Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Maelle
Piggy banks are a popular way to teach children the basics of saving money and for adults to save for their personal projects. In the past, they were often made of materials such as porcelain or glass and had to be broken to access the money inside. However, many piggy banks today are made of plastic and can be opened without breaking. Regardless of the type of piggy bank you have, opening it can be a simple task or a little more complex. Steps to open a piggy bank: Step 1
Place the piggy bank on a flat surface such as a counter or desk. If you need to break a porcelain or glass piggy bank, it’s best to do it outside to prevent the shards from scattering.
Step 2
If the piggy bank is plastic or metal, turn it over and open it by removing the door or the rubber stopper at the bottom. Shake the piggy bank several times to make sure there is no money inside. If the plastic or metal piggy bank is difficult to open, check for a locking mechanism or screw that needs to be removed before opening it.
If you break a porcelain or glass piggy bank, use a hammer with a sturdy handle to prevent it from slipping out of your hand. Hold the piggy bank on the floor with your non-dominant hand and strike it with the hammer with your dominant hand. Strike the piggy bank on the side rather than the top to prevent splintering. If the piggy bank doesn’t break after a few blows, try striking a different or weaker spot. You can wrap the piggy bank in a cloth to minimize splintering.
If you don’t want to break the piggy bank, look for a small hole on the bottom or side of the piggy bank. If you find a hole, use a toothpick or needle to remove the silver inside. Step 3 For safety reasons, it is important to wear safety glasses or turn around when breaking a piggy bank. Children should be closely supervised by an adult when breaking a piggy bank.
Step 4 Finally, pick up the pieces of the broken piggy bank and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area and retrieve any loose coins. If any shards are scattered, carefully clean them with a broom or stiff-bristled brush. Wear safety gloves and make sure no one steps on any shards.If a shard is stuck in the skin, you should remove it with clean tweezers. However, it is best to consult a doctor if you are unable to remove the shard yourself or if you notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, etc.
In conclusion, opening a piggy bank can be a simple task that will allow you to get money quickly. Whether you have a plastic or porcelain piggy bank, the steps to opening it are simple and straightforward.


