Believe it or not, the CD spindle (or “cake box”) is one of the most versatile plastic containers available today. To most people, a cake box is nothing more than a way of storing CD and DVD discs. To others, it is the foundation for a whole world of creative DIY projects. The following list shows 21 different ways you can hack, mod, customize, and reuse a CD spindle box for something other than storing discs. Check it out:
1. Cake Box Cable Organizer
Here is an ingenious solution for cleaning up the mess of cables behind your computer!
2. Buzz Bee Belt Blaster Mod
In this project, an ordinary CD cake box is transformed into a 30-round magazine for a foam dart gun. I wouldn’t want to be caught in the sights of this modded Buzz Bee Belt Blaster!
3. CD Spindle Lunchbox
This viral picture of a bagel in a cake box is a classic example of creative re-use at its finest.
4. Cake Box Tissue Holder and Cable Dispenser
How many different things can you make with a CD spindle? This person makes a tissue dispenser and wire/cable dispenser from extra cake boxes.
5. Battlestar Galactica Cylon Mask
This flickr user made his own Battlestar Galactica Cylon Mask with a CD cake box and a permanent marker. This one gets a thumbs up for creativity!
6. Electrified Zoetrope Machine
Mark de Vinck of Make: Magazine shows us how to make an Electrified Zoetrope machine using only scavenged parts in this modern version of an ancient Chinese invention.
7. Crystal Radio Kit
Radio enthusiast H.P. Friedrichs has built a crystal radio using a 100-disc CD spindle. The radio is tuned with a homemade tuning capacitor that is sandwiched between two “clear top” discs. This is very impressive!
8. Music Box
This music box carousel is built around the base and spindle assembly of a 50-disc CD cake box. The level of detail in this project really makes it one-of-a-kind!
9. Tesla CD Turbine
Inventor Rick Crammond has built a truly amazing CD turbine based on a design by Nikola Tesla. Watch the evolution of his project at his website and check out his page on Instructables for complete step-by-step build instructions, videos, and more! Simply amazing.
10. DIY Cake Box Ring Flash
One of the readers at DIY Photography sent in this clever idea: a ring flash made with a 50-disc CD cake box top! This allows for softer shadows and more even lighting for close up photos. Great idea!
11. DIY Night Light
Michelle Ames has posted this elegant CD spindle night light over at CutOutAndKeep.net. This is a truly “bright” idea!
12. CD Cake Box Flower Pot
This Instructables user is using his old CD cake boxes to grow plants! Check out the photos and information on how to make your own at Instructables.com.
13. Hydroponic Growing Container
If soil isn’t your thing, you can always adapt a cake box for semi-hydroponic gardening like “gore42″ of the OrchidGeeks.com forum did. Detailed pictures are available at the aforementioned site.
14. CD Spindle Earring Stand
Instructables user “sabbott” has created this very unique earring stand out of a CD and a spindle/base assembly. It’s a high-tech design for those high-style accessories!
15. Cake Box Pencil Holder
One of the simplest and easiest uses for a cake box is to place it on your desk and use it as a cup for pencils, pens, and markers. See the picture at the top of the article for an example.
16. CD Spindle Coin Bank
A 100-disc cake box makes an excellent DIY coin jar with just a few minutes’ work. Flip it upside down and cut a small slot in the base with a hobby knife or razor blade. Simply deposit your pocket change periodically and watch your savings grow!
17. Aquarium Cave
This is one of the most creative uses for a cake box I have ever seen. Instructables user “wpsexton” turned a cake box top into a decorative cave for his aquarium! Why pay more for those fancy store-bought decorations when you can make them yourself?
18. CD Spindle Aquarium
Although this is best suited for small fish, the CD Aquarium is a really neat idea. Visit their website for complete instructions on how to make your own CD spindle aquarium!
Hamster Exercise Wheel
Are your pet rodents getting overweight? You could always do like “EmcySquare” of Instructables and build yourself a low-cost exercise wheel for your pet mouse or hamster. The silent design rivals expensive store-bought wheels at a fraction of the price.