55 Gallon Drum

Basics

• One of the most common forms of Bulk Material Containers below an IBC Tote
• Can come in Painted Steel or Plastic
• The Lid has one threaded hole, and often one is unthreadrd
  • The bolt is put through the unthreaded hole (sometimes with a nut on the opposite side) and it “pulls” the lid around the rim via the threaded hole on the opposite side of the band
  • Making sure to get the band nicely over both the lid and the rim, and getting the bolt aligned so as to avoid Cross-Threading
  • A Basic Ratchet and Socket can be used, however an Impact Wrench greatly speeds up the process

Types

Mild Steel

Closed Top

• The top is permanently attatched like a Soda Can

Open Top

• This is the more common version with the removable lid

Stainless Steel

• Identical to Mild Steel but usable for materials that require it, although Drum Liners / Paints and Coatings may allow normal steel
• In some cases Plastic may be an alternative too

Plastic

• Similar to Steel Versions but made of Plastic
• Cheaper and Somewhat Lighter but less durable
• Doesn’t have the issue of Corrosion though so may deal with Outdoor Storage (even without a cover) needed better

Sourcing

Mild Steel

Open Top Lined

• A Source by Uline for These (~175 USD Each)
• This type is probably the best “go to” for general purpose new barrels

Open Top Unlined

• A Source by Uline for These (~149 USD Each)

Internal Links

• Related Tools:
  • Forklift Barrel Grabber
    • Need to look into if there are motorized ones like the “Transgripper” in Rokenbok , however i have personally seen a device that the Forklift Forks go into and it has a claw of sorts that goes under the “ring” in the middle of the barrel, is manually secured, and the forklift can move the barrel around. More safe than jankily doing so with just normal forks set to be more narrow, and not as time intensive as a Pallet especially if If the pallet needs to be wrapped
  • Drum Carrier / Drum Dolly
    • Essentially a ruggedized Hand Truck, it also has a bar that holds onto the lid and helps one “crowbar” the base under full heavy barrels
  • Hydraulic Tailgate Lifts / a Tommy Gate
    • ESSENTIAL for getting full drums into a Pickup Truck etc when a Forklift is unavailable
  • Bung Wrench (used to open the ports/“bungs” on the lids of some drums
    • Useful for applications like liquid transfer for bulk Degreaser or Oil etc, but for Waste Disposal or other applications where Fill/Dump is done via taking the whole lid off they aren’t needed. Still good to have on hand though.

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on 55 Gallon Drums (Called 200 Liter Drums elsewhere, check if they are 100% Compatible)