Choosing the Right Steel Drum for Your Business: A Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose the Right Steel Drum for Your Business Needs

Steel drums are among the most reliable, secure, and versatile containers used across a variety of industries for storage and transport. From hazardous chemicals to food-grade ingredients, the right drum ensures compliance, efficiency, and safety throughout your operations.

At Dallas Steel Drums, we offer both new and reconditioned drums designed to meet a wide range of industrial applications. This guide will help you understand the different types of steel drums available and what to consider when selecting the right container for your business.

Types of Steel Drums and Their Ideal Applications

Open Head Steel Drums (Removable-Lid Drums)

Open head steel drums feature a fully removable top, sealed with a bolt ring or lever lock. This design allows for frequent opening and manual access to contents—ideal for semi-solid or solid materials.

Best Uses:

• Storing or transporting pastes, resins, gels, and viscous materials

• Packaging powders, granules, or bulk solids

• Industrial operations requiring scooping, mixing, or frequent access

Open head drums are perfect for processes that involve manual filling or dispensing, without sacrificing structural integrity or safety.

Closed Head Steel Drums (Tight-Head Drums)

Closed head drums have a sealed, non-removable top with two threaded bung openings for liquid access. These drums are optimized for safe, secure liquid storage and transport.

Best Uses:

• Storing hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids such as solvents and fuels

• Food-grade liquid storage (e.g., syrups, oils, flavorings)

• Applications requiring spill-proof, tamper-resistant containment

Although they don’t allow full access to the drum interior, closed head drums are the preferred choice for fluids due to their leak-resistant design.

New Drums vs. Reconditioned Drums: Which is Right for You?

• Reconditioned Steel DrumsCost-effective and sustainable, reconditioned drums are professionally cleaned, restored, and tested to meet DOT and UN standards. They are ideal for non-sensitive or industrial use where regulatory compliance is still essential but first-use containers aren’t required.

• New Steel DrumsRequired for critical or regulated applications, especially in the food, pharmaceutical, or high-purity chemical sectors. New drums ensure contamination-free performance and meet the most stringent safety guidelines.

What to Consider When Buying Steel Drums

Regulatory Compliance

If your materials fall under HAZMAT regulations, ensure that the drum is UN-rated and DOT-compliant. These certifications indicate that the container has passed key performance tests including:

• Leak prevention

• Drop and pressure resistance

• Chemical compatibility

Always check the UN marking code for guidance on the drum's specific use case.

Lining and Coatings

The internal lining of a steel drum is crucial for material compatibility.

• Epoxy or phenolic linings: Protect against corrosion and are safe for food-grade or chemical use.

• Unlined drums: Best suited for non-corrosive contents like oils, powders, and some solids.

Size and Capacity Options

While the 55-gallon drum is the industry standard, other sizes may better suit your needs:

• 30-gallon drums – Mid-range capacity for smaller operations

• 15-gallon and 5-gallon drums – Ideal for specialty storage or sampling

Consider your handling equipment, space limitations, and material volume when choosing a drum size.

Let Dallas Steel Drums Help You Choose the Right Drum

Selecting the right steel drum ensures the safety of your materials, compliance with industry regulations, and efficiency across your supply chain. Whether you're looking for open head or closed head, new or reconditioned, Dallas Steel Drums is here to help.

We supply high-quality, compliant drums for:

• Chemical and industrial use

• Food-grade storage

• Waste management and recycling

• Agricultural and manufacturing sectors

Contact Dallas Steel Drums today to speak with a storage specialist and explore our selection of steel drums tailored to your specific needs.