Can Opener, Anyone?

[thaddy1978]

I have access to several FREE barrels, but they are all sealed (with the exception of the bung on top). What is the best way to open one in such a way that I can put the lid on again?

 

[sprky]

cut off wheel is my only sugestion

 

[jd1983]

I used a grinder to grind down the side of the lid until the seam where the top and bottom of the barrel showed.  Once you get to that point, you can use a chisel to pop it open and you have a lid for the UDS until you can get a dome lid.

 

[sunman76]

 yep

 

[solaryellow]

I have used an air chisel, sawzall, and a grinder. Of the three the air chisel was the fastest and easiest for me. A plasma cutter would have been better but I don't own one.

 

[pit 4 brains]

I have used an air chisel, sawzall, and a grinder. Of the three the air chisel was the fastest and easiest for me. A plasma cutter would have been better but I don't own one.

Ditto on the air chisel. They aren't terribly expensive either..

 

[rhinoliner]

If you were down here I'd let you borrow my Wesco drum deheader.  It works just like a can opener.

 

[hdflame]

If you were down here I'd let you borrow my Wesco drum deheader.  It works just like a can opener.

Didn't know there was such a thing till you mentioned it, sooooo........I Googled it!

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317597_200317597

Not bad for the price!

 

[garyt]

This was E mailed to me because I have access to these also, may try one today.

Before attempting this remeber it is dangerous and many people have been killed or maimed cutting drums up, if in doubt make sure its empty and then fill it with water before grinding or take it to someone that knows what there doing.

I used a 4inch angle grinder and ground away the side of the top bead



Keep grinding until you can cleary see 3 edges.

I used an old chisel to separate the lid from the drum and only had to tap it in about 3 or 4 places then twist and the lid fell out.



the drums I'm using have a nice snug fit 3/4 inch deep lid that should seal up nice and tight.
next its time to grind away all the sharp edges, finish off by hand using emery paper.

 

[garyt]

I will try to post pictures
 

I used a grinder to grind down the side of the lid until the seam where the top and bottom of the barrel showed.  Once you get to that point, you can use a chisel to pop it open and you have a lid for the UDS until you can get a dome lid.