Bulkhead fittings on a round 55 gallon drum????

[DB junkie]

Anyone have any experience trying to put bulkhead fittings in the side of a round 55 gallon drum?

I have a few brand new plastic 55 gallon drums and want to try playing around with using them as settling chambers IF I can find a way to plum into the side of one.

Don't wanna get the heat gun out and end up ruining a brand new drum but I'm not sure if I have any other choice.....

Can anyone help me out here?

 

[dmopar74]

uniseals?

 

[Superlaz]

Ive done it, with the 55-60 gallon drums. Didnt have a heat gun and had 'fun' making the holes with a jigsaw, but it worked fine. Just dont make the hole to close to where the drum curves over to the top or bottom of the drum. The plastic is thicker and a real hassle. Used them as make shift sumps attached to my pond.

 

[DB junkie]

I saw uniseals but wondered if anyone has had success with them?

Laz you got any pics man? Did you just use normal bulkhead fittings and seals?

 

[Superlaz]

I used normal fittings, I should have some pics...Ill check when I get home.

 

[DB junkie]

So I'm assuming the plastic just flexes enough that tightening the nut just flattens it out? That would be friggin sweet.

 

[Broski]

You might be able to get away with just a hair dryer, but a heat gun is a easier.
Just heat it up till the plastic gets soft and shiny and press it against a flat surface.

If the drums plastic walls are thick enough you could probably tap a hole and thread a threaded fitting, I've done it with 1" pvc holding 40 psi of air. Just make sure to use teflon tape on the threads, and maybe Plumbers goop on the outside just in case?