For crushing pills, I found the combo pill crusher/ splitter to be very convenient. There is a little razor blade set into plastic that snaps shut and splits the pill. Then the bottom unscrews to reveal a grinder that really pulverizes the pills. Much easier to dissolve in water. The grinders work so well, that you don't even need to split most pills.
Most pharmacies sell them. They have little plastic "teeth" on both sides and you just screw the two halves together.