Wacky recycling: Turn your old VCR into a working toaster (Updated again)

Posted Monday, February 16, 2009 at 1:20 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Hey, kids! Do you have a old VCR lying around not being used? Me, I must have four of them stacked in my garage.

Thanks to instructions by 'lemonie' over at Instructables you can turn that old relic into something useful -- and tasty. Convert your old videocassette player into a toaster!

Next time we'll rejigger your Laserdisc player to be a tortilla warmer!

Yeah, we must admit. This mash-up is impractically practical as you have to disassemble a toaster to apply the parts to the VCR.

If someone has a tip to turn old VHS tapes into something the least bit useful, please let me know.

Update #1: A use for old VHS

Take the screws out of the case(s). Save them. They're useful elsewhere, eventually. The tape inside can be put through a shredder to create black confetti, or the tape can be used "as is" for ribbons for those damnable "over the hil" gag gifts.
--Keith H.

This is brilliant. I never thought to disassemble VHS tapes down to their components. With the hundreds, if not thousands, of VHS tapes I own, I can make it rain black confetti. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

Update #2: Another use for old VHS

1. Keep spool of tape to patch radiator hose. This is mylar and it is STRONG. Wrap it a dozen times and it'll hold a while. 2. In your emergency pack, put a couple of rolls, to tie logs, sticks, make splint(s), etc. Tie the heck outta anything (not fireproof though). I've done both: was a medical person (DMAT) at Katrina in New Orleans. I have 2 in my rucksack as we speak.
--Steven, El Paso, TX

Wow. Another great idea. Now that you mention it, I have tried to rip apart the tape from a video with my bare hands. It's bad story from my past. You know, trying to destroy video evidence. Take it from me, simply recording over it is much easier than attempting to tear it.

If you have another idea to recycle videocassettes, please send it in.