Steel Drums for Sale – 55 Gallon Metal Drums & Barrels
Steel drums for sale here run from 5 to 55 gallons in open head and tight head styles, built from carbon steel from 16 to 22 gauge. Pick unlined drums for oils and non-corrosive products, or lined drums with epoxy, phenolic or mocha coatings for more sensitive contents. Most are UN rated, and reconditioned drums are available for budget jobs. Order online and we ship across the United States and Canada.
30 Gallon Steel Drum, Black, UN Rated, Mocha Lined, Black Cover w/Bolt Ring, 2″ & 3/4″ Fittings
In stock
30 Gallon Steel Drum, UN Rated, Lined, Cover wBolt Ring, 2 & 34 Fittings
In stock
5 Gallon Steel Drum, Black, UN Rated, Unlined, Cover w/Bolt Ring and Gasket
In stock
55 Gallon Black Tight Head Steel Drum, Reconditioned, UN Rated, 2″ & 3/4″ Fittings, Lined
In stock
55 Gallon Black Tight Head Steel Drum, UN Rated, 2″ & 3/4″ Fittings, Buna Gasket, Unlined
In stock
Why Choose a Steel Drum?
Steel drums are the standard container for solvents, oils, paints, adhesives and flammable liquids. Steel is rigid, resists puncture, tolerates heat and doesn't soften the way plastic can with certain hydrocarbons. A full 55 gallon steel drum can be stacked, rolled on its rolling hoops and moved with standard drum handling equipment.
Do I need a lined or unlined steel drum?
Use an unlined steel drum for petroleum oils, lubricants, fuels and other non-corrosive, non-aqueous products. Choose a lined drum when the contents are water-based, mildly acidic or alkaline, or sensitive to contamination, because the interior coating keeps the product off bare steel and slows rust from the inside.
The linings in this category include epoxy, tan phenolic (recommended for solvent and acid resistance), clear phenolic and a universal mocha lining. Each product page lists the lining, so match it to your product's compatibility data. Examples: the lined 55 gallon black open head drum and the 30 gallon mocha-lined steel drum.
Open Head vs. Tight Head Steel Drums
Open head steel drums have a removable cover held by a bolt ring or lever lock ring. They suit solids, pastes, viscous liquids and waste. Bolt rings are tightened with a bolt and nut for transport; lever lock rings open faster for frequent access, like the 55 gallon straight sided drum with lever lock ring.
Tight head steel drums have a fixed top with a 2" and a 3/4" fitting. Product is pumped or poured through the 2" opening while the 3/4" opening vents. They are the better choice for shipping thin liquids. Gasket options include Buna, as on the 55 gallon black tight head drum with Buna gasket, poly irradiated gaskets, and nylon fittings.
Sizes and Gauges
| Capacity | Open head | Tight head |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon (19 L) | Yes | No |
| 10 gallon (38 L) | Yes | No |
| 16 gallon (61 L) | Yes | Lined and unlined |
| 20 gallon (76 L) | No | Lined and unlined |
| 30 gallon (114 L) | Lined and unlined | Lined and unlined |
| 55 gallon (208 L) | Lined, unlined, new and reconditioned | Lined, unlined, new and reconditioned |
Gauge describes steel thickness, and a lower number means thicker steel. Drums here are made from 16 to 22 gauge carbon steel, and some use a thinner body than top and bottom (for example 18/22/18). Thicker 16 and 18 gauge bodies handle heavy loads and repeated reuse; 20 gauge drums, such as the red 20 gauge 55 gallon drum, are lighter and cost less. Small sizes like the 5 gallon black steel drum are popular for samples and small batches.
UN Ratings on Steel Drums
Steel drums are coded 1A1 (non-removable head, or tight head) and 1A2 (removable head, or open head). A tight head marked UN1A1/X1.4 is approved for Packing Group I, II and III liquids up to a specific gravity of 1.4. An open head marked UN1A2/X400/S is approved for solids up to 400 kg gross mass in all three packing groups. "Y" ratings cover Packing Groups II and III only. Confirm the code against your safety data sheet before shipping hazardous goods.
New or Reconditioned?
New drums give you a clean interior and a known lining. Reconditioned drums have been cleaned and refurbished; several keep a UN rating, like the reconditioned lined 55 gallon drum. For burn barrels, parts bins and storage where no rating is needed, the reconditioned 55 gallon drum without cover is the lowest-cost option.
Common Uses
- Lubricants, motor oil, hydraulic fluid and fuels
- Paints, coatings, inks and adhesives
- Solvents and flammable liquids
- Hazardous waste collection and overpack
- Bulk storage on farms, job sites and workshops
Related Products
Need corrosion-proof storage for acids or water-based chemicals? Compare plastic drums and barrels. For larger volumes, see IBC totes, and for dry goods, fiber drums. Equip your drum area with drum pumps, drum heaters, trolleys and spill pallets. For pallet or truckload quantities, request a bulk quote, and read our returns policy before ordering.
Steel Drum FAQs
How much does a 55 gallon steel drum hold?
A 55 gallon steel drum holds 55 US gallons, about 208 liters. Leave some headspace when filling liquids to allow for expansion.
What is the difference between 1A1 and 1A2 steel drums?
1A1 is a tight head steel drum with a fixed top and bung fittings. 1A2 is an open head drum with a removable cover and ring. The rest of the UN code tells you the packing groups and limits the drum is approved for.
Are your steel drums food grade?
These steel drums are intended for industrial use, and several product pages state they are not FDA compliant. For food, beverages or drinking water, choose new food-grade plastic drums or new IBC totes instead.
What gauge steel drum should I buy?
For heavy products, shipping or repeated reuse, choose 16 or 18 gauge. For lighter-duty storage at a lower price, 20 gauge is usually enough.
Do you sell steel drums in bulk?
Yes. Contact us with the size, lining and quantity you need and we will prepare a bulk quote for delivery in the US or Canada.
