Homemade Shredder for Aluminum Cans

Shredding cans, otherwise known as crushing them, can be accomplished with a little knee grease. But, after time, stepping on cans to crush them can wear on your knees, and cause messy, sticky stains. Particularly if you have many cans to crush, you may want to create your own homemade aluminum can crusher.

Use a circular or hand-held saw to cut a 2x4 in half. Lay the two halves on top of each other on a flat surface. Screw one end of the strap hinge to the right end of the top 2x4 with two small screws. Screw the other end of the strap hinge to the right end of the bottom 2x4 in the same manner.

Spread a generous layer of wood glue around the bottom of each of the two mason jar lids you have handy. Press the lids, one at a time, onto the inside surfaces of the 2x4s. Each 2x4 should have a lid glued to it so when the wood pieces lay flat against each other, the lids touch as well. Let the glue dry completely.

Place a cabinet drawer handle to the top end of the top 2x4 (opposite the end with the strap hinge attached). Screw the handle into the 2x4 with two small screws.

Test the crusher by gripping the handle and raising the top 2x4. Place one soda or beer can on the bottom mason jar lid and bring the top 2x4 down to rest gently on top of the can. Press down with the handle to crush the can. If your crusher works properly, the crushed can will be 1 inch wide or less.