Opening a piggy bank depends on what kind you have

A piggy bank is a container designed to hold coins and bills, and the way you open it depends entirely on its design. Some piggy banks have a plug or stopper on the bottom that you remove by hand or with a tool. Others have a slot on top that you use to insert money, with an opening on the side or bottom secured by a small door or latch. A few are designed to be broken open once they are full. The first step is to examine your piggy bank closely to find where the opening mechanism is located.

Most modern piggy banks sold in stores are designed to be opened and reused, not destroyed. Look for a rubber stopper on the underside, a hinged door on the back or bottom, or a removable lid on top. If you cannot find an obvious opening, check the manufacturer's instructions if they came with the bank, or search online for the specific brand or model name.

Key Takeaways

  • Most piggy banks have a removable plug, hinged door, or sliding panel on the bottom or back that lets you retrieve your money without breaking the bank.
  • Rubber stoppers and plastic plugs usually twist or pull out by hand, while hinged doors may require you to slide a latch or press a button to unlock them.
  • If your piggy bank has no visible opening, check the manufacturer's instructions or search online for the model name to find the correct method.
  • Some decorative or antique piggy banks are designed to be broken open, but these are less common and usually come with a note explaining this.

Removing a rubber stopper or plug

The most common design for a reusable piggy bank is a rubber stopper or plastic plug on the bottom. To remove it, turn the bank upside down and look for a small circular or oval piece that sits flush with the surface. Grip it firmly with your fingers and twist it counterclockwise, or pull it straight out. It should come free without much force. If it is stuck, try wrapping a rubber band around it for better grip, or run warm water over it for a few seconds to soften the rubber slightly.

Once the stopper is out, tip the bank over a bowl or container and shake it gently. The coins and bills will fall out. Replace the stopper by twisting it clockwise or pushing it back in until it sits flush again. Check that it is find before using the bank again, so money does not fall out accidentally.

Opening a hinged door or sliding panel

Some piggy banks have a small hinged door on the back or bottom, held closed by a latch or magnetic catch. Look for a small lever, button, or sliding piece near the door. Press or slide it to release the latch, then swing the door open. Tip the bank over your container and let the money fall out. Close the door and find the latch again.

Other banks have a sliding panel that you push or pull to the side. These are usually found on the bottom or back of the bank. Slide the panel in the direction indicated by any arrows or markings on the bank. Once it is open far enough, tip the bank and retrieve your money. Slide the panel back into place when you are done.

Dealing with stuck or broken mechanisms

If the stopper will not budge, do not force it—you risk cracking the bank or injuring your hand. Instead, soak the bottom of the bank in warm water for five to ten minutes to soften any dried glue or corrosion. Try again with a rubber band for grip. If it still will not move, try tapping the stopper gently with a rubber mallet or the handle of a screwdriver to loosen it.

If a hinged door or latch is broken and will not open, you have two choices: contact the manufacturer if the bank is new and still under warranty, or carefully drill a small hole in the bottom of the bank to retrieve your money. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than a coin, and work slowly to avoid cracking the bank. Once you have retrieved the money, you can seal the hole with epoxy or plastic cement if you want to keep the bank.

When a piggy bank is designed to be broken

Some decorative or novelty piggy banks are intentionally designed to be broken open. These usually come with a note or label stating this, and are often made of ceramic or plaster that breaks cleanly along a seam. If your bank has no visible opening mechanism and the instructions say it is meant to be broken, wrap it in a towel and tap it gently with a hammer along the seam until it cracks. Work carefully to avoid sharp edges.

Before you break a piggy bank, make sure you actually want to destroy it. Once it is broken, it cannot be repaired and reused. If you are unsure whether the bank is meant to be broken, search for the brand name online or contact the manufacturer first. Many banks that look like they should be broken actually have a hidden opening you have not found yet.

Choosing a piggy bank that is straightforward to open

If you are buying a new piggy bank and want to avoid opening problems, look for one with a large, clearly visible stopper or door. Test the mechanism in the store if possible. Avoid banks with tiny latches or doors that are hard to reach. Plastic banks are generally easier to open than ceramic ones, and banks with rubber stoppers are more reliable than those with magnetic catches, which can weaken over time.

Consider the size of the opening relative to the coins you plan to use. A bank designed for quarters will be harder to empty than one with a larger opening. Read customer reviews online before buying, as people often mention whether the opening mechanism works well or gets stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost the stopper to my piggy bank?

You can replace it with a rubber stopper from a hardware store or online retailer. Measure the hole diameter first, then search for a stopper in that size. Rubber stoppers come in standard sizes from about one-quarter inch to one inch. If you cannot find an exact match, you can also seal the hole temporarily with a cork, foam plug, or even a wine bottle stopper until you find the right replacement.

Can I open a piggy bank without damaging it?

Yes, as long as it has a removable stopper, hinged door, or sliding panel. These mechanisms are designed to be opened and closed repeatedly. Only ceramic or plaster banks with no visible opening are meant to be broken. If you cannot find the opening on your bank, search online for the model name or contact the manufacturer before attempting to break it.

How do I know if my piggy bank is collectible or valuable?

Antique or rare piggy banks can be worth money, especially if they are ceramic, cast iron, or made by a known manufacturer. Before you break one open, search for the brand name and model online, or take a photo to an antique dealer. If it is valuable, you may want to keep it intact and find another way to retrieve the money, such as drilling a small hole.

What is the best way to empty a piggy bank full of coins?

Open the bank over a large bowl or container to catch all the coins at once. If coins are stuck, gently shake the bank or tap the sides. For a bank with a small opening, you can also use a coin roll or paper tube to funnel coins into a container. Avoid pouring coins directly onto a hard surface, as they can scatter and roll away.