Help removing the lid from a 55 gallon sealed drum

[J.A.G]

Someone gave me a 55 gallon drum today that does not have a liner in it. the only problem is that it is sealed. The lid looks like it is crimped on somehow. Has anyone ever removed the lid from a drum like this and how did you do it? Also the drum had some type of petroleum oil in it, was is the best way of removing it to make it sake to smoke with?

[lucky8926]

Here ya go....

http://www.theqjoint.com/forum/showp...22&postcount=1

[h20loo]

Determine volatility of petroleum product. A spark could get you on the dum bass videos. Before you take the top off you need to determine what lid or BBQ lid you will use and cut accordingly.

[BluDawg]

No matter the method used to de head the drum the "Lip" needs to remain intact so that what ever your lid choice it will; A) fit properly and maintain the structural integrity of the drum walls.
The easiest way to de head one is to use a cold chisel and a hammer. Drill a 2 1/4" holes 180 deg apart in the top of the drum against the lip. Place the corner of the chisels cutting edge in the hole and slowly cut trough the metal maintaining a smooth continuous cut.to the next hole. Go back to the first hole and cut in the opposite direction back to the second hole. This will eliminate any sharp edge at your start and stop point. I can cut the head out of a drum in about 5 min using this method leaving a clean edge. Work slowly and use lit blows to keep the cut accurate. *if you keep the top of the chisels cutting edge canted slightly toward the center it will be easier to maintain a continuous cut.

[SmokyOkie]

Is it a tight head drum, or a removable head that has been crimped. Frequently they give a slight crimp on removable head just to keep them from coming of during shipment.

If it is a crimped removable head, judt grab the lip with a pair of channel locks and pry to uncrimp it.

If it is a tight head drum, the grinding methot works well and preserves the head for use as a lid.

By all means though, DO NOT start grinding until you have made sure there is no explosion hazard. People are killed that way several times a year.

[lucky8926]

Is it a tight head drum, or a removable head that has been crimped. Frequently they give a slight crimp on removable head just to keep them from coming of during shipment.

If it is a crimped removable head, judt grab the lip with a pair of channel locks and pry to uncrimp it.

If it is a tight head drum, the grinding methot works well and preserves the head for use as a lid.

By all means though, DO NOT start grinding until you have made sure there is no explosion hazard. People are killed that way several times a year.

If you want to re-use the lid, you will have to grind it off. If you use the chisel method inside the lip you will have to use something else for a lid.