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Tight Head Steel Drums

Durable Tight Head Steel Drums for Secure Storage

Protect your products with our strong tight head steel drums, designed for safe and reliable storage. Our tight head steel drums come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5 gallons up to 55 gallons. These drums have a closed top with a lid that is not removable. Fittings, which are typically at the top of the drum, provide access to the product inside. Tight head drums are suitable for lower viscosity liquids such as fragrances or beverages, and UN rated tight heads are applicable with hazardous materials. New and reconditioned steel drums are available, as well as lined and unlined options. View our Color Chart for additional drum colors. Check out our Guide to Steel Drums to learn more!

Please note: Reconditioned Drums are not FDA approved for food or pharmaceutical storage.

Product Sourcing - Trying to find a specific drum? We can help! The Cary Product Sourcing Team will work with you to find the best solution available. -- Call 630.629.6600!

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What Is a Tight Head Steel Drum?

Tight head steel drums, also known as tight head barrels, are steel containers with a permanent, non-removable top. Designed to be completely sealed, tight head drums are ideal for storing and transporting liquids and semi-liquids. Tight head steel drums typically have one or two small openings for filling and dispensing products, which are sealed with plugs.

 What Are the Five Types of Steel Drums?

The five types of steel drums are tight head, open head, salvage, stainless steel, and reconditioned.

Tight head steel drums have a non-removable top. Tight head drums are commonly used for storing lower viscosity liquids. Their secure design also makes them ideal for transporting hazardous chemicals and other sensitive materials.

Open head steel drums have a removable lid that is secured with a bolt or lever lock ring closure. Open head drums are ideal for solids and thicker liquids such as oils, syrups, and absorbents. These types of drums are commonly used for frequent filling and dispensing.

Steel salvage drums are designed to contain hazardous materials that are damaged, defective, or leaking. Made to prevent spills and leaks during storage and transport, these drums offer an extra layer of protection.

Stainless steel drums are known for having excellent durability and strength, ideal for storing and transporting solids and thick liquids. These drums have a removable lid that is secured with either a bolt-ring closure or lever lock ring with gasket. 

Reconditioned steel drums are used drums that have been cleaned, repaired, and often repainted to be usable for storage and transportation. Available in both open head and tight head options, these drums can be used for shipping applications that do not need to be FDA compliant.

What Is the Difference Between Open Head and Tight Head Drums?

Tight head drums have fixed lids that are connected to the drum’s body. Product enters and exits the drum through fittings on the lid, making this style great for liquids and semi-liquids.

Open head drums have removable lids, typically secured with a bolt or lever lock ring. Their wide openings make them ideal for transporting solids, powders, and thicker liquids that don’t flow as easily.

Why Choose Cary?

Extensive Selection: The Cary Company offers a wide selection of tight head carbon steel drums, ensuring you can find the ideal fit for your business needs.

Quality Assurance: We ensure all Cary products meet strict quality standards to ensure safety and reliability.

Competitive Pricing: Wholesale and bulk pricing is available for most of our products so that we can be a cost-effective solution for your storage and shipping needs.

Expert Support: Contact our team of experts at 630.629.6600 to get answers on any questions you may have about our tight head drums and to help guide you through your purchase.

What is the best way to ship a tight head steel drum?

It depends on the quantity being shipped, the location, and the size of the drums. Drums in small quantities less than 55 gallon size can ship UPS. Larger quantities of steel drums go either LTL common carrier or truckload.

How many tight head steel drums will fit on a pallet or truck?

The number of steel drums that fit on a single pallet varies depending on the size of the drum and the size of the pallet. For more information, check out <a href="/insights/guides/guide-to-steel-drums">Guide to Steel Drums</a>.

What is a tight head steel drum typically used for?

Tight head steel drums are great for a wide range of transportation and storage applications. Tight head steel drums are typically used with lower viscosity liquids such as fragrances or beverages or even hazardous materials if the drum is UN rated.

What is a tight head steel drum?

Tight head drums, also known as closed head or 1A1 drums, have a secured, non-removable top. Access to a tight head drum typically is via a 2" and 3/4" bung opening in the top of the container.

Are tight head steel drums food grade?

Most of our new lined steel drums are FDA approved for food or pharmaceutical storage. Unlined and reconditioned drums are not FDA approved for food or pharmaceutical storage.
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