Open Head Plastic Drums with Removable Lids

Which lid closure should I choose for an open head drum?

Pick a metal lever lock ring for everyday storage and frequent opening, since it seals and releases in seconds. Pick a bolt ring when the drum will ship full or sit on a truck, because it holds the cover under steady tension. Choose a plastic lever lock when you want no metal parts touching the drum.

Sizes and Styles

• 8 to 21 gallon: compact drums for samples, small batches and lab packs, including the 14 gallon blue taper sided drum and white drums with handles and tamper-evident screw-on lids such as the 9 gallon white screw-top drum.
• 30 gallon (114 L): a manageable size for one person to move when partly full, available taper or straight sided.
• 55 and 57 gallon (208 to 216 L): the workhorse sizes. The 57 gallon blue drum with bolt ring adds a little headroom over a standard 55.
• 77 gallon (291 L): the 77 gallon blue open head drum is the largest drum in the range for bulky solids and overpack use.

Taper Sided vs. Straight Sided

Taper sided drums nest when empty, which cuts return-freight and storage space. Black taper sided drums are often used as lab packs for consolidating smaller containers. Straight sided drums hold their full diameter top to bottom and pack tightly on a pallet but do not nest.

Covers With Fittings

Some covers include 2" and 3/4" threaded fittings, so you can pour, vent or add a pump without removing the lid. The 57 gallon black drum with fitted cover is a good fit for liquids you want to dispense slowly while keeping full-lid access for cleaning.

UN Ratings for Solids and Liquids

Open head drums carry a UN1H2 code. A rating ending in "/S", such as UN1H2/Y180/S, approves the drum for solids up to the stated gross mass in kilograms. Check the code on the product page against your shipping paperwork before filling with regulated goods.

Reconditioned and Bulk Options

For non-food use, a reconditioned 55 gallon black drum keeps costs down. Higher-volume buyers can order metric drums by the pack, like the 220 liter (58 gallon) drum pack of 8. Need liquid-tight shipping instead? Compare tight head plastic drums, or return to all plastic drums and barrels. For pallet quantities, contact us for a quote.

Open Head Plastic Drum FAQs

What is an open head plastic drum used for?

Open head drums suit anything you need to reach into: powders, pellets, food ingredients, thick liquids, waste and spill kits. The removable cover also makes them easy to clean and reuse.

Are open head drums liquid tight?

With the gasketed cover properly closed, they hold liquids for storage. For shipping free-flowing liquids, a tight head drum gives a more secure seal.

Do the drums come with lids?

Yes. Each open head drum is listed with its cover and closure, such as a lever lock ring, bolt ring or screw-on lid. Check the product title for the exact closure.

Can I use these drums for food?

Many new open head drums are made from FDA-compliant, food-grade HDPE, as noted on the product page. Do not use reconditioned drums for food.