Design & DIY

Cottage Coach: Tabletop ring hook game

You don’t need fancy screens or gadgets to keep everyone entertained for hours—just build the tabletop version of this classic ring hook game. Cottage Coach Adam Holman shows you how.

To build this tabletop ring hook game, start by cutting the 1×6 pine board to 12 inches for the base, the 1×4 pine board to 16 inches for the top, and the 2×2 pine piece to 12 inches for the post. Bevel the top and bottom pieces at a 45-degree angle using a bevel gauge or miter saw. Sand all the wooden pieces first with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough edges, then with 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish. Assemble the game by attaching the post to the base using 2-inch deck screws and wood glue, ensuring it is centered and secure. Next, attach the top piece to the post with the same method. For the scoreboard, cut the 1×3 pine board to your desired length, and attach it to the base or post using wood glue and screws.

Once the structure is assembled, apply the stain to all wooden pieces, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times. Secure the closed hooks to the top piece and the open hooks to the post, ensuring proper length when installing the open hooks. Prepare the fishing line by cutting a length of the 15-lb test braided line and tying one end to the 1-inch rings, then attaching the other end to the closed hooks on the top piece.

For the scoreboard, drill small holes and use a golf tee to keep score with your friends. Now, your tabletop ring hook game is ready to play!

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