Industrial drums also known as 55 gallon drums are ideal for many industries. Though the standard size is 55 gallons other sizes may be available. Oil barrels are 42 gallons and some water barrels are 30 gallons, among other sizes. Each variety of drum has useful advantages. The three variations of drums are steel, plastic and fiber drums. Steel or metal drums as they are sometimes called are used to contain more hazardous products and liquids. The durability and strength of the steel make it the best choice of the three materials. Some have open tops and others have a welded top with a hole to fill and discard what is being held in the drum. Plastic drums are still used for liquid, but more often food grade products. The plastic is still durable and strong, but because it does not risk the option of rusting, plastic is typically the best choice. Fiber drums on the other hand do not carry liquids or hazardous waste. They are usually used for dry goods. They are the best at keeping the moisture out of the drum. The fiberboard does not allow for condensation thus keeping the products inside dry. Fiber drums which are usually treated as the “weakest” in weight capacity are able to easily hold 400-600 pounds!
