If you’re unable to track down a suitable drum, you also have the option of buying one online. However, they will be a little more expensive—you can expect to pay as much as $80-120 for a brand new steel drum. It’s important that the drum you use be made from thick, heat-resistant steel. Other materials won’t be able to withstand intense burning temperatures, and may produce toxic chemical fumes as they melt.
Wear thick work gloves to protect your hands while operating the saw. If possible, pull on a pair of earmuffs, as well. It’s going to get loud! You can also use a barrel opener tool to pry open tight drums. These basically work like giant can openers—clamp the head of the tool over the edge of the drum, then push down forcefully on the handle to slice into the metal surface, repositioning the tool every 3–4 inches (7. 6–10. 2 cm). [3] X Research source
If the drainage holes are smaller than 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) in diameter, standing water may not be able to escape at a fast enough rate, which could make burning difficult or impossible.
The holes in the lower part of the drum will act as ventilation flues to supply the fire with oxygen and keep it burning hotter longer. [6] X Research source Avoid making too many holes, or it could weaken the structure of the drum. Any more than 20-25 is excessive.
There shouldn’t be any need to modify the screen, as you can simply slide the whole sheet into place over the drum. If you like, however, you can use your jigsaw or a pair of wire cutters to trim the screen to the same shape as the opening. If you decide to cut your grating, make sure it’s 2–3 inches (5. 1–7. 6 cm) wider than the drum opening so it will be able to rest on top easily.
Additionally, make sure there are no flammable items within 10 feet (3. 0 m) of the barrel while it’s in use.
It’s important that you use 4 blocks rather than 2 in order to prevent the barrel from accidentally tipping over.
Only use your burn barrel to dispose of materials that are safe to burn, such as tree limbs, brush, cardboard, paper packaging, and natural fabrics. Never burn household trash, plastics, rubber, chemicals, or wood that’s been painted or treated. When burned, these items give off harmful fumes that are bad for both you and the environment. [10] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
If you’re having trouble getting your rubbish to catch, pile some dry wood underneath and on top of the items to serve as kindling, then light the wood instead. Don’t use gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or any other accelerants in your burn barrel. While these substances can make it much easier to start a fire, they can also cause it to burn out of control. [12] X Research source
The grating will become extremely hot very quickly, so be careful not to handle it once you’ve got it in place.
Never use your burn barrel without having some means of putting it out close at hand.
Using water to extinguish fires in your burn barrel is faster, but it may prevent you from using it again as soon if the contents inside are still wet.
If your drum came with a lid originally, all you’ll need to do is put it back on to keep your burn barrel covered. You can collect all the sheet metal you need at your local scrap yard. Rummage around until you find a piece that’s the right size and shape to fit over the opening of your burn barrel.
