How to Build a Wooden Can Crusher
Before you dispose of aluminum cans, crushing them is an effective way to reduce the amount of space they may occupy in a trash can or recycle bin. To help avoid some of the mishaps that can occur when you attempt to crush them with your hands or feet, you can use a simple tool called a can crusher to crush the cans flat. The best part about a can crusher is that you can make one yourself.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Two equally sized pieces of wood, about 15 1/2 by 2 by 4-3/4 inches
- One heavy-duty strap hinge and screws
- One screen door handle and screws
- Screwdriver
Instructions
-
-
1
Fold the strap hinge completely flat. The wood pieces will fit on the outside of this folded hinge so that, when the hinge his folded, they will lay flat, one on top of the other. Attaching the wood on the wrong side of the hinge will not allow them to fold completely.
-
2
Attach one end of the hinge to one of the pieces of wood in the middle of one of the 4 3/4-inch ends using the screws that came with the hinge, so that the hinge is on one of the 2-inch by 15 1/2-inch faces of the wood. The hinge should not be on either of the 4 3/4 by 2-inch faces of the wood. Again, make sure to attach the wood on outside of the hinge
-
-
3
Attach the other end of the hinge to the second piece of wood, also in the middle of one of the 4 3/4-inch ends so that the hinge is on one of the 2-inch x 15 1/2-inch faces of the wood. Make sure to attach the wood on the outside of the hinge so that the hinge can fold completely, with the two pieces of wood able to rest flat, one on top of the other.
-
4
Fold the hinge completely so that the pieces of wood are resting one on top of the other. Attach the screen door handle with its screws to the top piece wood, on the end furthest away from the hinge. The screen door handle should also be attached on the opposite face of the top piece wood that the hinge is attached to.
-
5
Open the can crusher to about a 45-degree angle to crush the cans. Place a can in between the pieces of wood as close to the hinge as possible without opening the can crusher any farther. Close the can crusher on top of the can until the can has been crushed. Pushing on the end of the can crusher farthest away from the hinge will provide the most leverage.
-
1
