How to Make a Can Crusher

A can crusher is basically made up of a base and a moving piece that crushes the can. You can make the can crusher as simple or complicated as you want. It is a great project if you're recycling since it significantly decreases the amount of space a can takes up.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 x 4 inch board
• Strap hinge kit
• Jar lids
• Two 1-inch screws
• Screen door handle

1. Cut the 2 x 4 board into two pieces that are 16 inches long.

2. Attach the hinge to the ends of the two boards with the screws included in the hinge kit. You want to two boards to fold inward until they are stacked flat on top of each other.

3. Use the two 1-inch screws attach the two jar lids to the inside ends of the 2 x 4 on the opposite end of the hinge. The jars should be directly on top each other when the two 2 x 4s are folded on top of each other. Make sure that the two jar tops that are slightly larger in size than the average can.

4. Attach the door handle to the board that is going to form the top of the can crusher. Attach it at the end opposite of the hinge, above the jar lid.

5. Place a can in the jar lid of the bottom board of the can crusher. Using the door handle, bring the top board down on top of the can. The two jar lids will keep the can in place as you use the door handle and force to crush the can flat.