minecraft.wiki-mirror/wiki_backup/Tutorials_Piston uses.txt

{{cleanup|there are many redundant designs and the subsection titles are too vague}}

Since [[piston]]s were introduced in [[Beta 1.7]], players have been experimenting with their potential uses. Below are some demonstrations and guides. The interest in pistons is their ability to manipulate the position of other blocks.

Please however keep in mind that as of the "[[Better Together]]" update on Bedrock Edition, [[Tutorials/Quasi-connectivity|quasi-connectivity]] has been removed and its function replaced with the [[observer]] block. In doing so, many of the contraptions listed below might have been made non-functional.

== Flush doors ==

A flush door is a piston door that is completely hidden in the wall that it is in. Unfortunately, due to the lack of [[Tutorials/Quasi-connectivity|quasi-connectivity]], the first two designs do not work {{in|be}}, though there are other designs that work.

Pros:
* Easy to build.
* Simple.
* Requires few materials compared to hidden piston stairs.
* Easy to modify. For example, you can modify it to open with a self-destructing [[lever]], or you can use mods like OpenComputers and use the computer to request a password to open the door.

Cons:
* To blend in well into the environment, you need a [[stone]] or [[dirt]] wall. Stone walls can be found on the [[mountains]] [[biome]] (and its variants).
* If you need to build it on a [[plains]] biome or other flat terrain, you need to somehow blend the door on the environment. If this is impossible for some reason, the only choice is the hidden piston stairs.
* Players can accidentally mine the door, as no one knows there's a door on the wall.

=== 2×2 Flush door ===

{{LoadBox
|page=Tutorials/Piston uses/Full Jeb door
|title=Full Jeb door
|float=none
}}

=== 1×2 Flush door ===

{{LoadBox
|page=Tutorials/Piston uses/Half Jeb door
|title=Half Jeb door
|float=none
}}

=== 2×2 Flush door for BE ===

{{LoadBox
|page=Tutorials/Piston uses/Modified Jeb door
|title=Modified Jeb door
|float=none
}}

=== Videos ===
{{CollapsedVideo|hSBTN9eXvr8}}
{{CollapsedVideo|nyLyQLwQHNU}}
{{CollapsedVideo|Qx2KRuwlqHc}}

== Extenders ==
{{missing information|section|larger extenders}}
=== Many smallest extenders ===

Many of the smallest double and triple extenders in all directions, including expandable ones. Note that the smallest horizontal triple extender is out of date.

{{CollapsedVideo|-wBBT_Ednmg|How to Make the SMALLEST Double and Triple Piston Extenders!!! [Horizontal/Vertical/Expandable]}}

=== Tileable upward 1 wide double extender ===

This video showcases a small tileable horizontal double extender in this design everything but the input is flush as well.
{{CollapsedVideo|kwO-cSUc8Tc|Tileable upward 1 wide double extender}}

=== Tileable ceiling double extender ===

Here we have a tileable ceiling double extender.
{{CollapsedVideo|B0LiybZ2-FA|Tileable Ceiling Double Extender}}

=== 1 wide double extender (downward) ===

This is a Double extender. This time its directed downward.
{{CollapsedVideo|MYvt01kEob8|10BITable's downward double extender}}

=== 1 wide horizontal double piston extender ===

Here we have a small Double extender, which is horizontal and directed upward.
{{CollapsedVideo|1RUg1W2-Jjs|10BITable's upward double extender}}

== Secret Entrances

=== Hidden piston stairs ===

Below are examples of hidden piston stairs.

{{CollapsedVideo|OYPe1limPKQ|Hidden Piston Stairs}}

{{CollapsedVideo|Wx9TejYYzDw|Piston Stairs}}

{{CollapsedVideo|hgSRdKqmZ2s|Combination Lock Piston Stairs}}

====Piston escalator====

Uses pistons and different repeater timings to create a wavy motion that can propel the player up a number of levels.

{{CollapsedVideo|BmugkVQCNi0|Piston Escalator}}

== Doors ==
{{missing information|section|larger piston doors}}
=== Compact 2×3 piston door ===

{{LoadBox
|page=Tutorials/Piston uses/2×3 piston door
|title=2×3 piston door
}}

{{CollapsedVideo|pHP7UxeHHic|2×3 Piston Door Tutorial}}

=== Simple 2×2 piston door ===

{{CollapsedVideo|fxQZ9bMlpXI|2×2 Piston Door tutorial}}

=== 3×3 piston door ===

{{CollapsedVideo|uUySOPda-0E|3×3 piston door}}

=== 4×4 piston door ===

{{CollapsedVideo|U7qihWXixlY|4×4 piston door}}

=== 5×5 piston door ===

Good combination of compact and fast.

{{CollapsedVideo|adgZcQUTinU|5×5 piston door}}

=== Simplest 1×2 piston door ===

Stack up two horizontal pistons. Put a block next to the top one. Put a lever on this block. On Java Edition, you're done! On Bedrock Edition you need to add a piece of dust below the block, due to lack of quasi connectivity.

Another version of a 1×2 piston door can be seen here:

{{CollapsedVideo|Mn6-hx9tnXo|Simple 1x2 piston door}}

===3×3 spiraling iris door===

{{CollapsedVideo|S8xDTHpuhjY|3×3 Spiraling Iris door}}

===(1.12+) scalable piston door (up to 15×15)===

Uses observer blocks for a design that can be easily scaled to any size up to 15 wide and 7 tall. The design is resource efficient enough to allow for the creation of larger doors even in survival mode.

{{CollapsedVideo|Q3TmPpro34I|Scalable Piston Door}}

=== Self-resetting sand door ===

{{CollapsedVideo|HpUpoD89bkg|Self-resetting Sand Door}}

=== Piston door tutorial ===

{{CollapsedVideo|dBhMVwEy6YE|Piston Door Tutorial}}

=== Piston lava door ===

A [[lava]] door that allows for safe entry to rooms without the player getting burnt, uses [[piston]]s, [[redstone]] and [[pressure plate]]s to accomplish this!

{{CollapsedVideo|UJKynNnxxV4|Piston Lava Door}}

=== Flush Seamless piston door ===

This design is fully hidden, no [[piston]]s or [[redstone]] visible. Also, this design can be activated from both sides, and still, everything is hidden. The design isn't too complicated and doesn't take up a whole lot of resources either.
{{CollapsedVideo|ZXF_deHSXTA|2x2 Flush Seamless Door Tutorial.}}

=== Improved hidden piston door ===

The improved hidden piston door is a flush 2×2 door that can be opened through the use of a [[redstone torch]] on a wall. PearSquirrel improved this by compacting it and configuring it with [[pressure plate]]s on the inside.

{{CollapsedVideo|L-lAd4VeumI|Improved Hidden Piston Door}}

=== Smallest 3×3 piston door ===
{{LoadBox
|page=Tutorials/Piston_uses/Smallest_3×3_piston_door
|title=Smallest 3×3 piston door}}
This is the smallest possible 3×3 seamless piston door, made by SacredRedstone. It has a size of 56 blocks.

{{CollapsedVideo|hCJV7_vifkQ|Smallest 3×3 Seamless Door Tutorial}}

===1×2 flush seamless door===

This is a piston door that cannot be seen on the outside, and no wiring/pistons are exposed when the door is open. The video below includes a demo and how to build it.
{{CollapsedVideo|GFRe-IlVNGU|1×2 flush seamless tutorial}}

===Hidden door ===

For a door that is completely hidden except the [[lever]]/[[pressure plate]]/[[button]] to power it, you can use a hidden door. A tutorial for one can be found below.

{{CollapsedVideo|FgYECD9Wzf4|Hidden Door}}

If you really want it to be invisible, remove the button or lever, and instead carry a [[redstone torch]]. Place it where the button was when you are ready to enter. It stays open until you exit but hey, who carries those things around randomly anyway? <!--Mumbo--> 

The button or lever can be hidden by putting it underground in a specific place, and it cannot be opened from the outside. An example of that is below.

{{CollapsedVideo|6FFSMEggF-k|Hidden button/lever}}

===Castle gate===

{{CollapsedVideo|sD94NMLdvVI}}

== Structures==

=== Piston Draw Bridge===

A [[redstone]] operated "[[Sticky Piston]] Draw Bridge" that can be used to cross a lava pit, it also acts as a moat as it can expand and contract to reveal or hide a secret path.

{{CollapsedVideo|okJxEbgt-4U|Sticky Piston Draw Bridge}}

===Piston table===

By placing an upward-facing [[piston]] on top of a [[redstone torch]], one can easily and effectively create a 1×1 table.
<br>
An example of a piston table with chairs below!
{{CollapsedVideo|Z3ljsgm1fYw|Piston Table}}

===Scrolling display===

This makes columns of blocks move in sync. Make two rows of a movable material (it cannot be longer than 12 blocks because the [[piston]] can move it only that far, but can be as tall as desired) and make your image or message built into it. Use pistons to move the blocks across, then back, the across the other way, back to the front/beginning.

===Garbage disposal===

By placing a row of three cobble, then on top of it, [[cobblestone]] on the left one, and [[piston]] (facing right) on the middle one, nothing on the third one and a hole in the ground at the end, one could create a [[lava]] garbage disposal. After following those steps, put a [[lava bucket]] in the 2 block deep hole at the end, and place a button on the top left block. Unwanted blocks can be 'dropped', using the Q button (by default), onto the top middle block, then, after pushing the button the little blocks are pushed into the lava. This device does not destroy placed blocks, only dropped icons of blocks. While it does demonstrate concepts of using pistons, and looks cool, this device is not as practical as most other incinerators and garbage disposals, which are much simpler. For example, you could make a small pit of lava and drop items in it manually. After adding a [[trapdoor]], it is a safe efficient way to dispose of unused items. You could also clear out a plus 2 blocks down. Put [[sand]] in the center place a [[cactus]] and trapdoor and one that if you fall in, you can save yourself.

{{schematic
|SB|pi-$e||||-
|SB|SB|SB||SB|-
|||SB||SB|-
|||SB|lava|SB|-
||||SB||caption=Garbage incinerating device using a piston and lava.}}
{{CollapsedVideo|VKRtbivFwvw|Simple Garbage Disposal}}

===Dry docks===

A dry dock can be made by reversing a [[Tutorials/Water Gate|Floodgate]]: instead of controlling the liquid, the player is controlling a solid. Place a piston facing upward in a 1 block deep pool of [[water]] and wire this [[piston]] to a [[lever]]. When a [[boat]] comes over the piston, flip the lever to raise the boat out of the water. This prevents the boat from being influenced by currents or being bumped.

A dry dock with an water powered launcher feature: {{CollapsedVideo|8BMmfnKelqE|Dry dock with water-powered launcher}}

{{CollapsedVideo|OUoDhBDBf4U|Simple Dock Tutorial}}

As an upgrade, using [[soul sand]] for the parts that come in direct contact with the boat helps conserve its durability.

===Variable enchantment room ===

This design has three settings: low-level, medium-level, high-level. You can choose a level range depending on how much levels you have. 
{{CollapsedVideo|fJVbhzVHZOk|Adjustable Enchantment Room}}

===Self-repairing structures===

Self-repairing structures use a piston [[tutorials/Cobblestone farming|cobblestone generator]] to endlessly create blocks that get pushed into place by pistons. The following video shows how to create a cobblestone generator, a simple clock and connect it all together to push cobblestone.
{{CollapsedVideo|4St9tgWFe5w|Self repairing bridge}}

The following video shows a bigger, self-generating floor. By removing some blocks the same machine can also generate a wall, as shown in the video.
{{CollapsedVideo|hoCVuQfU0nU|Self repairing floor}}

Self-repairing structures are not limited to [[cobblestone]], however, it is by far the easiest material to manipulate as its generation can be fully automated.

Pistons can push up to 12 blocks, which limits the scale of the structure. Pistons cannot push [[chest]]s, [[note block]]s, [[obsidian]], [[bedrock]], [[monster spawner]]s, or [[furnace]]s, so these can be used to stop a line of blocks before the 12 block limit is reached.

===Moving vehicles/machines===
{{Main|Tutorials/Flying machines}}
Moving vehicles are a result of [[Java Edition 1.8]] adding the capability to [[slime block]]s and [[piston]]s, allowing adjacent blocks to attach to the slime block.

==Traps==

===Disappearing floor trap===

{{FakeImage|
  {{BlockGrid
 |N=sand |W=stone|S=piston+side-left|A=air|L=lava
  |AANA
  |AANA
  |WANS
  |WAWW
  |WLWW
  }}
|
Side view of retracted state.

Note: The piston is a sticky piston.
Note: You can use smooth stone or cobblestone instead of sand.
}}

When triggered, the section of the floor is withdrawn from below the target. This design is best used inside to hide the pistons and circuitry.
This can easily be added to a tunnel. Under the floor, dig out a 2-block deep pit for each of the trap blocks you want to move. Mine out two blocks horizontally from each space where the trap floor goes and put a sticky piston at the back of each hole. In front of the sticky piston, replace the floor blocks (make sure that the trap block is the same as the regular floor blocks so as not to cause suspicion. In the space beneath the floor can be a long drop, [[lava]], [[dispenser]]s filled with [[arrow]]s. For simplicity, we chose lava.

[[File:Floortrap1.png|200px|thumb|right|The floor trap when the pistons are activated. Players who activate the pressure plate often have no time to react.]]

Triggering this is best done with a [[pressure plate]], however, this can be difficult to hide from other players. You need to wire the pressure plate to the input of a [[Redstone circuits#NOT Gate .28.C2.AC.29|NOT-gate]] and the pistons to the output. A delay can be helpful to ensure the player is over the right blocks when the trap triggers, which can be accomplished by putting in [[redstone repeater]]s. [[Stone pressure plate]]s only trigger when players or [[mob]]s walk over, whereas [[wooden pressure plate]]s also trigger for dropped items. Metal pressure plates act differently still.
This trap is reset once the signal from the pressure plates is disabled. 

Alternatively, the pistons could be connected to a [[lever]]. This requires input from the [[player]], but can be activated when the target is above the trap, which removes the need for a delay.

You could also use [[sand]] or [[gravel]] to make a refillable trap, as well. Make sure to hide the refilling station for secrecy!

If you think this is bad, feel free to revert to the previous "version".
<br>
Simple Floor Trap Tutorial!!

{{CollapsedVideo|aeskGZ_BxJY|Simple Floor Trap Tutorial}}

===Hidden bridges===

Like disappearing floors, but in reverse, hidden bridges show an impassible obstacle (usually lava or a long fall) to hinder other players or kill mobs. These bridges can be activated by lever to allow a player to cross, then deactivated on the other side or by a set delay, done by placing [[redstone repeater]]s and setting the second [[redstone torch]] to any four positions (Right clicking it).
Adding multiple repeaters can make a longer delay if necessary.

===Suffocation trap===

{{FakeImage|
  {{BlockGrid |W=stone|S=piston+side-down|A=air|P=Red Carpet
  |ASA
  |WWW
  |WAW
  |WPW
  |WWW
  }}
|
Side view of retracted state. (The red carpet marks the pressure plate.)
}}

When a piston moves a block into the same space, as the head of a [[mob]] or the [[player]], the entity takes damage from [[suffocation]]. Tunnels work well for this type of trap because the area is small and can hide the components.

In a tunnel, mine out the ceiling an additional two blocks high. At the top of every part of the tunnel, place a [[sticky piston]], then replace the ceiling with the same material used in the tunnel. This trap can be triggered in a number of ways, the simplest being a pressure plate or lever. If you choose to use a [[lever]], this trap can also act as a door, because aggressive non-[[baby]] cannot enter. For this example, we use a [[pressure plate]].

Since players are pushed into the nearest air pocket to avoid suffocation, the trigger should be in the middle of a series. To ensure the trap doesn't reset too early, add an [[Redstone circuits#Memory circuit|RS-NOR latch]] that is either reset manually or by an automatic delay.

You can also make a [[piston]] door, mine two blocks down and place a [[slab]] on the bottom block(s), so the thief or [[griefer]] who activates it can't escape, but can still be suffocated.

=== Floodgate ===

One of the piston's most important uses is its ability to stop [[Fluid|fluids]]. A [[Tutorials/Water Gate|floodgate]] is a device that does just that. Fluids don't destroy [[pressure plate]]s, which makes them ideal for triggering this trap. In a tunnel, have a pressure plate activate an RS-NOR latch that blocks the [[player]] into that tunnel, which also minimizes other damage caused by the fluid. From the same output, have the [[Tutorials/Water Gate|floodgate]]s open, dropping [[lava]] on the target.
<br>

==Storage==

===Hidden chest/store room===
A [[redstone]] operated "[[Sticky Piston]] Hidden Room" that is ideally big enough to hold a [[large chest]], [[furnace]] and a [[crafting table]], easily hidden, but bulky, remove [[lever]] to leave just a bare wall!
<br>
Easy To Follow Tutorial<br>
{{CollapsedVideo|pNEnkkfS-WI|Hidden Chest/Storeroom}}

==Farming==

To see the uses of pistons in farming, see the respective [[Tutorials#Item farming|farming tutorial]].

==Redstone circuits==

{{Main|Mechanics/Redstone/Piston circuits}}

==Light switches==

Pistons can be used to cover and uncover holes with light sources. This can be triggered by a [[lever]] or a [[button]] on a [[T flip-flop]].

Players tend to use [[glowstone]] for lighting, however, [[lava]] is another viable method. A lava light uses an [[opaque]] block to hold the source block of lava from the area it flows into (generally a [[glass]] tube). Since lava can flow, it can be a space-efficient light source. However, lava takes a long time to dissipate. If you need to flip a switch for immediate darkness, flowing lava lamps are not recommended. However, you may want to consider using a [[redstone lamp]], as it tends to be more resource friendly.

Since light levels affect mob spawning, light switches can activate and deactivate a [[Tutorials/Mob Farm|mob farm]].


{{CollapsedVideo|U1XbTAp6NjI|Light Switch Tutorial 1}}

{{CollapsedVideo|8U7keKj-5N8|Light Switch Tutorial 2}}
Caution: ''This video uses the piston mod, which was released before it was implemented in the game. They function identically though.''

==Mining ==

[[File:Cavedetector.jpg|200px|thumb|right|To speed things up, a player can use an additional piston, a [[sticky piston]] and a [[redstone torch]] (2 or 3 is preferred) to move the testing piston.]]
Pistons can be used to locate caves through solid rock. In order to do so, one places the piston on the ground facing the ground, on the ceiling facing the ceiling, or facing straight into any wall. The piston is then powered. If the piston extends, it indicates an opening within 12 blocks. If it does not extend, then there are at least 12 blocks in that direction. This allows a player to find [[cave]]s from nothing more than a 2×2 tunnel.

The effectiveness of this technique is limited. Close caves have [[sound]]s (either [[mob]]s or ambient sounds) to indicate whether or not a cave is nearby. The limit of 12 blocks can also hinder this method.

A variation can be used in a 1×2 passage, {{CollapsedVideo|T64k3xZfyJg|in a 1&times;2 passage}}
is a video of it in action. The basic idea is the same except the [[torch]]es are placed on the wall above the pistons, and you use a piston facing to each side not just one. There are two positions to place the torches: above the side-facing piston that touches the [[sticky piston]], and above the forward facing piston. As they are wall mounted, placing the torch above the side-facing piston powers both side-facing pistons as well as the sticky piston, saving time.

==Other devices==
===Minecart direction shifter===
This small device is a shifter for [[minecart]] tracks.
Using this device, you can choose to ride your minecart AFK or switch tracks as desired.

Showcase: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GYLFNPWcw4 Track Switcher]

===Locking chests===

A [[chest]] with an [[Opacity|opaque]] block above it cannot be opened. A [[sticky piston]] can be used to replace or remove that block, effectively locking the chest and its contents. Note that chests themselves cannot be moved by pistons. This can be combined with a [[Tutorials/Advanced electronic mechanisms#Order Insensitive Combination Locks|combination lock]] for added security.

There is a disadvantage, though, griefers or theives may just break the block protecting the chest or the chest itself.

{{CollapsedVideo|g20rZZ1_DlY|Example of a locking chest.}}
<br>
Tutorial for a locking chest below!
<br>
{{CollapsedVideo|yC-Xp07k3p0|Tutorial for Locking Chest}}

===Free standing self-refilling [[anvil]] system flush with floor===

This video showcases an anvil setup for easy access. It is huge, but flush with the floor and easily usable.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cPtPWb8hyI&feature=youtu.be Anvil system]

===Modular button speedlock using pistons===

This video showcases a Modular Button speedlock, in which one must press the [[button]]s in a limited time and in a strange way to open the door.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN3VArcjf74&feature=plcp Button speedlock]

===Upgrade system for minigames ===

In this video, the creator shows an easy design for an upgrade system with various uses in [[minigame]]s or adventure maps.
{{CollapsedVideo|G0eDs7Ye88k|Upgrade System}}

== Navigation ==
{{Navbox tutorials|mechanisms}}