Opening a piggy bank depends on the type you have
Most piggy banks are designed to be opened in one of three ways: a plug or stopper on the bottom, a slot with a removable lid on top, or a combination lock. The bottom plug is the most common — you simply turn or pull it out, and coins fall into your hand. Top-loading banks with removable lids slide or unscrew off. Combination lock banks require you to enter a code before the door or panel opens. If your piggy bank came with instructions, follow those first, as some designs have specific steps to avoid damage.
If you have an antique or decorative piggy bank and cannot find a seam or opening, it may have been sealed intentionally. Some ceramic or cast-iron banks were meant to be broken open, which is destructive but sometimes the only option. Before you break it, check the bottom and sides carefully with a flashlight — most banks have a hidden opening you can find by running your fingers along the seams.
Key Takeaways
- Most piggy banks open from the bottom with a removable plug or stopper that you turn or pull out.
- Top-loading banks have a lid that slides or unscrews; combination lock banks require you to enter a code before opening.
- Check the entire surface of the bank with a flashlight before assuming it has no opening — seams are often hard to spot.
- If the opening is stuck, try warm water, a lubricant like WD-40, or gentle tapping with a rubber mallet rather than forcing it.
Bottom plugs and stoppers are the easiest to open
A bottom plug sits at the lowest point of the bank and is usually made of rubber, cork, or plastic. To open it, hold the bank upside down over a container or your hand and turn the plug counterclockwise — most turn like a screw. If it does not turn, try pulling straight down or wiggling it gently side to side while pulling. Some plugs are friction-fit and require only a firm, steady pull with no twisting.
If the plug is stuck, do not force it hard enough to crack the bank. Instead, run warm water over the seam where the plug meets the bank for 30 seconds to soften any dried glue or corrosion. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try again. If it still will not budge, apply a small amount of lubricant like WD-40 around the edge, wait 10 minutes, and try once more. Once the plug comes free, empty the coins into a bowl and set the plug aside in a safe place so you do not lose it.
Lid-style banks require you to remove or unlock the top
Piggy banks with removable lids usually have the opening on top or on one side. Slide the lid gently in the direction the seam suggests — most move forward, backward, or to one side. If the lid does not slide, it may screw off instead; try turning it counterclockwise. Some lids are held by a small latch or clasp on the front or back — look for a button or lever you can press or flip to release it.
Once the lid is loose, lift it slowly and tilt the bank to pour coins out. Be careful not to spill coins on the floor if the opening is small. If the lid is stuck, apply warm water or lubricant around the seam and wait a few minutes before trying again. Never pry a lid with a knife or screwdriver, as you risk cracking the bank or bending the lid so it no longer fits.
Combination lock banks need the correct code
If your piggy bank has a combination lock, you will need the code to open it. Check the original packaging, instruction manual, or any paperwork that came with the bank. If you have lost the code, contact the manufacturer if the bank is still in production — they may have a record of the original code or can provide instructions for resetting it.
If the bank is old or the manufacturer is no longer in business, you have limited options. Some combination locks can be opened by a locksmith, though the cost may exceed the value of the coins inside. As a last resort, you can drill out the lock mechanism, but this will permanently damage the bank. Before you drill, make sure you have tried every common default code — many manufacturers use 0-0-0, 1-2-3, or the year the bank was made.
What to do if the opening is damaged or sealed
If the plug, lid, or lock is broken or missing, you have a few options. For a missing bottom plug, you can order a replacement online if you know the bank's brand and model — search the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service. For a broken lid, the same approach works: find a replacement part or buy a new bank if the repair cost is too high.
If the bank is sealed with no visible opening and you cannot find the manufacturer, breaking it open may be your only choice. Wrap the bank in an old towel to contain the pieces and tap it gently with a hammer along the seams until it cracks. Start with light taps and work your way up — you want to break the bank, not shatter it into tiny pieces. Once it cracks, carefully remove the coins and discard the bank or glue it back together if it has sentimental value.
Preventing damage when you open your piggy bank
The most common mistake is forcing an opening that is stuck. Patience and lubricant work better than brute force. Always use warm water or a penetrating oil like WD-40 before you pull, turn, or pry. Let the lubricant sit for at least 10 minutes so it can seep into the seam and loosen any corrosion or dried adhesive.
When you do open the bank, work over a container or towel so coins do not scatter across the floor. If the opening is small, use a funnel or roll a piece of paper into a cone to direct coins into a bowl. Keep the plug, lid, or lock in a labeled container so you can close the bank again if you want to keep using it. If you plan to refill the bank, do not lose these parts — they are often difficult to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a piggy bank without damaging it?
Yes, if the bank has a removable plug, lid, or lock. Use warm water or lubricant to loosen stuck openings, and work slowly to avoid cracking the bank. Only break the bank open if it has no visible seam or if the opening mechanism is permanently damaged or missing.
What if I lost the combination code for my lock piggy bank?
Check the original packaging or manual first. If you cannot find it, contact the manufacturer — they may have a record or reset instructions. If the bank is old or the company is out of business, a locksmith can open it, though the cost may be high. Drilling out the lock is a last resort and will destroy the bank.
Is there a way to open a sealed piggy bank without breaking it?
If the bank has no visible seam or opening, it was likely sealed intentionally. You can try drilling a small hole in the bottom to pour coins out, then seal the hole with epoxy or glue. This preserves the bank but requires care to avoid cracking it during drilling.
How do I get coins out if the opening is too small?
Use a funnel, a rolled piece of paper, or a small tube to direct coins into a container. If the opening is extremely small, you can drill a slightly larger hole, but this will leave a permanent mark on the bank.
What should I do with the plug or lid after I remove it?
Store it in a labeled container or plastic bag so you do not lose it. If you plan to refill the bank and close it again, keeping the original plug or lid is important — replacements are often hard to find and may not fit perfectly.