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Buy Used Metal Drums in Nokesville, VA

69 listings · Available Listings near Nokesville, VA

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69 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Nokesville, VA. Prices range from $0.01 to $84.00 per unit.

About Nokesville

Nokesville Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums

Save Money on Quality Metal Drums in Nokesville, VA - Your Complete Buying Guide

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find cheap, reliable used metal drums near you, how to pick the right ones, and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

You can save 50-80% compared to new drums. A new 55-gallon steel drum costs $80-120. A used one? Often just $10-20.

Used drums work great for:

  • Storing water for gardens or livestock

  • Making burn barrels for yard waste

  • Creating planters for large plants

  • Storing non-food liquids in workshops

  • Rain water collection

What Types of Metal Drums Can You Find?

Open-head drums have removable lids. Think of a large paint can. The lid comes off completely so you can put solid things inside or clean it easily.

Tight-head drums are sealed except for small openings (called bungs) on top. These work better for liquids because they don't leak as easily.

Most drums hold 55 gallons. That's about 7 cubic feet - enough space for a small refrigerator.

Example: If you want to collect rainwater, get an open-head drum. You can easily install a spigot and clean out leaves. For storing used motor oil, a tight-head drum prevents spills.

How to Choose the Right Drum

Step 1: Know What You're Storing

  • Water or food: Only use drums that held food products before

  • Chemicals: Get drums with proper interior coatings

  • Solid materials: Open-head drums work best

  • Liquids: Tight-head drums prevent leaks

Step 2: Check the Drum's History

Ask what was stored in the drum before. Never use drums that held:

  • Pesticides

  • Paint or solvents

  • Unknown chemicals

Safe previous contents include:

  • Food products (syrup, juice, etc.)

  • Soap or detergent

  • Water-based products

Step 3: Inspect Before Buying

Look for:

  • Rust: Small rust spots are okay, but avoid drums with holes

  • Dents: Large dents can weaken the drum

  • Lid fit: Make sure the lid seals properly

  • Smell: Strong chemical odors mean the drum isn't clean

Safety Tips

Always wear gloves when handling used drums. The edges can be sharp.

Clean thoroughly before use. Even "food-grade" drums need washing.

Check local rules about storing liquids in drums. Some areas have restrictions.

Simple Buying Process

Decide what you need: Storage type, size, how many drums

Call ahead: Check availability and prices

Inspect in person: Don't buy without seeing the drum

Arrange transport: Drums are heavy - bring a truck or trailer

Clean before use: Even clean drums need a final rinse

Bottom Line

You can find good used metal drums in Nokesville for $10-20 each. Start with specialized drum dealers for the best balance of price and quality. Avoid scrap yards unless you're comfortable with extensive cleaning and repairs.

For most people, spending $15-20 on a decent used drum from a reputable dealer beats the hassle of a $5 scrap yard drum that needs hours of work.

Remember: The cheapest drum isn't always the best deal if it doesn't work for your needs or requires expensive repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are standard 55-gallon drum dimensions?

A closed-head 55-gallon steel drum is 22.5" in diameter and 33.5" tall and weighs 38 to 48 lbs empty; the open-head version is about 34.75" tall because of the bolt ring and weighs 45 to 55 lbs. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 28.5" (22 to 30 lbs) and a 16-gallon drum 15" x 26.5" (15 to 20 lbs). The 85-gallon overpack, 27" x 39", is for containing a damaged drum.

What is the difference between open-head and tight-head drums?

A tight-head drum has a sealed top with 2" and 3/4" bungs and is for liquids. An open-head drum has a removable lid held by a bolt ring or lever lock and is for solids, pastes, and anything you scoop out. Lined drums add an epoxy or phenolic interior for corrosive or food-grade contents.

What is a reconditioned drum?

A reconditioned drum has been professionally cleaned, tested, and certified for reuse, and is the grade to buy when the drum will hold product again, provided the new contents are compatible with what it held before and any hazmat use has a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. Used drums are sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suit non-critical storage. Damaged drums are sold for scrap value only; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 33.5" closed-head or 34.75" open-head height separately.

Can a used steel drum hold food or drinking water?

Only a lined, reconditioned drum that was previously food-grade and that the reconditioner certifies for food or potable use; the grade alone is not enough. An unlined drum that held oil, solvents, or chemicals cannot be made food-safe by cleaning. Listings state the last contents when the seller knows them, so filter by prior contents before buying a 55-gallon drum for potable use.

How many drums fit on a truck?

Empty 55-gallon drums: a 53-foot dry van carries 104 single-tier on 26 drum pallets of 4, 208 double-stacked, or 200 or more loose and tight-packed. Filled with water, weight governs: about 84 drums on 21 pallets reach the 45,000-lb payload. An 85-gallon overpack is 27" across, so only 2 fit on a 48" drum pallet.