Two pentadecanuclear Zn ₄ Ln ₁₁ [with Ln = Gd(1) or Dy(2)] coordination clusters, best formulated as {Zn ₂ Ln ₂ }[Ln ₉ ]{Zn ₂ }, are presented. The central {Ln ₉ } diabolo core has a {Zn ₂ Ln ₂ } handle motif pulling at two outer Ln ions of the central core via two {ZnLn} units, which also invest the system with C ₂ point symmetry. The resulting cluster motif is supported on two Zn "feet", corresponding to the {Zn ₂ } unit in the formula. A thorough investigation of the magnetic properties in the light of the properties of previously reported {Ln ₉ } diabolo compounds was undertaken. Up to now, the spin structure of such diabolo motifs usually proves ambiguous. Our magnetic studies show that the orientation of the central spin in the {Gd ₉ } diabolo plays a decisive role. In stabilizing the core by attachment of the {Zn} ²⁺ "feet" and using the C ₂ symmetry related {ZnGd} ⁵⁺ handles to influence the spin direction of the central Gd of the {Gd ₉ } diabolo, we can understand why the "naked" {Gd ₉ } diabolo shows ambiguous spin structure. This then allowed us to elucidate the single-molecule magnetic (SMM) properties of the Dy-based compound 2 through disentangling the magnetic properties of the isostructural Gd-based compound 1.