55 Gallon Steel Drums

DURABLE. RELIABLE. BUILT FOR THE TOUGHEST JOBS.

55 Gallon Steel Drums

Choose the head style and lining for your fill

Compare open-head and closed-head 55 gallon steel drums for your filling and dispensing process. Tell us what you are packaging, the required lining and closure, and whether a UN-rated configuration is needed so our team can quote the appropriate drum.

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Cold-Rolled Steel

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UN/DOT Rated

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Open & Closed Head

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Leak-Tight Closures

Overview

Built for industrial duty

Heavy-gauge cold-rolled steel drums engineered to UN/DOT standards, available in open-head and closed-head styles for solvents, lubricants, corrosive chemicals, and hazardous waste across chemical, petroleum, and manufacturing operations.

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UN-Rated Performance

Open- and closed-head drums certified for Packing Groups I, II, and III hazardous liquids.

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Maximum Durability

Heavy-gauge steel with rolling hoops for superior stacking strength and impact resistance.

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Versatile Closures

Available in open-head and closed-head styles with 2" and 3/4" bung fittings.

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Protective Linings

Phenolic, epoxy, or lacquer interior coatings safeguard against corrosion and contamination.

Specifications

Specifications & options

Nominal capacity

55 U.S. gallons

Material

Steel

Head options

Open head or closed head

Open-head closures

Clamping lock or bolt ring

Interior options

Unlined, rust inhibitor, epoxy or epoxy-phenolic lining

Color options

Black, white or blue; custom colors and printing available

Condition options

New or reconditioned

UN-rated options

Available within the supplier range

Published options cover a configurable product range; not every option is available together. The selected model determines dimensions, empty weight and the final assembly. UN-rated assemblies must be selected for the contents and used with their specified closures.

View supplier specifications →

Common Uses

What 55 gallon drums carry

Acids & Caustics

Paints & Coatings

Industrial Chemicals

Food-Grade Ingredients

Liquid Fertilizers

Hazardous Liquids

Water Treatment Chemicals

Agricultural Chemicals

Waste & Recovery Materials

How to spec yours

Configure the right drum

Define the contents

Provide the formulation, intended fill, density, temperature and contact duration.

Choose access and dispensing

Specify the required opening, closure, seal and discharge connection for the process.

Confirm documents and samples

Review lining and seal compatibility with your formulation. Confirm any required UN rating on the exact drum assembly rather than assuming it from the material.

Agree the supply specification

Review the supplier reference, drawing, documentation, quantities and delivery terms before ordering.

Compare

Compare drum types

Type

Best For

Key Benefit

Consideration

Steel Drums

Formulations compatible with the selected lining and seals

Rigid construction with open- and tight-head options

Confirm corrosion resistance and transport rating on the chosen assembly

Stainless Steel Drums

Applications specifying steel grade and surface finish

Reusable configurations with defined material specifications

Confirm compatibility and cleaning conditions; stainless steel is not universally corrosion-proof

HDPE Plastic Drums

Contents compatible with the chosen HDPE and seals

Plastic drum with opening and closure options

Temperature limits and any rating depend on the design

Natural HDPE Drums

Processes benefiting from fill-level visibility

Translucent color option

Review food-contact documentation and light sensitivity separately

Black HDPE Drums

Applications preferring an opaque drum

Opaque color option

Black color alone does not demonstrate UV stabilization

Fiber Drums

Dry powders, granules and bulk solids

Fiberboard body with liner and cover options

Confirm load, moisture exposure and handling limits

Related Products

Explore other drums

FAQ

55 gallon drum FAQs

Which details define this drum configuration?

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Review lining and seal compatibility with your formulation. Confirm any required UN rating on the exact drum assembly rather than assuming it from the material.

Are the dimensions and weight fixed for this range?

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No. This is a configurable range page. Request the current supplier drawing for the selected reference; confirm dimensions, empty weight, rated loading and fittings before ordering.

Is food-contact or UN documentation included for every option?

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Requirements depend on the application and the selected components. Specify the required documentation with the inquiry and confirm the complete assembly before purchase.

What is the minimum order and lead time?

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Quantity, manufacturing options, container condition and delivery location affect the quotation. Confirm current minimum order and lead time for the chosen configuration with Novvia.

Still deciding?

Not sure which container is right?

Our packaging specialists will help you match the ideal container to your product, storage, and compliance needs. We stock and ship nationwide.