Steel Drum Closures and Accessories

A Closed Head Drum is a drum in which the top or head of the drum is separate from the body of the drum. Lids of closed head drums are secured with wings.

A Tight Head Drum is a drum in which the top or head of the drum is permanently attached to the body.

Cold-rolled steel sheets are used to fabricate steel drums as the bodies are welded then made into drum bodies. A rolled seam is then made for the drum bottom, or on both the bottom and the top. Steel drums typically have top and bottom chimes or rims, while most steel drums have rolling hoops for strength and rolling, as well as two standardized bung holes of 2 inch and 3/4 inch diameters. Threaded flanges are permanently inserted into the steel drums for use with plugs or bungs which are screwed into the drums once it is filled, in order to make a seal.

The 55-gallon steel drum holds an average of 55 gallons or 208 liters of material, though the exact amount varies with the exact composition and design of the barrel.

Typically, a 55-gallon steel drum is 33.5 in/851 mm tall with a standard diameter of 22.5 in/572 mm, though some designs may be narrower and taller.

The reconditioning thickness for steel drums is the minimum gauge set by federal regulators for reconditioning or recycling of steel drums. As of now, steel drums constructed for re-use (per CFR 173.28) must have minimum wall thicknesses of 0.92 mm or 20 gauge.

The reconditioning thickness for steel drums is the minimum gauge set by federal regulators for reconditioning or recycling of steel drums. As of now, steel drums constructed for re-use (per CFR 173.28) must have minimum wall thicknesses of 0.92 mm or 20 gauge.

Steel drum contents may vary from chemicals, food, oil, water and wine, to nuclear waste. Given their structural integrity, steel drum may store or transport bulk liquids, powders and solids, as well as hazardous materials.

Steel drum life is the number of times a steel drum can be reconditioned or recycled. A steel drum may be reconditioned up to six times and maintain its certification depending upon the thickness of the steel and the propriety of its handling and reconditioning.

Con-Tech offers a wide variety of steel drum closures and accessories including drum cap seals, steel drum nuts and bolts, steel drum metal ring accessories, nylon drum plugs, and plastic drum plugs, drum plug gaskets, drum paint caps, and drum cap seal crimping tools. Con-Tech drum cap seals are printable with your own logo, while a complete assortment of open head drum ring nuts and bolts are also available. Likewise, our 55-gallon steel drum bolts, nuts, lugs, and latches offer reliable, cost-effective security for all of your 55-gallon steel drums.