Open Head Steel Drums with Bolt Ring & Lever Lock Covers

Bolt ring or lever lock: which closure is better?

A bolt ring is the better choice for shipping and long-term storage, because the bolt pulls the ring tight around the cover and holds it under steady pressure. A lever lock ring is better when you open the drum often, since it clamps and releases by hand in seconds without tools.

Several drums here use a 12 gauge bolt ring with a 4" bolt and 5/8" nut. For UN shipments, tighten the bolt to the closing instructions with a calibrated torque wrench.

Sizes From 5 to 55 Gallons

• 5 and 10 gallon: small drums such as the 5 gallon black steel drum with bolt ring and the 10 gallon open head drum for samples, kits and small batches.
• 16 gallon (61 L): the 16 gallon steel drum is a compact option for waste collection and overpacks of smaller containers.
• 30 gallon (114 L): lined and unlined versions, including the 30 gallon black drum with white cover.
• 55 gallon (208 L): the full-size drum in lined, unlined, new and reconditioned grades, such as the blue 55 gallon drum with two 2" fittings.

Covers With Fittings

Many covers include 2" and 3/4" fittings. That lets you pump or pour liquid through the lid and vent the drum while keeping the full opening available for filling and cleanout. Plain covers without fittings suit dry solids.

Lined or Unlined?

Unlined drums handle oils, greases and other non-corrosive products. Lined drums, with tan phenolic, epoxy or mocha coatings, protect water-based or more reactive products from bare steel. The product page lists each lining.

Reconditioned Open Head Drums

Reconditioned drums are cleaned and refurbished and may show minor scratches. Choose one with a UN rating for regulated goods, like the reconditioned 55 gallon drum with lever lock ring, or one without a rating for parts storage and burn barrels.

Need a sealed top for thin liquids? See tight head steel drums or browse all steel drums and barrels. Add drum trolleys, heaters and spill pallets, or contact us for volume pricing.

Open Head Steel Drum FAQs

What is an open head steel drum used for?

Open head steel drums hold solids, powders, pastes, paints, adhesives and waste, plus liquids that are too thick to pump through a bung.

Does an open head steel drum come with a lid?

Yes. Each drum is listed with its cover and closure ring, either a bolt ring or a lever lock ring, except reconditioned drums sold as no cover.

What does UN1A2 mean?

UN1A2 identifies a steel drum with a removable head. The letters and numbers that follow show the packing groups, the maximum gross mass for solids or specific gravity for liquids the drum is approved for.

Can I store liquids in an open head steel drum?

Yes, as long as the cover and gasket are properly closed and the drum's UN rating covers liquids if you plan to ship it. For thin liquids, a tight head drum seals more reliably.