Omar Khalid
Opening a 55-gallon plastic drum can be a tricky process, especially if the drum previously contained flammable substances. The most popular methods for opening such drums include using a drum wrench, a hammer and chisel, an air chisel, or a saw. Filling the drum with water or sand prior to cutting it open can help to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Additionally, it is important to avoid creating sparks during the process.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Barrel Buddy II: Drum Wrench, WINTOWIN Aluminum Drum Wrench, Hammer, Chisel, Air Chisel, Jig Saw, Cutting Wheel, Saw, Drill, Grinder |
| Safety Measures | Avoid sparks, fill the drum with water, use a solvent, fill with sand, wear PPE |
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What You'll Learn
Using a drum wrench
A drum wrench or bung wrench is a convenient tool for safely opening and closing 55-gallon plastic drums. It is designed to simplify the process of opening and closing caps and plugs on fluid drums, eliminating the need for other tools like screwdrivers and hammers. The wrench is compatible with standard metal and plastic caps or plugs and fits all types of industrial drum plugs and bungs.
Before using a drum wrench to open a 55-gallon plastic drum, it is important to take some safety precautions. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to protect yourself from any potential spills or hazardous materials. Ensure that the drum is placed on a stable and flat surface, and inspect it for any signs of damage or leaks, especially if it has been stored for a long time.
To open the drum using the wrench, locate the bung holes, which are the openings where you can insert tools or pumps to access the contents. Plastic drums typically have two bung holes. Use the drum wrench to tighten the ring clamp around the bung, ensuring a secure fit. Once the wrench is in place, you can start to open the drum by turning the bolt on the bung cap counterclockwise. This will gradually loosen the cap, allowing you to access the contents of the drum.
After opening the drum, remember to reattach the bung plug and tighten it using the drum wrench. This will ensure that the drum is properly sealed and secure for future use or disposal. Always handle the drum with care and follow proper procedures for handling hazardous materials if applicable.
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Filling the drum with water
Filling a 55-gallon plastic drum with water is a straightforward process, but it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety and avoid any potential hazards. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fill a 55-gallon plastic drum with water:
Prepare the Drum:
Before filling the drum with water, it's essential to ensure that it is clean and free from any contaminants. If the drum previously held other substances, it should be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned to avoid any residual odours or chemicals affecting the water. It is not recommended to use a reconditioned poly drum for filling water, as there may be some permeation of the plastic from previous contents. Look for a blue plastic drum, as this colour typically indicates that the polyethylene used is FDA- and USDA-compliant.
Gather Your Supplies:
You will need a water source, such as a hose or a large container of water, and any necessary adapters or fittings to connect the water source to the drum. Make sure you have personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself during the filling process.
Start Filling:
Place the drum in a stable and level location to avoid accidental spills. Connect your water source to the drum, ensuring a secure and tight fit to prevent leaks. Slowly turn on the water supply and begin filling the drum. Keep a close eye on the filling process to avoid overfilling, as a 55-gallon drum filled with water can weigh between 460 to 500 pounds (209 to 227 kilograms).
Secure and Store:
Once the drum is filled to the desired level, securely close the drum using its corresponding lid or bung. Store the drum in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Label the drum clearly to indicate that it contains water and include any relevant dates or additional information.
Safety Considerations:
When filling the drum with water, it is crucial to consider the weight of the filled drum and ensure that it is stored in a safe location that can handle the weight. Additionally, if the water is intended for specific purposes, such as drinking water, ensure that the drum is suitable for food-grade use and has been properly sanitised.
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Using a chisel and hammer
To open a 55-gallon plastic drum using a chisel and hammer, you must first ensure that you are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and that the drum is securely positioned and cannot roll or move during the process. This is especially important when dealing with hazardous materials.
Next, locate the bung holes or bung nuts. Plastic drums usually have two bung holes, which are openings where you can insert a tool to access the contents. If your drum has a bung nut, use the hammer and chisel to tap on its edges until it loosens. Be careful not to damage the nut, as this may render the drum unusable. Once the bung nut is loose, remove and set it aside.
If you are simply removing the bung nut to access the contents of the drum, you can tilt the drum slightly to pour them out, being careful not to spill or splash. However, if your goal is to cut the top off of the drum, you can use the hammer and chisel to create holes around the drum's circumference, perforating it. You can then use bolt cutters to cut through the perforated line.
When cutting the top off of a 55-gallon plastic drum, it is recommended to fill the drum with water first to reduce the chance of sparks igniting the contents. This is a safety precaution to prevent accidents or spills. Additionally, always ensure that you handle the drum with care, especially if it previously contained flammable substances.
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Using a cutting wheel or saw
Prepare the Work Area and Gather Tools
Before you begin, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a face shield. Make sure the work area is well-ventilated, and if possible, work outdoors. Gather the tools you will need, such as a reciprocating saw (also known as a Sawzall), angle grinder, or jigsaw.
Choose the Cutting Location
The plastic near the top of the drum is usually thicker and harder to cut through. Consider making the incision an inch below the seam connecting the vertical wall from the horizontal surface. Alternatively, you can cut off the bottom of the drum, which is made of thinner plastic, but keep in mind that this will create a spout that may be challenging to seal.
Create a Guide for Straight Cuts
If you want straight cuts, use a big sheet of paper to draw your cut lines. Wrap the paper around the drum, and use chalk or masking tape to mark the lines. You can also clamp 2x4s along the sides of the drum as a guide for your saw.
Make an Initial Hole (Optional)
If you are using a Sawzall or a similar reciprocating saw, you will need to create an initial hole in the drum large enough for the blade to fit through. This hole should be about 3/4" wide. Drilling this hole can be challenging, so take your time and be careful.
Cut the Drum
Once you have made the initial hole or positioned your saw against the surface, begin cutting. Hold the saw horizontally, with the blade teeth facing down, and apply gentle pressure. The blade will find its groove and cut through the plastic. If using an angle grinder with a cutting wheel, follow your marked lines and apply firm but not excessive side pressure to avoid shattering the wheel.
Smooth the Edges
After cutting, you may want to smooth the edges to remove any burrs or sharp corners. You can use a cheap grinder with a flap disc or a grinding disc for this purpose. Be sure to wear protective gear during this process as well.
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Using a drum deheader
A drum deheader is a specialised tool designed to safely remove the lid of a 55-gallon drum. It creates a clean, smooth edge on the opening, eliminating sharp or jagged metal that could cause injuries. Drum deheaders are available in manual and electric models, both of which are lightweight and portable.
Manual deheaders are operated by hand and require physical effort to cut through the drum lid. They are most commonly designed for steel drums with a thickness of up to 16 gauge. They typically have an adjustable gripping mechanism that allows them to be used by both right-handed and left-handed operators. To use a manual deheader, hold the knife at a 30-degree angle for thin sheets and up to a 60-degree angle for thicker sheets. Belt the top of the blade with a hammer, sliding the blade continuously towards you. This will create a smooth and neat cut.
Electric deheaders, on the other hand, are motorized and automate the cutting process. They are generally faster and less labour-intensive than manual deheaders. An electric drum deheader is a motorized tool typically guided around the circumference of the drum. As it moves, it cuts the lid and folds the metal inward towards the rim of the drum, creating a smooth, finished edge.
When choosing between a manual and electric deheader, consider the type of drum you are working with (steel, plastic, or fibre), the frequency of use (electric may be more efficient for frequent use), and the presence of hazardous materials (spark-resistant tools may be required). It is important to prioritize safety when opening 55-gallon drums, especially if they previously contained flammable or toxic substances.
In addition to drum deheaders, other tools such as air chisels, jigsaws, and pipe wrenches can also be used to open 55-gallon drums. However, these methods may require additional steps to ensure a smooth edge and safe handling.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to open a 55-gallon plastic drum. One way is to use a drum wrench, such as the Barrel Buddy II, which is designed to open plastic drums. Another way is to use a hammer and a sharp chisel to walk around the drum without lifting the chisel out of the cut.
A drum wrench is a tool that is designed to open and close drums with bungs or plugs. They come in various materials and can also work as a bung wrench, ring wrench, and faucet wrench.
If the drum previously contained any flammable substances, it is important to take precautions to avoid sparks and open flames. Filling the drum with water or sand before cutting it open can help to prevent fires or explosions. It is also important to wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, glasses, and coveralls.
In addition to drum wrenches and chisels, other tools that can be used to open a 55-gallon plastic drum include a jig saw, an air chisel, a cutting wheel, or a drill.
