Make a Can Crusher
Aluminum cans are 100 percent recyclable and are the most recycled objects in the United States. Recycling aluminum cans can lead to extra money in your pocket if you find a location that will pay per pound of aluminum. However, storing full size aluminum cans for recycling can take up a lot of space. A simple solution is to build a can crusher. If you want to decrease the size of aluminum cans and increase your storage capacity, use these steps to make a can crusher.
Steps
- Select the wood. Lumber yards or home improvement stores carry multiple sizes of wood. This project requires 2 pieces of wood that are 2 inches (5 cm) high and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. The length of the wood can be longer than 16 inches (41 cm) because you cut it to size in the next step. But the length can not be shorter than 16 inches (41 cm).
- Measure the length of the wood. Place a tape measure at one end of the wood and use a pencil to mark 16 inches (41 cm). Put the ruler on the mark and draw a straight line. Repeat with the second piece of wood.
- Cut the wood at the mark. If you have access to a circular saw, the cut will be quicker and use less work force. Using a handsaw will give the same end result, but will take longer. Verify that both pieces of wood measure 2 inches high by 4 inches wide by 16 inches long (5 cm by 10 cm by 41 cm).
- Sand the cut ends of the wood until smooth. Cutting the wood can leave ragged edges. Because the can crusher is operated by human force, it's a good idea to eliminate any edges that can cause scratches or splinters.
- Center the strap hinge on the wood. Use the pencil to trace the screw holes on one piece of wood. Tracing the holes aids in proper placement of the hinge when you screw it to the wood. Repeat this step for the second piece of wood.
- Drill starter holes in each of holes you traced. Starter holes, which do not go all the way through the wood, make drilling the screws into the wood easier. After the starter holes are drilled, put the strap hinge back on the pieces of wood and double check that the holes line up. If they don't, you may need to start over with a new piece of wood.
- Install the strap hinge. Put the screwdriver bit on the portable drill, place the strap hinge in alignment with the pre-drilled holes on the wood and drill a screw in each hole. Repeat this step to install the other side of the strap hinge on the second piece of wood.
- Align the jar lids. Place one of the jar lids in the center of the wood, on the opposite end of the strap hinge. Hammer a nail through the middle to attach the lid to the wood. Repeat this with the other jar lid on the other piece of wood. When you open and close the two pieces of wood, the jar lids should align.
- Install the handle on the top of the can crusher. Place a drawer or screen door handle on the top of one of the pieces of wood on the opposite side of the jar lid. Use a screwdriver and screws to secure it.
Things You'll Need
- 2 Pieces of 2 inch high by 4 inch wide (5 cm by 10 cm) wood that are at least 16 inches (41 cm) long
- 1 Stainless steel strap hinge
- 2 Jar lids
- 3 Inch (8 cm) wood screws
- Pencil
- Portable drill
- Screwdriver bit
- Hand saw or circular saw
- Tape measure
- Ruler
- Sandpaper
- Drawer or screen door handle
- Drill bit
