Maya Ellison
Blue plastic drums are used for a variety of purposes, including rain barrels, composters, and storage of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. They typically have a capacity of 55 gallons and feature different types of lids and openings, such as open-head or tight-head designs. To open a blue plastic drum, one might need to use specific tools or methods depending on the type of lid and seal it has. Some drums have lids that can be removed and replaced, while others might require cutting with tools like a jigsaw or reciprocating saw to access their contents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volume | 55 gallons |
| Colour | Blue |
| Lid | Plain |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
| Plug type | NPT, Buttress, NPS |
| Gasket type | EPDM with a 3/4″ centre reducer |
| Diaphragm | Plastic |
| UN rating | UN1H1/Y1.8/100 |
| Packing groups | II and III |
| Use case | Suitable for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids |
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What You'll Learn
Use a jigsaw around the inner edge
Using a jigsaw to open a blue plastic drum is a popular method, and it can be an effective way to achieve a precise cut. To begin, you will need to drill a hole in the plastic drum that is large enough for the jigsaw blade to fit through. A hole of around 3/4" wide should be sufficient.
It is important to take safety precautions when using power tools. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, gloves, and safety glasses, to shield yourself from hot plastic chips and debris. Ensure that you are also wearing appropriate footwear and that the work area is clear of any tripping hazards.
With the jigsaw blade inserted through the hole, you can begin cutting along the inner edge of the drum's lid. Take your time and work carefully to achieve a precise cut. The more precise your cut is, the less cleanup you will have to do afterward. If possible, follow a marked line to ensure a straight cut.
Depending on the thickness of the plastic, you may need to use a special blade designed for cutting plastic. Using the correct blade will help you achieve a cleaner cut and minimize the risk of the blade binding or breaking. If you are concerned about the blade binding, you can also try using a lubricant, such as wax, on the blade to reduce friction.
Using a jigsaw to open a blue plastic drum is a feasible method, and with the right tools, safety precautions, and techniques, you can effectively cut along the inner edge of the lid to create an opening.
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Cut with a reciprocating saw
To open a blue plastic drum with a reciprocating saw, you will need to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and that of those around you. Before you begin, make sure you are wearing protective gear, including gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses. It is also recommended to wear a cap or hair covering to prevent plastic shards from getting into your hair.
Now, let's discuss the steps to cut through the blue plastic drum using a reciprocating saw:
First, you will need to decide where to make the cut. If you want to remove the lid, it is recommended to cut just below the rib at the top of the drum. This way, the cut part can slide down over the remaining barrel. Alternatively, you can make a horizontal cut through the vertical sides of the barrel, approximately 10 cm below the top edge. This will result in a complete removal of the top portion of the drum.
Once you have decided on the cutting position, you can proceed with the reciprocating saw. If your drum does not have an existing hole, you will need to approach the surface with the blade held horizontally, teeth facing downward. Gently apply pressure, and the blade will find a groove and begin to cut smoothly.
It is recommended to have one person operate the reciprocating saw while another person stabilizes the drum. Place the drum on its side and have one person straddle it, holding it securely. The person operating the saw should start cutting with the blade held horizontally and gradually change the angle to vertical once they have cut all the way through.
After you have made the initial cut, you can trim the edges with a cheap laminate trim bit using a laminate trimmer. Sanding can also help smooth out any rough edges left by the saw.
By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you should be able to successfully open a blue plastic drum using a reciprocating saw.
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Knock out the plastic diaphragm
To knock out the plastic diaphragm of a blue plastic drum, you must first identify what type of drum you have. Blue plastic drums typically come in two varieties: open-head and tight-head.
Open-head drums have a removable lid, which can be taken off completely. These drums are ideal for semi-solids, powders, and thick liquids, as they are easy to fill and empty. If you have an open-head drum, you can simply remove the lid to access the contents.
On the other hand, tight-head drums are completely sealed, except for one or two small openings used for pouring liquids in and out. These openings are sealed with a bung, which is a type of secure stopper. Tight-head drums are considered more secure than open-head drums for transporting liquids.
If you have a tight-head drum, you will need to remove the bung to access the contents. To do this, locate the bung at the top or side of the drum. The bung will have an EPDM gasket and a 3/4" center reducer with a plastic diaphragm that can be knocked out. Use a hammer or a mallet to carefully knock out the plastic diaphragm. Once the diaphragm is removed, you can thread items such as pumps, faucets, spigots, or vent plugs into the opening.
It is important to note that using the wrong type of drum for your purposes can have serious consequences. Always ensure that you are using the correct type of drum for the products you are storing or transporting.
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Use a buttress plug
To open a blue plastic drum, you can use a buttress plug. This method is suitable for 55-gallon blue tight-head plastic drums with 2" NPT and 2" buttress fittings.
The first step is to locate the buttress bung opening on the drum. This will be one of the two 2" openings at the top of the drum, which also includes a buttress plug and an EPDM gasket. Once you have identified the buttress bung opening, you can proceed to remove the buttress plug.
To remove the buttress plug, you may need to use a tool such as a wrench or a pair of pliers. Grip the plug securely with your tool of choice and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. It is important to apply firm and even pressure to avoid slipping or damaging the plug. Once the buttress plug is removed, you can access the contents of the drum through the buttress bung opening.
After accessing the contents, you may need to close the drum again. To do this, simply insert the buttress plug back into the opening and turn it clockwise to screw it tightly into place. Ensure that the plug is securely fastened to prevent any leaks or spills.
Using a buttress plug is a straightforward method for opening and closing blue plastic drums with buttress fittings. It allows for secure storage and convenient access to the contents of the drum. Remember to handle the drum with care and follow any additional instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Cut with a Sawzall
To open a blue plastic drum with a Sawzall, you will first need to drill a hole in the drum. This is because a Sawzall cannot drill into the plastic—it will just "slam into the surface like a woodpecker, making a huge racket but hardly a dent". Therefore, you will need to make a hole that is big enough to fit the Sawzall blade into—about 3/4" wide.
You can then use the Sawzall to cut the drum. One person can sit on top of the drum, straddling it, to hold it in place, while the other uses the Sawzall to slice evenly around the barrel. This cut should take less than a minute all the way around.
It is important to wear protective clothing when using a Sawzall to cut a blue plastic drum. This includes gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses.
Some people prefer to use a jigsaw over a Sawzall, as the latter does not offer much control. However, others have noted that a jigsaw can result in hot plastic getting into your hair and clothes, whereas a Sawzall will only produce some plastic chips.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a jigsaw, a reciprocating saw, or a Sawzall.
If you need to be able to replace the lid, it would be better to find a drum that is built that way, such as one with a clamped barrel top.
The lid is held to the drum body by a lever locking ring.
The blue plastic drums typically have a capacity of 55 gallons.
The drum is suitable for hazardous liquids in Packing groups II and III and non-hazardous liquids such as janitorial supplies, food products, etc.
