Fueler
Well-known member
Those square buckets that kitty litter comes in also work well for oil. Just don't let it tip over during transportation. The lid isn't all that tight! Don't ask.
Used oil containers...
- Thread starter quick86
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Johnny chaos
Well-known member
Cat litter container.....I think they hold 2 0r 3 gallons.........You don't have a cat.... no problem use the litter to clean up spills in the garage 
DropZoneNET
Active member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2010
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- 36
Cat litter container.....I think they hold 2 0r 3 gallons.........You don't have a cat.... no problem use the litter to clean up spills in the garage
Actually, In my experience, the type of cat litter that comes in those jugs is not very useful for cleaning up spills. It takes too much of it to do the job. At ~$8 for 20 pounds, you are really over paying as well.
If you have a cat, by all means, use the container. Otherwise, look for a better alternative.
I use the large yellow 35lb pails of cat litter. when I am done with the pail, I use the container as storage for all sorts of things (including liquid that will not be transported very far). They are awesome for storage because they are square(ish), and are made to stack on top of one another.
Images above for those who don't know what is being discussed here.
logical
Well-known member
i think there is a big thread on this less than a year old.....but anyhow, I just use empty windshield washer fluid gallon jugs. I drain into a plastic thing with a pour spout like somebody posted above, then pour into the jugs. Best part is they are clear and you can avoid overfilling and easily see what's in it. I used to try to squeeze it all back into the quart bottles the new oil came in but since the funnel blocks the view and they aren't transparent, I'd overflow about half of them.
i use 5 gallon plastic buckets with lids that my dad buys pool chemicals, bird seed and plant food in. i've never had any auto parts store not let me dump it. even though one of mine says chlorine on it in ********* letters. i usually keep the buckets around for a long time.
I have seen these locally for less, but I would say that it is better than a gas can. Also made in the USA.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200353421_200353421?cm_ven=Aggregates&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Fuel%20Transfer%20%2B%20Lubrication%3EOil%20Drains&cm_ite=1095323?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1095323
Came across one of these and picked it up. Holds 12 quarts which is good enough for me, and if I ever want/need too, I'll just pick up another one.
Looks like it's nicely constructed.
Thanks for the tips guys!
1320stang
Well-known member
Firsthand, I'll tell everyone NOT to use a 5 gallon jug that oil for a turkey or fish fryer comes in. The plastic is too thin and if not secured properly, will catch something in the bed of your truck and come open. I had one in the back of my Isuzu Amigo and had a nut whip in front of me, soon the whole inside of the the floor of the truck was covered in oil, then later, kitty litter.
lorne
Well-known member
I use a 5 gallon Poland Springs container.
dichdoc
Active member
I use five gallon containers that previously held fire fighting foam. They are sealed except for a nice screw on cap and they have a sweet handle on top. Very heavy duty. I would bet your local FD would rather give them to you then throw them out or recycle them. Might be worth a call. TB
hetkind
Banned
I like empty five gallon paint buckets, with the 2" bung and cap on the lid. Also, I noticed the Mobil 1 five quart bottles have an extra wide mouth and are labeled for the return of used oil.
And ALWAYS tie them down while in the back of a truck...
And ALWAYS tie them down while in the back of a truck...
Big Bad Dad
Well-known member
You can go to just about any construction site and find free 5 gal. plastic buckets that drywall compound came in. Or 5 gal. paint buckets. They have lids that snap on and the paint buckets usually have the pour spout also. The latex paint or drywall compound will wash out with water very easily. Been using them for years!
MeentSS02
Well-known member
I ordered a few of the Scribner 5 gallon plastic jugs after reading this thread - they are really, really nice and look like they should hold up well. The plastic is thick, it has a nice handle with a vent, and the lid is huge and seals up well. I wish they were cheaper, but it is exactly what I was looking for.
Dragster Racer
Well-known member
I've used the cheap rectangular oil drain pans and the big round plastic screens fall into the tank along with the oil filter and you have to fish it all out. And they are too small to aim the flow at. Now I use one of these. A couple bucks more than the cheap ones but in another league. It is big enough to aim at and with a reservoir big enough to store 3 changes until taking to the store. Easy pour spout to load into store container or other storage. Just have some paper towels to wipe off the top. Don't lose the small green plug and remember to open the small green vent when emptying. I also want to install one of those valve type drain plugs with a plastic hose for neater oil change.
Link: (Also available at your local auto parts store)
http://www.blitzusa.com/products/oil/Oil%20Drains%20and%20Pans/podp15od.htm
I have some of these also. The things I don't like is that I have to really clean the top before I put it away, or dirt collects there. And bugs.
Also, the spout always seems to drip just a little. Even if it isn't all that full. Crazy. I have a 55 gallon drum in the barn that I empty everything into now and then. A friend of my father in law has a waste oil burner, and I take it to him. It's getting harder to load the drum every year older I get though. Used to be able to just muscle it, and now I have to be very careful. Stupid old age!
MeentSS02
Well-known member
I had two of those type drain pans, but ended up tossing them after a couple of years. I would always get some splashing when the oil first started to come out of whatever I was draining, I always seemed to lose the plugs that went in the center, and the spout caps leaked on both of them - one flat out just stripped the threads and never could be tightened.
I bought a green and a black one of these:
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=449&division=3&category=21
The black gets used for oil and the green for coolant. You lose the ability to store the oil (hence the Scribner jugs I mentioned buying above), but these just work much better for me.
Lotek
Well-known member
Time to downsize to a 30 gallon drum
For all you guys who are using metal drums for oil drains or long term storage, take a look at the bottom of the drum for rust and pinhole leaks, rust never sleeps, and I have seen several leak over the years in the shop, big mess, especially if it happens overnight, and my wife sells spill containment trays and pallets to industry because it happens often enough to have regulations requiring it.
blackice
Well-known member
I got an empty 18.9 litre paint pail from home depot. when it starts to get full, I take it to work and dump it....
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Five Guys Burgers and Fries uses Peanut oil in 5 gal or so plastic jugs. I asked one time what they did with them, and was told they simply trashed them. Never have been able to catch a manager to ask if they would save them however. I could use some to have on hand to give to friends and co-workers who want to save oil for me for my used oil shop heater. Then I can just swap out with them and not have to return the container to them after I empty it.
Note to self, blow the diet next week and go to Five Guys and try and catch the manager, and get one of their burgers and fries.
Charles
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Biggest issue I have with funnels is that they "seal" on the mouth of the jug you are filling, and then the funnel fills with oil and the air cannot get out, then it burps and oil splatters everywhere. Why can they not make a funnel with ridges or corrugations on the outside of them so that air in the container can get out easily?
Charles
I'm using a 30 gal plastic barrel. When it's full, I let a guy know, he comes picks it up for his oil burner and brings it back.
Lotek
Well-known member
bend a pice of solid 16ga wire over the lip of the jug, bada bing bada boom.
They make funnels like this I have one or two I think I got them are Menard's for less than a buck. It is hard to see in this pic but you get the idea.
Dragster Racer
Well-known member
X2. Totally agree.
I would be ticked if the bottom rusted. I only go into the barn when I need to in the winter. So I could have a wayyyy big mess by the time I saw it.
Dragster Racer
Well-known member
They make funnels like this I have one or two I think I got them are Menard's for less than a buck. It is hard to see in this pic but you get the idea.
Why don't they extend those strengtheners and taper them down to very small, to the opening of the funnel? That would make them work for small openings also.
I realize you are talking about jugs, but I had the same problem with the 30 gal barrel. I took the other bung out, drilled a hole in it and plumbed a vent.
D KRAGER
Well-known member
I use 2.5gl plastic jugs.
I put a red zip tie around the handle so I know it's used.
I put a red zip tie around the handle so I know it's used.