Tight Head Plastic Drums for Liquids

When should I use a tight head drum?

Use a tight head drum whenever the contents are a free-flowing liquid that will be pumped, poured or shipped. The top is part of the drum body, so there is no lid gasket to fail, and liquid moves in and out through 2" bungs. If you need to scoop or reach inside, choose an open head drum instead.

Bung Fittings Explained

Most drums here have two 2" openings: one NPS (National Pipe Straight) and one buttress thread. The NPS bung accepts many standard faucets and pump adapters, while the coarse buttress thread is quick to open and close by hand. Use one opening to dispense and the other to vent so the drum drains smoothly. A few smaller drums, such as the 15 gallon white and natural versions, use 2" and 3/4" fittings instead.

Sizes in This Category

• 15 and 20 gallon: easy to lift and pour, with two-handle versions like the 20 gallon blue tight head drum with handles.
• 30 gallon (114 L): a middle size for smaller batches, such as the 30 gallon natural tight head drum.
• 55 gallon (208 L): the industry standard, including the 55 gallon blue straight sided drum and the 55 gallon white tight head drum.

HDPE, HMWPE and PCR Resin

Standard drums are high-density polyethylene. The HMWPE tight head drum uses high molecular weight polyethylene for extra strength in demanding service. The blue drum with PCR contains post-consumer recycled resin for buyers who want recycled content. Color is mostly a matter of identification, though natural drums are unpigmented.

Understanding the UN Code

Tight head plastic drums are marked UN1H1. A full code like UN1H1/Y1.8/100 means the drum is approved for Packing Group II and III liquids up to a specific gravity of 1.8 and was tested at 100 kPa. Heavier liquids need a higher specific gravity rating, so compare the number with your product's density.

New, Reconditioned or Washed?

Buy new for food, beverages and regulated chemicals. Reconditioned drums are cleaned and many retain their UN rating. Washed drums, like the washed 55 gallon blue drum, are a budget pick for rain barrels and non-regulated projects.

Pair your drums with drum pumps and spill containment pallets, browse open head plastic drums or all plastic drums and barrels, or ask for a bulk quote.

Tight Head Plastic Drum FAQs

What does tight head mean on a drum?

A tight head (or closed head) drum has a top that cannot be removed. Product goes in and out through bung openings, which makes it the better choice for liquids.

Can tight head drums be used for food?

Many new tight head drums are made from FDA-compliant, food-grade HDPE, noted on each product page. Reconditioned and washed drums should not be used for food.

How do I get liquid out of a tight head drum?

Thread a drum faucet into one bung with the drum on its side, or insert a hand or rotary drum pump through a bung with the drum upright. Open the second bung slightly to vent.

Do the drums come with bung caps?

Each drum is listed with its 2" fittings, such as NPS and buttress. Check the product title and description for the exact fitting types.