The lowly drip pan...

[RickP330]

Hello all,
I was just out in my garage and immediately got pissed, my wife stacked something on my drip pan and it cracked. I was ready to get mad, but then I though about it. I've had this thing for at least 35 years and bought it at Pep-boys for like $4. It's served it's purpose, and now I get to buy a new tool! I mostly use it to work on and disassemble stuff in and keep it all contained. Especially when it's a dirty job - like this last one, I never got to clean it out and kind of glad I don't have to this time LOL.

Anyway, I really like that it stacks neatly on my 5 gallon general purpose bucket, so it hides really well. It perhaps doesn't need to be so deep though.

So I know you guys have some opinions. I always like checking in first - you lead me down the path I'd never find on my own. What do you like? and what would you recommend. Time to move on!
Rick

 

[Rusted Nut]

Have a custom stainless steel or titanium one built, and give her the bill.

 

[RickP330]

I posted a picture to Grok and described the scenario. This is what it came up with. A little pricey, but I kind of like it....

Kraftware 12 in. Round Brushed Stainless Steel Tray 71412 - The Home Depot

Kraftware - 12 in. Round Brushed Stainless Steel Tray - 18/8 stainless steel. Brushed finish does not show fingerprints like a polished surface. Easily cleans with a damp cloth. 12 in. diameter.

www.homedepot.com

Rick

 

[The Bean]

Splurge!

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have metal pans, but I am about to buy this to make pouring easier for me.

 

[Beerhippie]

I use a stainless kitchen tray bought at a yard sale. It's also great for sorting assorted fasteners.

 

[yhprum]

I had one similar to this version. It was green. They stopped selling it locally here. I have thought of making one up from sheet metal I liked it so much.

amazon midwest can oil drain cans - Google Shopping

www.google.com

 

[Hannahranga]

I'm fond of the ones that are a both a oil drain tray and a container, it avoids a fair amount of awkwardness dealing with a spill able container (I am not a well coordinated human being)

 

[FigN⋅m]

My favorite ever was the Rubbermaid that they discontinued decades ago...



But honestly if the one you had was working, grab another and continue on!

 

[mikegt4]

My favorite ever was the Rubbermaid that they discontinued decades ago...



But honestly if the one you had was working, grab another and continue on!

I have one, it's my main drain pan although the lid doesn't screw on any more as the plastic is hard and distorted from age. I just use it to catch the oil and then pour it into the empty 5qt jug that the new oil came in and off to recycling. I was disappointed when they discontinued them, best all around drain pan I have ever owned.

 

[Pasha]

This Lisle 4.5 gallon one is my favorite, but it's been discontinued. The new ones don't have the splash/overflow guards.

 

[Fedwrench]

I hate a cheap oil drain pan. I really like these from Capri and other suppliers. They're pretty pricey these days but, unless you run over it, it should last many years.

Oil Drain Pan

The Capri Tools Oil Drain Pan makes any oil change easier. These oil drain pans prevent oily messes in garages or shop floors.

capritools.com

 

[Qualitytools]

My favorite ever was the Rubbermaid that they discontinued decades ago...



But honestly if the one you had was working, grab another and continue on!

I still have mine, I just used it yesterday for my Ranger oil change.

 

[Qualitytools]

I also have one of these when I need to work on the cooling system as it is large enough to capture all the drips that can’t be contained easily like an oil change. It’s available in 2 different size, there is also a smaller one.

Black Large Concrete Mixing Tub

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have no idea what brand mine is but it's yellow and has a cap on the spout to prevent slosh spilling while moving it. Once it's drained, I hang it up on the wall by the handle.

 

[captain14]

I have no idea what brand mine is but it's yellow and has a cap on the spout to prevent slosh spilling while moving it. Once it's drained, I hang it up on the wall by the handle.

My pan meets that description. I think the brand name is Blitz. I think it’s at least 15-20 years old

 

[ecotec]

I have a drain valve, so the vast majority of oil is drained right into the container that I return oil in.

I drain the oil filter bit into a pan like Fedwrench uses. You can pour what comes out of the oil filter very easy.

I put this huge metal tray under all of it, so I don’t get so much as a drop of oil on my driveway.

 

[swsman]

I also have one of these when I need to work on the cooling system as it is large enough to capture all the drips that can’t be contained easily like an oil change. It’s available in 2 different size, there is also a smaller one.

Black Large Concrete Mixing Tub

I have one, used it when I serviced my F250 transmission. No spills and plenty of extra fluid capacity.

 

[NUTTSGT]

My pan meets that description. I think the brand name is Blitz. I think it’s at least 15-20 years old

Yes, it's a Blitz

 

[JimDon]

If you’re looking for something really cheap and metal, try st. Vincent DePaul stores, or goodwill stores in the housewares department. Or other thrift type stores. Cheers, Jim don

 

[dscheidt]

I have one, used it when I serviced my F250 transmission. No spills and plenty of extra fluid capacity.

you'll want a pump to empty it....

 

[M.Brane]

Most auto drip pans won't fit under the bikes so I use an old cat litter box. Then there's the gallons that come out of the F-350s so I have a huge one for those. Then there's a variety of other pans for soaking things in SG or derusting solution. No matter how many I have it always seems I need another.

 

[hasco]

This Lisle 4.5 gallon one is my favorite, but it's been discontinued. The new ones don't have the splash/overflow guards.

I have one like that . I use it for Coolant draining,probably 25 years old.

 

[hasco]

It appears the Lisle pans are available at Advance Auto parts online.

 

[Leon bee]

I saw a lot of drain pans up there. Only one drip pan.

 

[drmarkr]

I saw a lot of drain pans up there. Only one drip pan.

Precisely.

This is a drip pan....

 

[L.Cheapo]

I saw a lot of drain pans up there. Only one drip pan.

Depends on how much the vehicle leaks.

 

[Leon bee]

Depends on how much the vehicle leaks.

I own a bunch of English motorcycles, I know about drip pans!

 

[Qualitytools]

Or if you own any old German car a drip pan is needed

 

[JradM]

I think I've just been inspired to buy a new oil pan. Mine looks a lot like the OPs, it's what I've used for the last 20 years or more and I doubt I spent more than $5 on it.

It's a dirty tub into which I put used oil, temporarily, but thinking about it - it is kind of hard to pour out of and it might be nice if it had a cover so there weren't always dead moths in it. I'm at least going to look at oil pans next time I'm in the store and see if anything catches my eye!

 

[jayemm]

I have these styles drain pans. The top one makes it easy to recycle oil at auto parts stores without transferring to another container (just dump it in their tank). The open top is for coolant and the spout eliminates the 'waterfall' when transferring to another container. Shoulda had these in my early years for those jobs.

 

[Beerhippie]

Drip tray... not the same thing as a drain pan....

 

[M.Brane]

Precisely.

This is a drip pan....

Yup got one of those too. Don't use it much since I own Fords, and Hondas.

 

[Jokester]

W4074-2-in-1 Drain Pan Tool Caddy

2-in-1 drain pan and tool caddy that features a splash guard and oil filter drain post. Made from impact-resistant polypropylene.

wilmarllc.com

 

[The Bean]

^^ yes

 

[RickP330]

W4074-2-in-1 Drain Pan Tool Caddy

2-in-1 drain pan and tool caddy that features a splash guard and oil filter drain post. Made from impact-resistant polypropylene.

wilmarllc.com

Okay, now this thread is picking up some steam, I like where this is going....
RP

 

[Bert_]

I just use a bucket. Or a jug with the side cut out for when a bucket doesn't fit. Simple, doesn't cost a thing

 

[Leon bee]

Down by the gulf I saw some locals using the beach one time.

 

[mikey03]

Why would anyone ever prefer a drip pan to a drain pan? You got to jack the car up enough to do the work so can prob fit a whole drain pan. But maybe your doing some work like changing a radiator and not jacking up the car but it’s a real low car and you can’t fit a full drain pan under it without jacking it?

 

[Beerhippie]

Why would anyone ever prefer a drip pan to a drain pan? You got to jack the car up enough to do the work so can prob fit a whole drain pan. But maybe your doing some work like changing a radiator and not jacking up the car but it’s a real low car and you can’t fit a full drain pan under it without jacking it?

Because the OP is looking for something to clean parts in on his benchtop.

And all the folks with nice, clean floors in the garage and Euro cars want to keep them that way....