r/metalworking • u/swess80 • 4d ago

Help with kerosene oil drum

I’m trying to dispose of an old oil tank from a monitor heater.. No one wants anything to do with it.. I had one recycle company tell me there has to be a 12 inch hole cut in to it but, couldn’t offer any contacts or how to’s . Another place said they would take it cut in half but, once again no other advice.. I live in North Carolina and not sure if it’s a state thing or federal… Can I cut this thing myself? I don’t have the balls to get/use a plasma cutter. Could I use a grinder? I’ve heard you should fill it with water and then cut it. Any suggestions would be appreciated..

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u/VWtdi2001 4d ago

Depending on what it is your probably best to use a Sawzall and cut it in half. It's probably a good idea to fill it with water if it has fumes in it since it could possibly flash fire. The chance of an explosion is very low, and as long as you have any caps removed, what you would get is flames shooting out of the holes, and filling with water would stop that from being possible.

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u/skark_burmer 4d ago

Yeah a container formerly used for fuels is an accident waiting to happen. Fill it with water, cut it in half. After that the recycling place will take it.

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u/Ornery-Ebb-2688 4d ago

Rent a Sawzall from home depot and cut in half. Use some old rags to wipe up any residue. 

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u/swess80 4d ago

Thanks yall! So…. Could I just put a few gallons of water in it and cut it… I don’t think cutting it would be possible if it was full? It’s really big ( 200 gallon I think) That just seems really difficult to work with.. it’s heavy enough empty

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u/Right_Conflict_8872 4d ago

Electric tools cutting a container with water in it. What could go wrong?!

Fill with water and air chisel a big hole into it. Make sure the water drains into a sanitary sewer.

Point of Interest: 1) Unadulterated kerosene containers could be safely cut many ways. Completely filling with water eliminates fumes from additives. 2) Work had a new recently filled 300 gallon diesel fuel tank explode (In a weird, lucky way) in the shop. The vent was too small and slowed the fuel delivery. A larger weld-on vent port was being added. Big old sharp CRACK! The top and sides bulged out and fuel was spraying out the ripped in plug welds on the baffles. The delivery rack at the refinery sent out a tanker of 50% diesel, 25% water and 25% alcohol. adulterated fuel.

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u/wvce84 4d ago

Is it still in usable condition? Someone may buy it as is for a garage heater or diesel tank

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u/Turbulent_Option_151 4d ago

People around here just drop it off on the side of the highway and let the state handle it! Lol

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u/Gunnarz699 4d ago

Help with kerosene oil drum

Assuming it's mostly empty with just some residue.

Fill it with a gallon or two of water. Roll it around a little to clean the inside. Dump it out. While it's still wet inside cut it in half with an angle grinder. It's now scrap steel.