Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Cut the Top Off a Steel Drum

Although steel drums are used for storage, the cylinder has surprising versatility. You can cut one in half to make a feeder for animals or cut the front off and cut out notches for a paintball arena structure. Perhaps the steel drum is rusted shut and you need to open it. No matter what reason you have for cutting the top off a steel drum, you don't need to be a master welder or machinist to do it.

Things You'll Need

Drum deheader
No-spark drum deheader
Hammer and chisel
Reciprocating saw

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the steel drum top off with a manual drum deheader designed for that purpose. Insert the blade of the deheader into the lip of the top and clamp the catching mechanism against the side of the drum. Begin pressing the deheader's lever to work the blade around the circumference of the top.
- 2
  Cut the top off with a non-spark drum deheader if there is any concern that the steel drum contained a flammable material such as gasoline. Fill the steel drum with water while cutting or power wash the inside and immediately begin cutting, If you're still concerned.
- 3
  Cut the top off the steel drum with a hammer and chisel. Wedge the point of the chisel into the crevice between the steel top and the sides. Hammer the butt of the chisel. Use a mallet instead of a hammer if the noise is too loud.
- 4
  Cut the top off the steel drum with a reciprocating saw by inserting the blade into the top of the drum. Only use a metal blade rated for cutting steel.

Other Hobbies