Repurpose an Old Computer-Hard Drive Clock, Wall Art, & Pencil Cup 1 More Than 2

Have you ever wondered what to do with an old computer? If you’re like me, you’d rather see an item repurposed or recycled before it’s sent off to the landfill. Not only will your old computer and other electronics sit in a landfill beyond our lifetimes, any electronic left to deteriorate could potentially leak dangerous chemicals into the earth. In fact, there are many items that are banned from landfills and are not supposed to be placed into trash cans or picked up by trash collectors, including old TVs, DVD players, VCRs, cassette decks, CD players, cell phones, alarm clocks, video cameras, desktop computers, laptops, printers, video game consoles, iPods, and more. So, what to do with your old items?

Repurpose an old computer into unique art pieces

Since our Dad works with computers and happens to have a collection of old computer parts, we decided to create some unique art pieces for Father’s Day.

One afternoon, Melinda, Sharon, and I gathered together a bunch of old computer parts, a few tools, some glue, and set out to create some unique art pieces. Click through the photos below for some highlights of our project.

What should I do with an old computer? Repurpose your old computer into a hard drive clock, pencil holder, or art!

An old circuit board makes a great art piece with a few additions. Being a musician, Dad will appreciate the music note made from craft wire glued onto a computer-wire staff!

Sheet music is glued onto the old processor to add some flare!

The bright computer wires are great accessories.

Simply clip with wire cutters!

This metal box was taken out of an old computer. It’s going to make a great pencil holder.

Salvaged computer wires add a lot of fun color!

Since the metal piece is open on two sides, a piece of foam board is cut to fit on the bottom with an xacto blade.

A strong craft adhesive is applied to all 4 bottom edges.

When choosing an adhesive, make sure that it will bond with the material that you’re applying it to.

The bottom is put into place.

Old keyboard keys are great for craft projects.

Use a small screwdriver (or other small tool) to pop the keys off of the keyboard.

A craft adhesive that bonds to both metal and plastic was used to glue the keys onto the side.

What should I do with an old computer? Repurpose your computer hardware into a hard drive clock, pencil holder, or art!

Turn an old hard drive into a clock! First, use a small screw driver to remove the small screws.

Carefully pull of the cover and disassemble.

Use your small screw driver to remove all of the interior screws. This was the most challenging part of this project–you have to be really careful not to strip the screws.

You’ll need an old clock that you can salvage the movements from, or a kit available at your local hardware or craft store. Make sure that the bolt is long enough to fit through the harddrive.

Place the bolt of the clock movement through the back of the hard drive.

Place the disc back on top. Then assemble the rest of the kit according to the directions.

You’ll need a small pair of pliers to tighten the nuts.

Screwing the hands onto the bolt was a bit tricky.

The clock movement is in tact!

The back cover from the hard drive is folded in half to form a stand.

It’s going to be reattached to the back.

Screw the stand into place. We’re done!

We had fun creating art from old computer parts. And our projects turned out great! Turning a hard drive into a clock was much more challenging than I had anticipated, and took the most time of the three projects, but was well worth the effort. Both the circuit board wall art and pencil holder are colorful, unique pieces. All three projects were a success.

Recycle Your Old Computer

Still have old computer parts that you’re not sure what to do with? Take them along with your old monitor and other electronics to Best Buy for recycling. Watch this video to see what happens to your old computer then visit their website for complete details.

Amy (91 Posts)

I am a Freelance Graphic Designer full of creative interests! In my spare time, I love to create something new from something old, embark on home decorating and renovation projects, try out new recipes, and attempt to garden. Beyond the artistic pursuits, I have a love for music and enjoy playing the piano and handbells.