Indian student named in Guinness World Records for building smallest vacuum cleaner using pen

New Delhi, India

A 23-year-old student from India has been named in the prestigious Guinness World Records for building the world's smallest vacuum cleaner using a pen. This device was created by Tapala Nadamuni. 

In a report published on September 3, Guinness said, "Measuring just 0.65 cm (0.25 in) – less than the width of an average pinkie fingernail – it is 0.2 cm smaller than the previous record set in 2022."

"The vacuum is measured by the shortest axis of its body, meaning the handle and power cord dimensions are excluded from the final measurement," the report added. 

Nadamuni breaks his own record set in 2020

Guinness said that Nadamuni formerly held this record in 2020 with a 1.76-cm vacuum, and spent the past two years trying to win it back, including two rejected attempts.

He revealed that he “came with a completely new design” this time around, preparing over 50 schematic diagrams to ensure his creation met the required standards.

A vacuum cleaner is defined as an electrically powered device which picks up debris with suction resulting from a negative internal pressure.

A look at the vacuum cleaner

Nadamuni's vacuum cleaner is made mostly from a refillable ballpoint pen, with the addition of some small bits of plastic and metal. Inside the vacuum is a tiny rotating fan powered by a four-volt vibration motor, creating suction.

When connected to a power source, the vacuum makes a whirring sound and can suck up dust particles, which can be emptied afterwards.

Achieving adequate suction proved challenging for Nadamuni and the 23-year-old student made alterations to his design after encountering issues during testing.

(With inputs from agencies)