Steel Drums

A steel drum is a cylindrical metal container used to ship and store bulk liquids, powders and semi-solids—most commonly chemicals, petrochemicals, lubricants, paints and coatings, and food products. Steel drums provide exceptional strength and durability, which makes them the standard choice for transporting hazardous products. Mauser has manufactured steel drums for over 110 years.

An open-head steel drum has a completely removable lid, so the product can be easily accessed. A tight-head steel drum has a non-removable lid with fixed fittings, so the product is pumped in and out. Open-head drums suit paints, coatings and solids; tight-head drums are the staple of the petroleum, chemical and food production industries. Mauser manufactures both in 55-gallon sizes in North America and 208-240 liters internationally.

The standard dimensions of our 55-gallon / 208 liter tight-head and open-head drums are: 
• Large Open-Head Steel Drum: 55G / 208L – 23.4252" (595mm) x 34.3701" (873mm)
• Large Tight-Head Steel Drum: 55G/208L – 23.4252" (595mm) x 34.3701" (873mm) – 34.685" (881mm)

Yes. Mauser steel drums are UN-rated for both solid and liquid filling goods across the large open head, large tight head and intermediate ranges. Composite steel drums are UN-rated for packaging groups I, II and III. Reconditioned steel drums are available in UN-rated and non-UN options.

Mauser steel drums range from 6.5–55 gallons / 20–240 liters. Intermediate drums range from 6.5–35 gallons in open- and tight-head variations; large drums are 55 gallons in North America and 208–240 liters internationally. Specialty conical drums run from 5 gallons / 20 liters to 60 gallons / 230 liters and salvage drums hold 300 liters.

Each solves a specific handling problem. Conical drums are tapered so they nest inside one another when empty, reducing transport and storage cost. Composite drums add an interior HDPE liner to a standard steel drum for double protection on hazardous goods. Agitator drums install a paddle-type rod through the cover for mixing, built for the coatings industry. Salvage drums are designed for worst-case scenarios, holding leaking or damaged packaging in a 300 liter seam-welded body with a clamping ring and lever closure.

Yes. Steel is infinitely recyclable, and post-use Mauser steel drums are collected through Recover Syst-M, Mauser's global empty packaging collection program, then either reconditioned for a second life or recycled. Mauser collects drums from most major manufacturers, not only its own.

Steel drums are used across construction, food and beverage, industrial chemicals, paints, coatings, inks and dyes, petrochemicals and lubricants, and pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Configuration follows the industry—tight-head drums for pumped liquids in petroleum and chemicals, open-head drums for coatings and solids, agitator drums for products that need mixing.

Contact the Mauser Customer Support Team directly through the Contact Us page and a specialist will help you specify the right configuration—head type, size, wall thickness, lining, closure and UN-rating—for your product and your shipping requirements. Custom decoration, including silk screen and full-color digital printing through the ProDigi Series, can be specified at the same time.