Barrel & Drum Taps & Accessories

About Barrel & Drum Taps & Accessories

Barrel and drum taps and accessories are essential equipment for safely dispensing, transferring and managing liquids stored in industrial drums, barrels and IBCs. Whether you're handling engine oils, lubricants, AdBlue, hydraulic fluids or chemicals in workshop, factory or site environments, having the right taps, adaptors and dispensing accessories ensures controlled, safe and efficient liquid handling whilst minimising waste and spillage.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of drum taps with BSP fittings, drum adaptors compatible with different thread standards (including Berg, Mauser, DIN 61/31, Trisure and US Buttress), pump mounting brackets, extension tubes, drum wrenches and height-adjustable ramps for barrel bunds. The majority of products come from Sealey, a trusted British brand with decades of workshop equipment experience, alongside specialist options from Draper for applications like AdBlue handling. These accessories fit standard 205-litre oil drums and other industrial containers, providing versatile solutions for controlled dispensing in automotive, manufacturing, agricultural and maintenance environments.

Applications

Barrel and drum taps and accessories are used across numerous professional sectors:

• Automotive Technicians: Dispensing engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils and AdBlue in garages and service centres
• Plant and Facilities Maintenance Engineers: Managing lubricants and fluids for machinery maintenance in factories and industrial facilities
• Agricultural Workers: Handling fuel, oils, chemicals and AdBlue for farm machinery and equipment
• Fleet Operators: Bulk AdBlue and oil dispensing for HGV fleets and commercial vehicle maintenance
• Manufacturing Facilities: Controlled dispensing of process fluids, coolants and lubricants in production environments
• Construction Site Managers: Managing fuel and fluids for plant machinery and equipment on building sites
• Marine Engineers: Handling oils and fluids for boat and ship maintenance in marinas and boatyards

Choosing The Right Barrel & Drum Taps & Accessories

Identify Your Drum Thread Type: Different manufacturers use varying thread standards on their drums. Check whether you have Berg, Mauser, DIN 61/31, Trisure or US Buttress threaded openings, as you'll need the corresponding adaptor. Standard 205-litre oil drums typically have 2" BSP openings, whilst smaller containers may use 3/4" BSP fittings.

Consider the Fluid Being Dispensed: Material construction matters significantly. Brass taps offer excellent corrosion resistance for most oils and fuels. For AdBlue, ensure you select equipment specifically designed for this application, as it can be corrosive to certain materials. Always check compatibility recommendations.

Manual or Auto-Release: Standard drum taps require manual operation, whilst auto-release mechanisms automatically stop dispensing when released, reducing overfilling risk. Auto-release options are particularly valuable in busy workshop environments.

Additional Accessories: Consider whether you need mounting brackets for drum pumps, extension tubes for reaching the bottom of drums, drum wrenches for opening tight bungs, or ramps for easier access when drums are stored in bunded areas.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing when dispensing potentially hazardous fluids. Ensure adequate ventilation in areas where drums are stored, particularly when handling volatile substances or fuels. Before installing any tap or adaptor, verify the drum thread type matches your fitting to prevent cross-threading or leakage.

Store drums on stable, level surfaces within bunded areas that can contain at least 110% of the drum's capacity. Regularly inspect taps, adaptors and seals for wear or damage. Comply with COSHH regulations by maintaining proper labels, keeping safety data sheets accessible, and training staff in proper dispensing procedures. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends never mixing different fluids or using contaminated equipment without thorough cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What thread size do standard 205-litre oil drums use?

Most standard 205-litre steel oil drums have 2" BSP threaded openings. However, the specific thread type varies by manufacturer – common types include Berg, Mauser, DIN 61/31, Trisure and US Buttress. You'll need to identify your drum's thread type and select the appropriate adaptor to fit a standard BSP tap.

Can I use the same tap for different types of fluids?

It's not recommended without thorough cleaning, as cross-contamination can occur. AdBlue equipment should never be used for other fluids, as contamination will damage vehicle SCR systems. If you handle multiple fluid types, consider dedicating specific taps to each fluid type and labelling them clearly.

Do I need a pump or is a tap sufficient for dispensing?

This depends on your dispensing volume and frequency. Gravity-fed taps work well for occasional dispensing, but flow rates decrease as drums empty. For regular, high-volume dispensing or when drums cannot be elevated, a drum pump provides faster, more consistent flow rates and can empty drums completely.