Bendable's idea would certainly work, but I like the satisfaction of a DIY approach.

If you've seen the movie The Score, this is the effect I'm shooting for, although a safer (no pun) version...



EDIT: hello, page five.

How to execute the above: fill the space between the cans with an incompressible fluid (water will do), and seal the fill-hole with duct tape. Now lay the cans on their side, and beat the bottom can firmly with rubber mallet. Mop up spilled water, and you're done.

If it doesn't work, I can still fall back on you didn't use a big enough mallet.

Did you try my suggestion?

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Did you try my suggestion?

Yes, it may have made it worse if that’s possible

Do these cans have to hold water, or just trash bags?

If the latter, I’d be tempted to get a small to medium hole saw bit and start punching holes through both cans at what seem to be the contact points.

Turn them into Swiss cheese and eventually they might come apart while retaining their function.

-Rob

Five pages, this amount of time... I think at this point it is safe to call in Tannerite and get the job done.

I just realized I have two air compressors, I’ll try using both at once. If not, I’m going to perform surgery.

Or use vehicles and rope.

quote:

Originally posted by RAMIUS:
I just realized I have two air compressors, I’ll try using both at once. If not, I’m going to perform surgery.

Or use vehicles and rope.

Film it for YouTube!

Hang the cans by the handles of only the top can using your tug rope. Deform the top can enough to inject hot water with a garden hose into the space between the cans. If the bottom can is not secured, the weight of the water should, in time, overcome the suction between the two cans. Reducing the surface tension with dish soap (if it is still there) should speed the process along.

After this hangs for a while, grab the handles of the bottom can and try to rotate the bottom can axially.

quote:

Originally posted by RAMIUS:

Oddly, I never thought I needed a heavy duty tug boat rope until I saw this picture...

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:

quote:

Originally posted by RAMIUS:
I just realized I have two air compressors, I’ll try using both at once. If not, I’m going to perform surgery.
Or use vehicles and rope.

Film it for YouTube!

I vote for vehicles and rope....
Video or it didn't happen!

If you have my kind of luck you could just put them out for the trash. When the garbage man goes to throw them in the truck they will magically separate but then instantly crushed by the garbage truck compactor blade.

Haven't read the entire thread, so I dont know if this has been suggested already or not, but have you tried using a couple shims (wood type for carpentry) a few inches away from another to create a gap to break the seal or where you could get a better chance to use the air compressor trick? One of those air shims could also be useful.

There has been separation!

After more than a year of dragging around these stupid cans, they are separated!

I've done just about everything you guys suggested and more. As I was about to give it one more try with the two air compressors. I figured I'd give it one more try with a method I haven't used yet while waiting for the compressors to power up.

Expecting nothing to happen, I laid the cans on the side, sat on the ground with my feet pushing on the outer handles, and my hands pulling on the inner handles.

I summoned all my strength from years of powerlifting as well as the anger and frustration that has built up inside me from dealing with this stupid trash can.

I first gave it a gentle pull, to make sure that I had it gripped correctly...it was with that gentle pull that the trash cans immediately separated with the ease of taking off your hat.

...Unbelievable. I sat there for a minute while a range of emotions washed over me...mostly confusion, but also happiness that I have two normal trash cans. I must say though, I am a bit sad that the trash can challenge has ended so anti-climactically.

Reenactment of the Successful separation of the trash cans:


The separated trash cans:

Great success! Glad you utilized years of power lifting.

Obviously, you need to get them stuck back together & film the proper separation for proof.

It will surely be a memorable day for the baby watching you weep in the driveway holding onto trash cans this fine spring day.

Formative, perhaps....

And now they can both live separate and productive lives.