DIY Piggy Bank | Detailed 11-Step Construction Guide 2026

Build a DIY piggy bank where all your euro coins (8 denominations) stay neatly organized and clearly visible. This custom-made bank accounts for real coin sizes. We'll use eight transparent plastic tubes and build their housing from wooden planks. The levers that extract coins require great precision.

Coin Measurements

The closed DIY piggy bank looks like an organ that doesn't play music but dispenses clinking coins, one at a time, by pulling a lever.

How to Design a DIY Piggy Bank

What you need to build a piggy bank:

• File; handsaw; router; drill with cup bit; screwdriver; hammer; rasp
• Fir strips 18 mm thick: 1 roof 350×55 mm; 1 base 350×100 mm; 2 sides 120×55 mm
• Fir strip 10 mm thick: 1 lid 350×55 mm (router-rounded sides and front edge)
• Kussia wood square 10×10 mm (sold by the meter) for eight levers, each 170 mm long
• Transparent plexiglass tubes (sold by the meter) for eight containers: 2 of 20 mm diameter, 3 of 24 mm diameter, 3 of 28 mm diameter
• Nails; glue; screws for wood assembly; 8 screws to fix each container in its hole; 2 hinges for the lid; clear varnish and blue enamel

Plexiglass Coin Tubes

The containers for the eight coin denominations are cut from rigid transparent plastic tubes, available at hardware stores and some DIY centers (they are essentially the tubes used to check wine or liquid levels in barrels from the outside). Cut them to size with a handsaw (learn how to cut plexiglass), clamping the tube in a vise but protecting its sides with rubber-lined supports (2). Each container must be shaped at the base (1) with two different slots: in the front, a slot of the coin's thickness and diameter; in the back, a slot of the coin's thickness but the correct width.

Drilling and Routing

For the base, use a 350×100 mm fir strip. Mark the positions of the eight holes: two rows of four, spaced evenly. Use a drill with a cup bit matching the tube diameter (20 mm, 24 mm, or 28 mm). Drill halfway through the wood, then finish with a router for a clean fit. Secure each tube with a screw from the side.

Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Prepare the base: Drill and route holes for the eight tubes. Sand smooth.
2. Cut the tubes: Saw plexiglass tubes to 120 mm length. File the edges.
3. Shape the slots: For each tube, cut a front slot (coin diameter) and a back slot (coin thickness) at the base.
4. Build the sides: Attach the two 120×55 mm fir sides to the base with glue and nails.
5. Attach the roof: Glue and nail the 350×55 mm roof piece on top.
6. Make the lid: Router-round the 350×55 mm lid edges. Attach with two hinges.
7. Create the levers: Cut eight 170 mm pieces from the 10×10 mm kussia wood. Round one end for pulling.
8. Install the levers: Insert each lever through the back slot of its tube. The lever tip should push a coin out the front slot when pulled.
9. Secure the tubes: Place each tube in its hole and fix with a screw from the side of the base.
10. Finish: Apply clear varnish to all wood parts. Paint the roof and sides with blue enamel.
11. Test: Insert coins and pull levers to ensure smooth operation.

Tips for Success

• Measure your coins precisely before cutting slots.
• Use a fine-tooth saw for clean plexiglass cuts.
• Sand all wood edges to avoid splinters.
• Test each lever mechanism before final assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wood is best for this project?

Fir strips are ideal because they are lightweight, easy to work with, and take paint well. You can find quality home improvement supplies at GrandGoldman to get started.

Where can I buy plexiglass tubes?

Plexiglass tubes are available at hardware stores or online. For other garden supplies and DIY materials, check GrandGoldman's selection.

How do I ensure the levers work smoothly?

Sand the levers and slots thoroughly. Apply a little wax or soap as lubricant. If you need a sturdy work surface, consider desks and work surfaces from GrandGoldman.

Can I customize the size for different coins?

Yes, just adjust the tube diameters and slot dimensions to match your coins. For a comfortable crafting space, browse office chairs at GrandGoldman.

What finish should I use?

Clear varnish protects the wood, while blue enamel adds a pop of color. For more wall decor and finish ideas, visit GrandGoldman.

This DIY project is perfect for a weekend. Gather your materials from home improvement and garden supplies at GrandGoldman, and enjoy building a functional, decorative piggy bank. For additional storage solutions, check out storage benches and bookcases. If you need a dedicated workspace, consider desks and office chairs. For lighting your workspace, explore lighting options. And for a cozy crafting corner, don't miss rugs and curtains.

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