We needed a can crusher because our new recycling system is happy to have cans in the general household waste (gets sorted out later on, they tell us ....). With 2 dogs to feed, not to mention our own use of the odd can food or indeed beverage , the bin bag was in danger of overflowing. As the man of the house seemed to think can crushing came under the same general heading as ironing and remembering where things are kept, I decided to take the plunge and purchase one for myself. I must admit to having been a bit concerned about the general strength and durability of can crushers, but this one is fantastic! Very heavy duty indeed, and makes short work of all types of can. For lightweight (drinks type) cans, give them a gentle squeeze around the middle, then put them upright in the crusher and squash away. For heavier cans, a squeeze round the top (just to make it slightly oval rather than round) then on it's side in the crusher - open end away from you - crush once, then if required, stand the semi-crushed can on end and crush again. Surprisingly enough, I seem to get very little chance to crush cans these days - probably because it's so easy, even a man can do it ...