Introduction: Fix a Gumball Machine

About: I like to make things.

This will probably be my shortest instructable ever.

So my daughter got this little gumball machine. The lever promptly broke because, well, it was cheaply made. Just a little extra plastic around the inside of the lever could have made this thing last more than a few minutes. Being 7 years old, this breaking was quite a disappointment and she didn't even get the gumballs out. Also being a smart little 7 year old she thought well I could wrap something around the inside...

I did one better, and just used my laser cutter to dash out a little insert to strengthen things up. Worked on the first try with just measuring the diameters with a ruler.

Supplies

Laser Cutter (or handtools like a small saw and such)

2 or 3 mm plywood or mdf

Step 1: Design and Fabricate

Design the part needed to fix your item. In my case I just needed a little disk to insert into the lever to make it stronger.

Step 2: Fix

After cutting, place the part into the item.

Step 3: Return to Owner

I told you this would be short.

And that's it.

Enjoy.

:)