There is a plant in my town that makes them and I actually know the former owner who still runs it on a first name basis. Maybe I'll mention it next time I see him.
I love you to the moon and back! I have just won a bet with my husband that i can loosen two buckets that had been stuck for more than 5 years and of course i won after i applied your hairdryer technique. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you so much!!! I was getting pretty pissed, slamming them, trying to pry them apart with a screw driver, throwing them on the ground hard to try to break the seal, being mad at my husband for stacking them 😂. Your sweet and kind sounding voice calmed me down immediately, and the blow dryer trick took 2 min! I learned something today! Thank you again!
It amazes me the helpful things you can find on UA-cam. Canned compressed air worked with one pair of stuck buckets. The other pair is a little stubborn.
All great ideas. As a painter most of the time I can flip the buckets upside down, step on the handle of the top bucket, get a good grip on the lip of the bottom bucket and brute force them apart. Using that method more often than not provides enough force to get the job done.
I had two large storage containers stuck. I used the hairdryer all over the outside container and then concentrated on one of the smaller sides. It took three minutes. Thank you!
Applaud your ingenuity you are bringing a realistic pace and flavor that is unmistakely yours thanks for sharing your precious time have a safe healthy and joyous day grace be with you
👌Thank you so much, I just bought two plastic waste baskets that were stuck together. The heat trick worked beautifully, now I have two separate waste baskets. I'm going to subscribe to your site right now.
Wow! The hair dryer method really did the trick for me. I bought several new buckets and couldn't unstick them. I tried everything and was about ready to take them back to the store and replace with unstuck ones. As a last resort, I tried the hair dryer method and came apart easily! Whew! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Thanks so much! I am starting my journey into off grid living in Northern California and love these buckets - but not so much when they are impossible to unstick! Love the hair dryer tip, works like a charm. You're my hero for today!
Wow ..you’re a lifesaver...I’ve been trying to do this every other way recommended (senior lady) ..this worked WITH THE HAIR BLOWER in just a few minutes ;) NO COMPRESSED AIR REQUIRED ..I didn’t think it would but it did thanks ever so much! Now to glue on the clothespins thank you ..thank you ..thank you :) I’m going to watch all your videos .
Thank you for this tip! I used the air displacement method on our 32 gallon plastic containers (four stacked and stuck) by using a leaf blower. It took literally less than two seconds for it to come off.
Thank you!!! I have spent days on and off for weeks trying to separate two Tupperware containers and in ten seconds with the compressed air keyboard cleaner they've parted company.
I have this issue with three buckets as well, I got tired of trying to unstuck them, that was two years ago now. Thank you for taking the time to share these tips, I'll definitely try the one with the hair dryer. God bless you!
Brilliant! I've got stacks of buckets that I've not been able to use for an embarrassingly long time because they are stuck together. I knew there had to be a few easy ways to get them apart from each other and VOILA you showed me how. Thank you, Jay! (Liked and subscribed!)
THANK YOU! I've got a couple of Homer buckets that I've been trying on and off for YEARS to get apart. Today was the moment of truth - either get them apart or chuck 'em into the dumpster. As a last resort (which should have been a first resort), I asked Google how to get two buckets unstuck. Google said to ask you. The blow dryer worked great!
THANK YOU! I was going to try soapy water but it's cold outside! Didn't have a hair dryer handy but did have a space heater which I just held them over, it took a few minutes but it worked.
No success with the can of compressed air method, but the hair dryer method worked like a charm. We had three buckets stuck together. The first one took only about 90 seconds to separate and the last two came apart in about 30 seconds. I think we will glue some clothespins on those buckets as demonstrated in your video. Thanks for the advise from you and your contributors.
Thanks Jay. The hair dryer worked immediately. I had a stack of them stuck together. I use them to do water changes on my aquariums. The hot water didn't work. I'm buying a can of air to keep on hand.
Susan, thanks for the feedback. If you can break the vacuum between the buckets, problem solved. Glad the hair dryer approach worked for you. Best, DFJ
This really helped me out. I have a ton of 66qt sterilite tubs and it didn't take much of a spray to get it loose while I struggled for over a day to unstack them. Ty!
kingofdeadlift - glad to be of help! If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe - so you get notified of a new episode, about every Friday. We'd enjoy having you be a part of our viewer family. Best Regards, DFJ
Pried the buckets slightly apart with a fork, just enough to stick the compressed air tube deep in. The key part was to then remove the fork so the air goes inside rather than coming out. Worked like charm the inside bucket magically rose by itself without even having to pull.
I tried a heat gun but after just my first try I was over it & came here. Ya just gotta remember to put something inside the bucket that’s going to have another bucket inside of it, or the clothespin idea works too. That’s very true about the handles too tho.
Compressed air worked great. A flat blade screw driver wedged in an inch to create a gap. Then shot some compressed air in. It popped loose immediately. Terrific idea. Thanks.
That's a great idea! We are getting ready to put out another video on the subject because we keep getting great techniques like this from you and other members of our viewer family. Give me a little bit more detail if you will. How do you attach this section of hose, how long is it, and how far does it allow each bucket to slide into the one below it? If you'd like, you can send photos to me directly at jay@dirtfarmerjay.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
I had some cheap plastic 4-inch flower pots made of thin plastic that I had a hard time getting apart. After I finally got them apart I put a small strip of paper towel between each one which prevented the remaining pots from sticking. These pots had holes in the bottom so the problem was not vacuum. Just plastic sticking tightly together.
I just separated two buckets with a two foot scrap of 1x2 and a flat pry bar. With the buckets lying on their side I laid the wood across the top bucket under were the handle is mounted and held it in place with my hand and some body weight. Then I stuck the hooked end of my flat bar between the wood and the rim of the bottom bucket and pried with a twisting motion. I was able to wedge them apart about a millimeter or two and repeated on the other side. After a few repetitions I was able to pull the buckets apart.
It worked great to separate the buckets by putting the bottom bucket in warm water. It only took a couple of minutes in hot water, and the buckets separated.
I stack buckets 6 foot high by placing 3 2" x 6" scraps in the bottom of each. I keep a couple of buckets of scrap wood for this -- and any other quick-grab -- purpose. Will try the clothes pin idea. Thanks!
There is one more idea that is not completely fool proof but it will work most of the time. It may be hard to describe. Using both hands put your thumbs on the upper bucket and use your fingers to press down on the lower bucket, then twist both hands like you are turning a key. it does take some strength sometimes, but it usually works. If it is still stuck 2 flat bars may work better with the same twisting motion. If that doesn't work go get the air compressor. To avoid the buckets sticking in the first place never store them standing up vertically...lay the stack down horizontally.
The air compressor trick does not work with my little DeWalt 20volt unit. You neeed a lot of air all at once, which it doesn't so. Tried the hair dryer method on a couple buckets and cme apart easily and fast. The bigest problem is handling and holding bucket sso i set them on the groundupside down. This allowed me to put a foot on one side with a foot on the handle which apreads the hold to two spots and squeeze it all with the other foot . The handle can be lifted up to help pull the stuck bucket which is now on the top. Worked great, thanks for the tip.. Besare of liquids that may sstill be in the botoom bucket you're pulling apart.
I heated the outside bucket with hot water, then on the inside bucket, I sprayed a can of air upside down, which releases a very cold liquid. Worked very quickly.
That heater worked like a charm. Unfortunately i broke one of the side wedges trying to pull them apart like a cartoon character before i thought of watching this video😂😂😂
Turn up side down and stand on the handle. And pull on the top bucket. If that doesn't work take a wooden stick and hit the lower bucket and hold the other bucket by the handle. It works every time with easy. I work with buckets every day.
That clothes pin idea should be included in the mold for all future buckets.
Came here to say that lol
I doubt "Big Bucket" would appreciate that idea...
There is a plant in my town that makes them and I actually know the former owner who still runs it on a first name basis. Maybe I'll mention it next time I see him.
Wow, plastic water cups and plastic rocks cups stuck together tighter than a drum. Hair dryer, wow! Worked like a charm! Thank you! 👍🏼👍🏼
Glad it helped!
I love you to the moon and back! I have just won a bet with my husband that i can loosen two buckets that had been stuck for more than 5 years and of course i won after i applied your hairdryer technique. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Jacoba, we'll glad to help, but hopefully not at the expense of marital harmony. I hope your husband doesn't hold this against us! Best, DFJ
Thank you so much!!! I was getting pretty pissed, slamming them, trying to pry them apart with a screw driver, throwing them on the ground hard to try to break the seal, being mad at my husband for stacking them 😂. Your sweet and kind sounding voice calmed me down immediately, and the blow dryer trick took 2 min! I learned something today! Thank you again!
same here!!
It amazes me the helpful things you can find on UA-cam. Canned compressed air worked with one pair of stuck buckets. The other pair is a little stubborn.
All great ideas. As a painter most of the time I can flip the buckets upside down, step on the handle of the top bucket, get a good grip on the lip of the bottom bucket and brute force them apart. Using that method more often than not provides enough force to get the job done.
Excellent! Thanks for letting us know!
I had two large storage containers stuck. I used the hairdryer all over the outside container and then concentrated on one of the smaller sides. It took three minutes. Thank you!
KarenBea - problem solved! Glad it worked for you. And, thanks for writing to let us know - Best, DFJ
Applaud your ingenuity you are bringing a realistic pace and flavor that is unmistakely yours thanks for sharing your precious time have a safe healthy and joyous day grace be with you
👌Thank you so much, I just bought two plastic waste baskets that were stuck together. The heat trick worked beautifully, now I have two separate waste baskets. I'm going to subscribe to your site right now.
You are welcome 😊Thanks for becoming a part of our Viewer Family! Best, DFJ
Thank you for the hair dryer tip. Gave me an idea which I applied to my buckets that have been stuck for months now and it worked.
The blow dryer idea worked! Thank you.
Wahoooooo!
Wow! The hair dryer method really did the trick for me. I bought several new buckets and couldn't unstick them. I tried everything and was about ready to take them back to the store and replace with unstuck ones. As a last resort, I tried the hair dryer method and came apart easily! Whew! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Glad it helped, drmdmark! Best, DFJ
Thanks for the tip. A blow gun at 90psi blew my stack of buckets apart with ease.
Thanks so much! I am starting my journey into off grid living in Northern California and love these buckets - but not so much when they are impossible to unstick! Love the hair dryer tip, works like a charm. You're my hero for today!
Wow ..you’re a lifesaver...I’ve been trying to do this every other way recommended (senior lady) ..this worked WITH THE HAIR BLOWER in just a few minutes ;) NO COMPRESSED AIR REQUIRED ..I didn’t think it would but it did thanks ever so much! Now to glue on the clothespins thank you ..thank you ..thank you :) I’m going to watch all your videos .
Thank you for this tip! I used the air displacement method on our 32 gallon plastic containers (four stacked and stuck) by using a leaf blower. It took literally less than two seconds for it to come off.
Used a screwdriver to wedge the buckets apart to sneak the compressed air can in and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Nicely done, G A! Best, DFJ
Thank you!!! I have spent days on and off for weeks trying to separate two Tupperware containers and in ten seconds with the compressed air keyboard cleaner they've parted company.
I have this issue with three buckets as well, I got tired of trying to unstuck them, that was two years ago now. Thank you for taking the time to share these tips, I'll definitely try the one with the hair dryer. God bless you!
Thanks for watching and commenting Livi Sunshine. Looking forward to hearing from you again! Best, DFJ
Air compressor method worked like a miracle thank you 🙏
Brilliant! I've got stacks of buckets that I've not been able to use for an embarrassingly long time because they are stuck together. I knew there had to be a few easy ways to get them apart from each other and VOILA you showed me how. Thank you, Jay! (Liked and subscribed!)
Thanks for watching and subscribing Amy Miller. Best to you. Keep watching and commenting. DFJ
I just solved it and didn’t even watch the video
Put the lip of the bottom one in a table mounted vise and lift up 😊
Put the bottom one in a table mounted vise and lift up 😊
THANK YOU! I've got a couple of Homer buckets that I've been trying on and off for YEARS to get apart. Today was the moment of truth - either get them apart or chuck 'em into the dumpster. As a last resort (which should have been a first resort), I asked Google how to get two buckets unstuck. Google said to ask you. The blow dryer worked great!
Thanks for watching and commenting CitizenKate. When we get a comment like yours, it makes our day!!! Thanks so much. Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie.
THANK YOU! I was going to try soapy water but it's cold outside! Didn't have a hair dryer handy but did have a space heater which I just held them over, it took a few minutes but it worked.
You can score the inside or outside vertically with a utility knife as well. Obviously before you stacked them together.
No success with the can of compressed air method, but the hair dryer method worked like a charm. We had three buckets stuck together. The first one took only about 90 seconds to separate and the last two came apart in about 30 seconds. I think we will glue some clothespins on those buckets as demonstrated in your video. Thanks for the advise from you and your contributors.
geminiguy2001, thanks for letting us know! Glad one of the techniques worked for you. Best, DFJ
Worked first try with some keyboard cleaning air in a can. Turns out a crappy seal is better than no seal at all, popped out like a charm. Thanks!
Great to hear. Thanks for letting me know. Best, DFJ
I had to fight tooth and nail to get my buckets undone. Now, I always put something inside the buck to prevent them from sealing on top of each other.
Thank you so much ❤
The hairdryer technique worked liked magic and it got rid of two alike buckets we've been trying to get out since so long!
Glad to be of help, Krishaang! Best, DFJ
The hair dryer technique worked wonders. Just used it to separate 2 plastic containers in under 5 minutes.
I'm glad it worked for you so well, Sruthi! Best, DFJ
Thanks Jay. The hair dryer worked immediately. I had a stack of them stuck together. I use them to do water changes on my aquariums. The hot water didn't work. I'm buying a can of air to keep on hand.
Susan, thanks for the feedback. If you can break the vacuum between the buckets, problem solved. Glad the hair dryer approach worked for you. Best, DFJ
I cant express how thankful I am to you...Hair dryer worked..love u
Glad I could help! DFJ
Thank you the compressed air worked perfect
Great to hear!
compressed air worked in like 10 seconds...great tip!
Excellent!
This really helped me out. I have a ton of 66qt sterilite tubs and it didn't take much of a spray to get it loose while I struggled for over a day to unstack them. Ty!
kingofdeadlift - glad to be of help! If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe - so you get notified of a new episode, about every Friday. We'd enjoy having you be a part of our viewer family. Best Regards, DFJ
The hair dryer technique works. Just used it to separate 2 buckets stuck together for 5+ years.
Chad, Wahoooooooooooooo! Glad to hear you are once again the owner of two buckets, instead of a "unibucket!" Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
This hair dryer thing is amazing. I just unstuck two buckets that have been stuck together for like 3 years.
Hair dryer worked for me! Air can did not.
@@mjfwilliams lol... y’all are wild
I’ve been using my 2buckets as one for years! Now via the hairdryer method, I have 2 separate buckets! Thanks so much!
After many attempts we finally came across this video and the dust removal spray worked perfect! Thank you!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and commenting! Best to you, DFJ
My air compressor did the trick in about 5 seconds! Thanks!
Pried the buckets slightly apart with a fork, just enough to stick the compressed air tube deep in. The key part was to then remove the fork so the air goes inside rather than coming out. Worked like charm the inside bucket magically rose by itself without even having to pull.
Love it!
Air duster works for plastic moving boxes that might be stuck together as well JFC! Great video thanks
I don’t normally comment on things but I am so happy! I used the hairdryer trick and it worked! Thanks so much!
Great News Ellen Hickey. Glad we could help. Keep watching and commenting. Best to you, DFJ
Brilliant and I like that with the first two methods, you use real science. Great video.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting. Keep it up! Best, DFJ
Thank you . Warming the bottom bucket over a fire i had going worked quickly. 👍
I tried a heat gun but after just my first try I was over it & came here. Ya just gotta remember to put something inside the bucket that’s going to have another bucket inside of it, or the clothespin idea works too. That’s very true about the handles too tho.
Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
It works! Used an air compressor air to separate two sets of buckets! Thanks!
Excellent! Glad to hear. Best, DFJ
Compressed air worked great. A flat blade screw driver wedged in an inch to create a gap. Then shot some compressed air in. It popped loose immediately. Terrific idea. Thanks.
Excellent!
Instead of using clothes pins, I use a short piece of old water hose. The hose may get pinched some but still allows air in.
That's a great idea! We are getting ready to put out another video on the subject because we keep getting great techniques like this from you and other members of our viewer family. Give me a little bit more detail if you will. How do you attach this section of hose, how long is it, and how far does it allow each bucket to slide into the one below it? If you'd like, you can send photos to me directly at jay@dirtfarmerjay.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you and thank UA-cam for providing this solution to a problem we've just ignored for years, LOL.
Glad to be of help, Robaart. Best, DFJ
I had some cheap plastic 4-inch flower pots made of thin plastic that I had a hard time getting apart. After I finally got them apart I put a small strip of paper towel between each one which prevented the remaining pots from sticking. These pots had holes in the bottom so the problem was not vacuum. Just plastic sticking tightly together.
Thanks for this!
I just separated two buckets with a two foot scrap of 1x2 and a flat pry bar. With the buckets lying on their side I laid the wood across the top bucket under were the handle is mounted and held it in place with my hand and some body weight. Then I stuck the hooked end of my flat bar between the wood and the rim of the bottom bucket and pried with a twisting motion. I was able to wedge them apart about a millimeter or two and repeated on the other side. After a few repetitions I was able to pull the buckets apart.
Informative and no time wasting. Thanks
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
It worked great to separate the buckets by putting the bottom bucket in warm water. It only took a couple of minutes in hot water, and the buckets separated.
Kathy Bishir, Thanks for letting us know that the technique worked. It's why we do what we do. Best to you and yours, Dirt Farmer Maggie
Thank you for some alternatives to the air compressor, as well as the clothes pin preventative!
You bet!
Thank you kindly! So frustrating.
Works like a charm!!!! Thanks a million!
Great to hear! Best, DFJ
Now you're talking! Great tips!
Glad to be of help!
Stepping on the handle worked for me.
Adding this to my bucket list.
I see what you did there...
I almost threw the plastic tubs I got. The hair blower technique was awesome. thank you.
Outstanding advice totally trying them
Very good!
I stack buckets 6 foot high by placing 3 2" x 6" scraps in the bottom of each. I keep a couple of buckets of scrap wood for this -- and any other quick-grab -- purpose. Will try the clothes pin idea. Thanks!
I like it. You are preventing a vacuum from forming, that sure makes it easier to take buckets apart! Best, DFJ
Thanks for sharing the three tips given to you. I will use all three!😮
Glad it was helpful!
Third one's my favourite!
This worked perfectly, thanks!
Thank You so very much for your help! God bless!
You're welcome!
There is one more idea that is not completely fool proof but it will work most of the time. It may be hard to describe. Using both hands put your thumbs on the upper bucket and use your fingers to press down on the lower bucket, then twist both hands like you are turning a key. it does take some strength sometimes, but it usually works. If it is still stuck 2 flat bars may work better with the same twisting motion. If that doesn't work go get the air compressor. To avoid the buckets sticking in the first place never store them standing up vertically...lay the stack down horizontally.
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing! Best, DFJ
Hey Jay, if you have a shop vac which can both suckup and shoot air, take bucket and shoot air between the joined pails.
Melanie - great tip! Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
I removed mine just now it worked perfectly thank you so much
Great to hear!
The air compressor trick does not work with my little DeWalt 20volt unit. You neeed a lot of air all at once, which it doesn't so. Tried the hair dryer method on a couple buckets and cme apart easily and fast. The bigest problem is handling and holding bucket sso i set them on the groundupside down. This allowed me to put a foot on one side with a foot on the handle which apreads the hold to two spots and squeeze it all with the other foot . The handle can be lifted up to help pull the stuck bucket which is now on the top. Worked great, thanks for the tip.. Besare of liquids that may sstill be in the botoom bucket you're pulling apart.
Good insights!
Great Info I won't go cra cra the next time I try to get them undone
Love it.
I actually just sat on the buckets and used raw power. Requires a significant amout of chest hair and belching tlfor optimal performance
The belching is the most important part of this approach....LOL!
Wow, that was so educational. One of the best for me
I heated the outside bucket with hot water, then on the inside bucket, I sprayed a can of air upside down, which releases a very cold liquid. Worked very quickly.
Excellent!
Thank you, the blow dryer did the trick!
David, glad to hear it! If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe for ongoing tips and such like this. Thanks for stopping by! Best, DFJ
The blow dryer trick worked wonders! Thanks.
Glad it helped!
Thank you thank you thank you for being so helpful
this content is wholesome and unique
i let the stucked buckets lie down on it's side and sat on it cautiously and push the top bucket, it came off effortlessly XD
Simple solution put the bail in the vise and pull the bottom bucket comes apart very easy.
Method 2 worked for me. Thanks!
Excellent!
The hot dryer worked like a dream.
Glad to hear it!
Helped me get 2 plastic trash cans unstuck. Thanks.
Hooray for jay !
Aw garsh.
Or these buckets are ready to go straight back to bucket hell where they belong! 😡 Thank you for the great tips! They're really helpful! 😁
Jane - glad to be of help "redeeming" your buckets. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay thank you sir. The blow dryer tip worked perfectly!
Now I can take this off of my "bucket list". lol
Great comment!! And you are the FIRST PERSON to say this when the video has been on the channel for years!! Best to you, DFJ
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Just used the HOT water technique. Worked almost instantly!!!
Glad we could help Hakim Muhammad. Keep watching and commenting!! Best. DFJ
Thank u for helping me, heat air trick works,I tried it and got positive result,
😊👍👍👍👍
High pressure water nozzle works too.
Super hair dryer trick. Worked great and quickly!
Lisa, glad it worked! Best, DFJ
I had 8 stuck ( garden ones with holes in the bottom), it worked like a charm and my husband thought I was so smart… I told him
Love it!
The hot water worked for me. Thanks
That heater worked like a charm. Unfortunately i broke one of the side wedges trying to pull them apart like a cartoon character before i thought of watching this video😂😂😂
I was that same cartoon character....ended up using a heat gun and it worked perfect. =)
Hair dryer trick just saved me $60 dollars bc i was ready to throw them out even though I'd never used them! Thank you!!!
So awesome!! I love it when we are able to really help our viewers solve a problem. You made my day! Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie (and DFJ)
Turn up side down and stand on the handle. And pull on the top bucket. If that doesn't work take a wooden stick and hit the lower bucket and hold the other bucket by the handle. It works every time with easy. I work with buckets every day.
Thanks for the tip! We'll include it in the upcoming "Viewers Sound Off!" version of this topic. Best, DFJ
Great ideas! Thanks. Not everyone has a compressor.
I agree. The other two solutions were for those that don't have an air compressor - compressed air in a can, and a blow dryer. Best, DFJ
Lol the dryer works thanks 😊
Drill a couple of small holes in the bottom, if you don't care about water leaking out.
Drill small hole in the bottom unless your hauling water! 😀
And even if you do drill a hole in the bottom and you want to use it for liquid you can always cover the hole with A little dab of silicone
Thank you so much for this follow up video!
Thanks for the info.
You're welcome!
Thanks so much! Helped me out today!
Glad to hear it!