What to Know Before Buying New or Reconditioned Steel Drums

Steel drums are used across many industries because they provide a durable and dependable option for storing, handling, and transporting materials. However, not every drum is built for the same purpose. Before searching for steel drums to buy, it is important to understand the differences between available designs, conditions, linings, and ratings.

New vs. Reconditioned Steel Drums

New steel drums are manufactured from unused materials and can be selected to meet specific product, shipping, or regulatory requirements. They may be preferred when a business needs a particular lining, closure system, color, thickness, or UN rating.

Reconditioned steel drums have already completed at least one service cycle but are carefully processed so they can be used again. During reconditioning, drums are inspected and sorted before being cleaned, reshaped, tested, refinished, and reassembled. Drums that cannot be safely returned to service can instead be recycled as scrap metal.

Reconditioned drums can offer businesses a practical way to lower packaging expenses while keeping usable steel containers in circulation. However, the drum must still be appropriate for the material being stored or transported. A reconditioned drum should never be selected based on price alone.

Open-Head and Tight-Head Drums

When comparing metal drums to buy, one of the first choices is between an open-head and tight-head design.

Open-head drums have a removable lid secured with a lever-lock or bolt ring. This design provides easy access to the inside of the container and is commonly considered for solid, semi-solid, or thicker materials.

Tight-head drums have a permanently attached top with smaller fittings used for filling and dispensing. They are commonly considered for compatible liquids and other materials that do not require the entire top to be removed.

Steel drums may also be lined or unlined. Because different products can react differently with steel or interior coatings, buyers should clearly explain what the drum will contain before choosing a container.

Look Beyond the Drum’s Size

Capacity is only one part of selecting the right drum. Businesses may also need to consider:

• The material being placed inside

• Whether the contents are solid or liquid

• Open-head or tight-head construction

• Interior lining and gasket compatibility

• Drum thickness and closure type

• Shipping, storage, and handling requirements

• Whether a regulated or non-regulated container is required

When looking for steel drums to buy, working with an experienced container supplier can help prevent costly mistakes. Dallas Steel Drums offers new and reconditioned industrial containers in multiple sizes, configurations, and colors. Since 1963, the company has served businesses throughout Texas and surrounding regions with steel drums, poly drums, pails, reconditioning, and recycling services.

Contact Dallas Steel Drums to discuss your contents, intended use, quantity, and transportation requirements. Their team can help you identify a container suited to the job rather than leaving you to guess.