Hand Pumps
Manual drum pumps provide a safe and efficient way to transfer liquids from large containers such as 55 gallon drums into smaller containers like buckets, jugs, or pails. These pumps allow operators to dispense a controlled amount of liquid with each stroke, making them ideal for handling oils, chemicals, solvents, and other industrial fluids.
Selecting the correct pump depends on several factors including liquid compatibility, viscosity, container size, and dispensing speed. The guide below can help you quickly determine which drum pump is best suited for your application.
At BASCO, we’re not just selling pumps — we’re providing solutions for safe and efficient liquid transfer.
Pumping Solutions Like Manual 55 Gal Drum Pumps for Jobs to be Done without Power.
Manual pumps are typically intended for occasional, low volume jobs, but at BASCO we also offer choices for frequent, medium volume jobs, including FDA compliant hand pumps, oil Drum Pumps, and 55 gal drum pumps.
Choose the Manual Pump that is right for you:
Straight Piston or “Stick” Pumps:
- For occasional, low volume jobs
- Some of them double as siphon pumps
- Available in a wide choice of materials, including food grade FDA compliant ones
Siphon pump: Prime the pump with the handle and the flow continues by itself until the liquid level in the supply containers falls to the level of the new container
Lever Action Piston and Diaphragm Air Operated Pumps:
- Separate the pumping chambers for more frequent or medium volume jobs
- Get a steady flow of liquid with a smoother, less tiring effort
- Good for transferring anti-freeze or oil from a drum into an engine: Pumps greater distances and greater heights
Gravity Feed Hose Kits: Nozzle on the end enables dispensing from horizontally stored barrels
Lever Action Grease Pumps and Grease Guns: For dispensing grease
Proportioners and Measured-Shot Dispensing Pumps: Specialty items we carry like the “Envirowedge,” that gets the last bit of liquid pumped out of a drum
How to Choose the Right Drum Pump
| If you are pumping | Recommended Pump Type | Why |
| Oil and lubricants | Rotary drum pump | Designed for thicker fluids and smooth flow |
| Chemicals or corrosive liquids | Poly or chemical-resistant pump | Prevents corrosion and compatibility issues |
| Water or light liquids | Standard manual drum pump | Simple and efficient for thin liquids |
| High volume transfer | Lever action pump | Moves more liquid per stroke |
| Transferring into smaller containers | Manual drum pump | Controlled dispensing per stroke |
What pump fits a 55 gallon drum?
Most manual drum pumps are designed to fit the standard 2" bung opening on a 55 gallon drum.
Can manual pumps be used for chemicals?
Yes, but the pump materials must be compatible with the chemical being transferred.
What is the difference between rotary and lever drum pumps?
Rotary pumps use a turning handle for smooth transfer of thicker liquids, while lever pumps move larger volumes per stroke.
Enjoy competitive pricing, smaller order flexibility, and nationwide distribution for faster delivery. If you still have questions or need help selecting the right product, our team is here to assist. Give us a call and one of our packaging experts will be happy to help you find the best solution for your application.