New style lids on 5 gal pails from KR

[ScottV]

I purchased about 40 of the 5-gal pails of pet wash chemicals from Kleen Rite when they had a sale this summer. I'm just starting to get into that stock and noticed that the lids on the pails are different from any others I have every seen.

They don't have a removable ring, slots around the diameter, and I cant get the lower jaw of my pail tool under the lip of the lid to pop it off. This is huge for me because we pull the lids to get all of the chemicals out, rinse them and stack the pails in order to conserve space.

I'm not sure if this is limited to KR's pet chems or any of their other chems in 5 gal pails. Has anyone else run into this problem and if so, do you have a solution. I chatted with a rep from KR today and they werent even aware of the change in lid style.

 

[Earl Weiss]

There are lots of ways to get these off. They are all somewhat of a PITA . You can use various tools to cut 6 or so slotss and pry them off.

My favorite albeit messy is to turn the pail on it's side and use a 4 " grinder with a cutting wheel. Roll the pail as you cut thru the lead at the rubber ring. Takes about 20 seconds. Little effort but lots of dust.

 

[rph9168]

Would one of these tools work? You can order one direct I think. This company carries a lot of tools and containers that can be useful.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/search.aspx?search=5 Gallon Pail Opener&page=1

 

[MEP001]

I use a Simoniz product (which I order from Kleen-Rite) that has the same style lid. I use a transfer pump to empty the pail which gets enough of the chemical that there's not enough left to pour, then I throw away the empty pail. I haven't found a way to get the lid off that isn't messy or doesn't ruin the pail.

 

[Waxman]

Wax way

Step 1: place pail upright on floor.

Step 2: get a good quality (like LS Starrett) utility knife with a fresh blade.

Step 3: Cut 6 vertical slots in edge of pail lid, penetrating all the way through. You must begin the cut on the top surface of the lid and cut down, AWAY from you.

The cuts should go beyond the handle is affixed on each side.

step 4: use a small prybar or fat, slotted screwdriver to carefully pry the lid off.

Yes it is a PITA but with practice and muscle can be done simply and fast.

 

[bigleo48]

Instead of the utility knife, I would use a reciprocal or jigsaw. Much less work and chance of doing something bad to one of my body parts.

 

[MEP001]

Instead of the utility knife, I would use a reciprocal or jigsaw.

Agreed. I once had the tip of a utility knife break off, hit me in the eyelid and draw blood. It probably would have ruined my eye. The lid wrench linked earlier along with cutting the lid should make it an easy job.

 

[Mel(NC)]

A PVC pipe cutter works well to cut the slits also. I find it easier to control than a box cutter.

 

[soapy]

I use a hack saw with a metal blade. 5 or 6 slits around the top and it is off in under a minute