How to Make Things Out of 55 Gallon Steel Drums

Steel drums are excellent starting points for many projects, such as Caribbean drums, membranophones, floats, and makeshift ovens. The 55 gallon steel barrel is most commonly used to store various types of oils and corrosive products and should be thoroughly cleaned with proper cleansers before using on any project. Two projects -- a barbeque and an irrigation friendly rain-barrel -- both require very little expense and can create a useful, reusable tool to its creator. Both projects can use half of one steel 55-gallon steel drum.

Cut the 55 gallon drum in half using a steel cutting saw or grinder. You will cut through the middle, giving you 2 equal-sized, round drums.

Use blowtorch to burn off any additional slag and leftover contaminates.

Cut a 1/2-inch hole on the lower side (within an inch of the bottom) of both barrels. This will allow a breathing hole for the barbeque and a faucet hole for the rain catcher.

Smooth out leftover steel and inside of both halves with heavy-grade sandpaper.

Wash out both barrels with cleanser, taking care to remove any questionable leftovers with a second or third scrubbing. Allow both barrels to fully dry.

Paint the barbeque barrels with several coats of barbeque/heat resistant paint. Paint the water-catcher barrel with several coats of rubberized spray paint. Allow to fully dry.

Place 1/2-inch faucet over rubberized barrel’s hole and secure with internal fitting. Do not over-tighten or the barrel may bend and rupture the rubber.

Add an irrigation line to the faucet’s nozzle and place barrel under active rain gutter. This completes the rain catcher.

Connect metal pipe to the hole in the barbeque barrel with the elbow pointed straight up. This hole can be easily covered with a cap if extra air is not needed for the coals.

Place four bricks at the location where you want your barbeque.

Add charcoal and grill. Enjoy your barbeque.