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July 13, 2020
Wrenches for Drums, Pails, and IBCs 101

With the immense varieties out there and the DOT closing requirements that enforce them, it can be overwhelming to know what the proper wrench is for you in regards to your pail, IBC, or drum container. So, let’s break down a few matters to make this process more streamlined.

Wrenches for Drums, Pails, and IBCs 101

What is a wrench?

A wrench is a container tool designed to properly and securely tighten your drum, IBC, or pail bung or plug. Hence, it can be referred to by many names such as a bung wrench, plug wrench, or torque wrench. The tightening is achieved by the tool’s jaws which hold, turn, or twist on the container’s bung (a.k.a. torque). So, that is the answer to the whole drum wrench vs torque wrench question or confusion.

Before Going Further, Know the Specifics for Your Particular Containers.

Answering the question as to why your container needs a plug wrench/plug wrench and what type depends on assessing the specifics of your containers. Ask yourself the following questions to make the proper choice:

  • What size is your pail, IBC, or drum? This question and identification matters because some wrenches aren’t universal like others and are designed for specific container sizes. For instance, our Combination IBC Fill Cap Port Wrench is more geared to work exclusively on IBCs. It is specifically designed for tightening and loosening common 6 inch IBC caps and common 2 inch and 3/4 inch plugs with a durable execution of such a task due to its one-piece steel construction.
  • What size and type of plug does your drum, pail, or IBC have? This will determine the correct drum wrench or drum plug torque socket to get. For example, our RWA aluminum drum plug wrench is more universal. It fits most round-head and hex head 3/4 inch and 2 inch drum plugs. This compact wrench carries and stores easily.
  • What is your container made of and what is inside of it? You’ll want a compatible plug wrench or bung wrench in terms of material that suits the outside of your container just as much as the internal product.

Wrenches for Drums, Pails, and IBCs 101

Is it hazardous product – explosive, flammable, or combustible?

You’ll need a spark-resistant or non-sparking socket for your plug wrench or torque wrench for your 5 gallon pails or 15 gallon drums or your IBC tote. Then you’ll need the spark resistant bronze and aluminum plug wrenches themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

Why are wrenches needed for your drum, pail, or IBC bungs and plugs?

Plug wrenches and bung wrenches are needed and important to comply with DOT regulations for safely transporting products in containers at each container’s specific definition of optimal tightened enclosure. Everything from 30 gallon plastic drums to 10 gallon drums to 5 gallon drums to 55 gallon reconditioned drums to 55 gallon stainless steel drums have bung variations that need to be considered. This becomes even more imperative when you have, as mentioned, hazardous materials inside the container or hazardous environmental conditions around the container.

BASCO has drum wrench, pail wrench, and IBC wrench varieties to suit your unique needs, containers like 20 gallon drums, and settings: spark resistant bronze, non-sparking aluminum, cast iron, hex head or round head, drillable 2 inch and ¾ inch steel or plastic bung wrench, all-in-one, and glass-filled nylon. Ensure drum bungs are properly tightened with torque wrenches before shipping hazardous and flammable products.

What are some good torque wrenches?

Some good torque wrenches are ones that get the job done to sum it up. Having one that conveniently signals when the preset torque is reached for faster tightening jobs as well as for preventing accidental changes while in use is another answer. Which leads us to…

What is the most accurate torque wrench?

Accurate torque wrenches, therefore, let you know when the torque is properly reached such as with a breakaway design or with a slip in the wrench handle that also provides a "click" sound when it does so in order to signal that the torque setting has been reached. Other particular torque wrenches have a unique TimeStrip ® for a visual indication when the wrench is due for recalibration (Note: more on that very soon), and they have a larger and longer scale window for great visibility and more accurate settings. These would be known as digital torque wrench varieties.

                                                  

Wondering how to use a torque wrench on your container bungs?

To use a torque wrench, simply be sure to follow the manufacturer’s closing instructions for your specific container that is being sealed. They mention the specific torque setting that you should use. This furthermore keeps you in compliance with the container manufacturer’s torque requirements. For added convenience, most preset torque wrench varieties have a breakaway or "clicker" sound and feel that signals when a torque is properly reached so that you don't overset it.

There will also come a point in time when the torque wrench will have to be re-calibrated to ensure it maintains its accuracy and functionality. Therefore…

What is recalibration?

Torque wrench recalibration is the process of re-correlating the readings of an instrument, in this case a wrench, with those of an established industry standard in order to check the instrument's accuracy. The service makes sure that the wrench’s fastener has the exact tension it needs to function safely. You should recalibrate your tools at least once a year. This ensures that your instrument maintains known standards of accurate measurement as documented in your equipment’s manual.

 

So, now are you wondering where to get torque wrenches calibrated?

You can get recalibration service right here at BASCO.

BASCO will take measurements with the instruments then compare them to those of a standard with measurement traceability to a national authority such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). If your tools are not up to par with that standard, they will be. Your tools calculating right makes the job easier for them to achieve and, therefore, easier for you too.

Which torque wrenches do we recalibrate? Good question. Here are the torque wrenches we service:

RWP-MT20

TW268-20/9

TR30150

RWP-T20

TR545

RWP-MT40

TW268S-20/9

TW268S-30/15

BTW-SR30/20

RWP-MT30

TR545-2

BTW-SR20/12

BTW-SR20/8

BTW-PT20/8

BT4L838-100

RWP-T30

TW268-30/15

BTW-PT20/12

BTW-PT30/20

RWP-T40

 

Call our Customer Service Experts at 1.800.776.3786 to get the next steps. Please note that DOT Enforcement may ask for your most recent recalibration records.

Now that you have all of the information you need on wrenches, their varieties, and their importance, you can confidently make the decision on the right bung wrench, plug wrench, or torque wrench for your specific containers.