Why is a drum 55 gallons?

The “barrel” unit of measurement is derived from the oil industry. Old wooden casks were initially used to transport oil which held 40 gallons. In 1905 the 55 gallon barrel as we know it today was invented by Nellie Bly. This was accepted as the oil industry standard for transport containers at that time. Today you can use a drum deheader tool, drum deheader or a drum lifter to work with barrels.


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