This isn’t a recipe for a snack—it’s a guide to building a simple, effective machine for crushing old VHS tapes, CDs, or other brittle plastics into small, manageable pieces. It’s a practical project for anyone clearing out a media room or preparing materials for recycling. The design uses a basic gear-and-lever mechanism that multiplies your force, making it easy to break down tough casings without a lot of elbow grease.
Ingredients
- 1 sturdy wooden box (approx. 12″ x 12″ x 12″)
- 1 steel pipe (1″ diameter, 12″ long) as the handle
- 2 heavy-duty hinges (3″ wide)
- 1 thick steel plate (6″ x 6″ x 1/4″) as the crushing plate
- 1 thick steel base plate (8″ x 8″ x 1/4″)
- 4 bolts with nuts (1/4″ diameter, 2″ long)
- 8 wood screws (1.5″ long)
- 4 rubber feet (self-adhesive)
- 1 can of spray-on rust-resistant paint
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
Instructions
- Place the wooden box upside down on a flat surface. This will be the base of your crusher. Attach the rubber feet to the four corners of the bottom (now the top) to keep it from sliding.
- Turn the box right-side up. Position the steel base plate centered on the bottom inside of the box. Mark the screw holes, then pre-drill pilot holes. Screw the base plate firmly to the box using the wood screws.
- Attach the two hinges to one edge of the steel crushing plate. Space them evenly. Then, attach the other side of the hinges to the inside of the box, directly above the base plate. The crushing plate should swing down like a lid, aligning with the base plate when closed.
- Drill a hole through the center of the crushing plate and another through the center of the base plate. These holes should be aligned when the plate is closed. Insert a bolt through each hole and secure with a nut from underneath. This will act as a pivot point and keep the plate centered.
- Weld or bolt the steel pipe handle to the top of the crushing plate, perpendicular to it. This is your lever. If bolting, drill two holes through the pipe and plate and secure with bolts and nuts.
- Spray the entire steel assembly (plate, base, hinges, and handle) with rust-resistant paint. Allow it to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
- To use, place a VHS tape or CD on the base plate. Pull the handle down firmly to crush the item. Repeat as needed until the pieces are small enough for your intended purpose.
Tips
- Safety first: Always wear safety goggles and work gloves. Brittle plastics can shatter and send sharp fragments flying. Keep your fingers clear of the crushing area at all times.
- Material choice: If you don’t have a wooden box, a sturdy plastic storage bin works, but you’ll need to reinforce the bottom with a piece of plywood. The steel plates are essential—they provide the actual crushing force.
- Common mistake: Don’t use a thin metal plate for the crushing surface. It will bend and not crush effectively. The 1/4-inch thickness is important for durability.
- Clean-up: After crushing, the pieces can be sharp. Use a brush and dustpan to collect them, and dispose of them properly. Many electronics recyclers accept crushed media.
Serving Suggestions
This machine isn’t for serving food—it’s for processing old media. The crushed pieces can be taken to a local electronics recycling center. Some centers accept them for free, while others may charge a small fee. You can also use the crushed plastic as filler in craft projects or as a textural element in mixed-media art.
Variations
- Motorized version: If you’re handy with tools, you can attach a small electric motor to the handle to automate the crushing process. This requires a motor, a pulley system, and careful safety considerations.
- Different materials: The basic design works for other brittle items like old floppy disks, CD cases, or even small plastic toys. It’s not suitable for metal or thick, hard plastics.
- Portable version: Make the base smaller and use a C-clamp to attach it to a workbench. This is a good option if you have limited space.
Storage and Reheating
This is a tool, not a food dish, so storage is about keeping it in good condition. Store the crusher in a dry place to prevent rust. If you live in a humid area, consider applying a light coat of oil to the steel parts periodically. The machine itself doesn’t need “reheating,” but if you notice the hinges getting stiff, a few drops of lubricating oil will keep it working smoothly. The crushed material can be stored in a sealed plastic bag or container for up to a year before recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crush DVDs and Blu-rays too? Yes, the machine works on any brittle plastic disc. DVDs and Blu-rays are similar in thickness to CDs, so they’ll crush just as easily.
What if I don’t have a welding kit? You don’t need one. The design uses bolts and screws for assembly. The only part that might need welding is attaching the handle to the plate, but you can also bolt it securely.
Is it safe to crush VHS tapes? Do they contain anything harmful? The plastic casing is safe to crush. The tape itself is a thin magnetic film that will also crush. There are no hazardous materials in standard VHS tapes, but the dust from crushing can be irritating, so wear a dust mask if you’re doing a lot.
How small will the pieces be? With the lever action, you can get pieces down to about 1-inch squares. If you need smaller pieces, you can repeat the crushing process or use a hammer on the already-crushed bits.
Can I use this to crush aluminum cans? No, this design is for brittle plastics. Aluminum cans are malleable and will just dent, not crush into pieces. You’d need a different type of crusher for cans.
Why do I need a base plate and a crushing plate? The base plate provides a solid surface for the item to rest on, while the crushing plate delivers the force. The two plates work together to ensure the item is crushed evenly and completely.
Storage and Reheating
This is a tool, not a food dish, so storage is about keeping it in good condition. Store the crusher in a dry place to prevent rust. If you live in a humid area, consider applying a light coat of oil to the steel parts periodically. The machine itself doesn’t need “reheating,” but if you notice the hinges getting stiff, a few drops of lubricating oil will keep it working smoothly. The crushed material can be stored in a sealed plastic bag or container for up to a year before recycling.
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