Steel Drum Closure & Assembly Instructions for Safe Shipping
Why Proper Steel Drum Closure Matters
Correct steel drum closure and assembly are critical to maintaining product safety, regulatory compliance, and shipment integrity. Improperly closed steel drums can lead to leaks, contamination, damaged goods, or loss of UN and DOT performance ratings.
This guide outlines North Coast Container (NCC) best practices for closing and assembling new steel drums manufactured by NCC, including openhead drums, tighthead drums, and 55 gallon steel drums used for industrial packaging and hazardous material containers.
These procedures apply only to new steel drums manufactured by North Coast Container and must be followed exactly to ensure rated performance.
Important Safety & Compliance Guidelines
Openhead Steel Drum Closure Instructions
1A2 Openhead Drum Closure Procedure (5/8-Inch Bolt)
Required Torque: 60 ft-lbs
Critical Warning: Do not use the drum if the bolt ring ends touch when torque is applied
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Inspect the gasket
Ensure the gasket is properly seated and remove any residue from the drum curl before installing the cover.
2. Install the cover
Place the cover on the steel drum so the gasket sits evenly against both the drum curl and the cover recess. The gasket must not protrude.
3. Position the bolt ring
Place the bolt ring with lugs positioned below the drum’s top surface. Use a non-sparking mallet or head press to compress the gasket and center the ring.
4. Tighten the bolt
Thread the jam nut and tighten the bolt to 60 ft-lbs. Hammer evenly around the ring circumference while applying torque until it stabilizes.
5. Secure the jam nut
Tighten the jam nut against the unthreaded lug. Verify the ring ends do not touch at full torque.
Bung Closure Procedures for Tighthead Steel Drums
Proper bung installation is essential for tighthead drums used as hazardous material containers.
Bung Closure Steps
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Inspect all bungs and gaskets for damage or twisting
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Hand-thread bungs clockwise until hand tight. Do not cross-thread
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Use a calibrated torque wrench to confirm minimum torque
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Wipe clean all debris or residue
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Apply cap seals if required
Torque tolerance: ±2 ft-lbs
Bung Torque Specifications (As Tested)
Torque requirements vary based on plug type, material, and gasket configuration. NCC-approved torque settings must be followed exactly to maintain steel drum manufacturing performance standards.
Always confirm correct torque for your specific plug and gasket combination prior to shipment.
Additional Assembly & Shipping Requirements
ISO export steel drums are engineered to optimize international shipping efficiency.
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This document must be shared with all personnel responsible for drum filling, closure, and shipping
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For Type 7A packaging, refer to applicable test documentation
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Liners may only be used if UN performance testing confirms liner usage
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It is the shipper’s responsibility to verify proper closure prior to shipment
Download the PDF
For training, audits, or internal documentation, you may also download the printable version:
Why Choose North Coast Container for Steel Drums?
NCC is the largest independent manufacturer of steel drums in North America, delivering reliable steel drum manufacturing, consistent quality, and nationwide service. Our team members focus on precision, safety, and ease of doing business so our customers can ship with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Openhead drums with a 5/8-inch bolt require 60 ft-lbs of torque. The bolt ring ends must not touch at full torque.
No. Mixing components invalidates UN and DOT performance ratings and can compromise safety.
No. These instructions apply only to new steel drums manufactured by North Coast Container.
Improper closure can lead to leaks, regulatory violations, shipment delays, and safety hazards. Following approved procedures ensures compliance and protection.