Steel Pail 101 – Which Steel Bucket Should You Get?
Steel Pail 101 – Which Steel Bucket Should You Get?
Last time on the Container Express, we went over plastic buckets, and how to choose the right one. Our plastic bucket selection is fantastic, but maybe you’re in the market for something a little more durable and heavy-duty.
Enter: Steel Pails.
In sizes ranging from 1 gallon, to 7 gallon, with our 5 gallon steel buckets being the most popular, BASCO’s lineup of metal buckets could be considered to be “exhaustive”. We cover all bases, whether you need a 5 gallon steel pail for industrial and chemical purposes, or for paints and solvents, or even for hazardous materials; we can contain what you’re providing.
With such an exhaustively curated lineup, it can be hard to figure out exactly which container is the right one for you, so let’s go over each type of metal bucket, so you can make an informed decision.
Steel Buckets and Pails
Able to withstand extreme temperatures, immense pressure, and heavy hits, the steel pail is a uniquely crafted marvel of the medieval age that we still find use for today. With such a long history behind it, it’s no surprise that the metal bucket is such a widely utilized container. You know what they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Not to say that we haven’t made improvements in the past 1,000 years, because we absolutely have. The steel pails that you’ll find at BASCO are a lot different from their medieval counterparts. Our steel pails are equipped with interior liners that inhibit rust, prevent corrosion, or provide extra layers of protection against hazardous materials. We’ve also given several of our closed head pails spouts to safely dispense liquids, and bung holes to attach pumps.
Let’s break it down by type.
BASCO’s steel buckets not only come in a wide range of sizes, they’re available in a couple of different shapes as well. The first decision that we’ll have to make is open head vs closed head steel pails. Each one offers their own unique advantages, while having their own drawbacks as well.
Open head steel pails
As an alternative to their plastic brethren, the open head steel pail is considerably more durable and resistant to damage. However, they still sport the same general shape as a plastic bucket, along with the impressively convenient wide-open head design, allowing you easy access to the contents of the container.
Let’s break down the benefits and details of an open head steel bucket.
- Able to withstand extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, without melting or cracking
- Heavy-duty frame provides peace of mind during shipping and handling
- Frequently equipped with an attached bale handle for easier carrying
- Open head design provides ample room for filling, and easy dispensing
- UN Rated steel pails are specifically made for handling hazardous materials during shipping and transit
Some common use-cases and frequent industries in which you might spot open head buckets are…
- Lacquer, coatings, solvent, and paint containers
- Agricultural products like pesticides and fertilizers
- Frequently utilized for containing especially hazardous materials
Closed head steel pails
Designed not just for strength, but for security as well, the closed head steel pail is an ingenious design that almost completely negates the issue of spillage. With no wide-open head to worry about, you can rest assured that your product won’t be sloshing and spilling out of the top of the pail, even on bumpy roads during transit.
Here are some high-level details for you to consider if you’re thinking about buying a closed head steel bucket.
- Closed head steel pail design prevents spillage
- Able to withstand immense pressure, perfect for saving space by stacking
- Often features an attached swing-handle for easier carrying and pouring
- Bung holes on top of pail are perfect for pouring directly out of, or for attaching a pump or hose
- Several different styles of opening:
- Built in, pull-up spout for simple dispensing
- Flexspout to eliminate chugging when dispensing product
- Classic plug to allow you to dispense and fill however is most convenient
Common use-cases and industries…
- Often used to store and transport especially hazardous materials, when equipped with a UN rating
- Rust inhibitor liners make these the perfect containers for mild solvents and chemicals
- Fertilizers and other agricultural products can be easily and properly contained
Which steel bucket is right for you?
Hopefully, after you’ve learned a bit about each option, you can cure your “decision paralysis” and make a choice between the closed head steel pail and the open head steel bucket. If you’re still on the fence, you should absolutely feel free to reach out. Contact us here! We are the container experts, and we’re ready and available to help you get the right container, every time.