubik’s brand cube or an older model, you might need a small Phillips head screwdriver. The goal here is to access the screws hidden under the center caps.

Pop Off a Center Cap: Gently use your fingernail or a thin, flat tool to pry off the cap on one of the center pieces. You will see a screw underneath.
Loosen the Screw: Turn the screw counter-clockwise a few full rotations. You don’t need to remove it completely. This will loosen the tension holding the cube together.
Disassemble as Normal: With the tension released, you can now use the “Twist and Pop” method described above. The pieces should come apart much more easily.

Why Do You Need to Take the Pieces Apart?

Taking your cube apart isn’t just for repairs. It’s the key to customizing its feel and performance. There are three main reasons why speedcubers regularly disassemble their puzzles.

1. Cleaning

Over time, dust, hair, and oil from your hands build up inside the cube. This can create friction and make the cube feel sluggish. A deep clean involves wiping down each piece with a dry cloth or paper towel. For stubborn grime, a cotton swab can help you get into the smaller tracks and crevices.

2. Lubrication

Proper lubrication is the secret to a fast, smooth-turning cube. However, not all lubricants are created equal. The original article’s suggestion to use Vaseline is a common mistake, as petroleum jelly can degrade and melt the plastic over time.

Instead, cubers use specialized silicone-based lubricants. These are often categorized by weight or viscosity.

Thick/Heavy Lubes: Products like Traxxas 50k or Cubicle Weight 5 are used on the core and screws. This application reduces spring noise and creates a more controlled, stable feel.
Thin/Fast Lubes: Water-based lubes like DNM-37 or thin silicone lubes like Cubicle Labs Silk are applied directly to the contact points of the pieces. These are designed to reduce friction and increase turning speed.

3. Tensioning

Tensioning refers to adjusting how tight or loose your cube feels. This is typically done by turning the screw under each center cap. Looser tensions allow for better “corner cutting” (the ability to make a turn even if the layers aren’t perfectly aligned), while tighter tensions provide more stability and prevent “pops,” where a piece accidentally comes out during a solve.

High-end cube manufacturers have developed advanced systems for this. For example, GAN cubes feature the GAN Elasticity System (GES), which uses interchangeable nuts of different colors to represent different spring elasticities, allowing for precise, uniform adjustments without guesswork.

A Beginner’s Guide to Reassembling Your Cube

Putting the cube back together is like solving a puzzle in reverse. The key is to build it layer by layer in a solved state. If you reassemble it randomly, there’s a high probability it will be in an unsolvable configuration.

Here’s a simple, reliable method:

Build the First Layer Cross: Start with the core. Pick a color (white is standard) and insert the four corresponding edge pieces around that center piece.
Insert the First Layer Corners: Place the core on a table with the completed cross facing down. Now, you can easily slide the four corner pieces of that layer into place.
Add the Middle Layer Edges: Slide the four middle-layer edge pieces into their correct spots.
Complete the Final Layer: Turn the top layer 45 degrees. Insert a corner piece, then an edge piece, and work your way around until only one piece is left.
The Final Piece: The last edge piece can be tricky. You’ll need to gently pry the pieces apart to create enough space and pop it in. If it’s too tight, slightly loosening a screw on an adjacent face can help.

5 Safety Tips To Take Apart A Rubik’s Cube

Taking apart your cube is safe, but a little care goes a long way in preventing damage. Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind.

1. Never Force a Piece: If a piece isn’t coming out, don’t force it. This is a surefire way to break a corner stalk or an edge torpedo. Loosen the tension by turning the screw under the center cap.
2. Work on a Contained Surface: Use a tray or lay down a towel. The pieces are small and can easily roll off a table and get lost.
3. Keep Parts Organized: Use a small bowl to hold your screws and center caps. There’s nothing worse than finishing reassembly only to find you’re missing a critical part.
4. Use the Right Lube: Avoid household oils, water, or Vaseline. Stick to silicone-based lubricants designed for puzzles to protect the plastic and ensure the best performance.
5. Take a “Before” Photo: If you’re new to this, snap a quick picture of the solved cube. This gives you a color-scheme reference for putting it back together correctly.

Conclusion – How To Take Apart A Rubik’s Cube?

By following these steps, you can confidently take apart your Rubik’s Cube for cleaning, lubrication, or repairs. Remember to be gentle, stay organized, and use the correct tools and products for the job.

Disassembling your cube is the first step toward truly understanding and customizing it. Have fun exploring the inner workings of your puzzle!

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