View of the cap of a 55 gallon drum.

The Drum Wrench is a tool which is commonly used to open large 55 gallon drums. A drum is a cylindrical container used for shipping bulk goods When unopened, a large drum's contents may release enormous pressure. If a drum is opened without the proper tools and precautions, the pressure may escape suddenly and violently, causing injury. A Drum Wrench reduces pressure during the opening process. A drum wrench is a convenient tool for safely opening and removing materials from 55 gallon drums, but they are certainly not the only means of protection from the hazards of said drums. Some drums act as a vacuum with very low internal pressures, increasing the risk of the top "popping up" soon after opening. Using the drum opener as an opening tool provides no protection from this, yet a simple striking on the top of the drum with the wrench and almost certainly any convexing of the top will occur without complication.

Procedure

1. Place Drum Wrench prongs into the cap as fitting to size.
2. Turn the wrench slowly, applying force at the end of the handle to maximize force to tightening ratio. (Left to open, Right to close)
3. Remove cap

Models

• Rieke W-167 - Has hexagonal sockets to fit over the matching drum caps. This combination wrench is a combination of 3/4 and 2 inch socket. Available in sparkless to safely open even flammable materials.
• Rieke W-168 - Considered to be the standard model. With a small 3/4 inch 't' shaped side and another larger 2 inch 't' opposite both fitting to the Rieke produced caps for large 55 gallon drums. Provides no extra utilities for applying a specific amount of torque. Available in sparkless to safely open even flammable materials.
• Rieke W-168PT - a modification of the 168 model, identical in the wrench side to the W-168, it is used primarily to apply specific amounts of torque for drums with more an exact requirement for opening and closing. The most notable difference in the W-168PT from the W-168 is the rubber handle not seen on the W-168 Model. Available in sparkless to safely open even flammable materials.

See also

• 44 Gallon Drum
• Drum (Container)