Since when are 55 gallon drums rocket science?

[aka Larry]

So this weekend I’m working on putting together my barrel stove kit for a little garage heat. I started with two open-ended 55 gallon drums which made it easier to assemble since I had unlimited access on one end. The plan was to assemble everything and then weld the lid on the end. When I got to that point I found the lid doesn't fit! WTF?

Is there something I’m missing? Are there different types/sizes of 55 gallon drums? I “assumed” they were the same and the lids I had would fit. I thought these lids generally clamped-on with the bolt and ring thing, but I wanted to weld them in place.

FYI, I measured everything and the barrel I.D. was roughly 22-1/8” and the lid O.D. was 22-3/8”. If the barrel was supposed to flex a ¼” of an inch I sure as hell couldn't make it happen. Besides, I can’t seem them designing it to fit that tightly.

Can anyone offer me an help with this?

 

[philjafo]

You welding it on so just hold it in place and tack it every few inches before welding it solid. Lids and barrels from different manufacturers aren't always going to interchange.