Steel Pails
Steel pails are an industry standard for shipping chemicals, paints, hi-tech/hi-solids coatings, roofing mastics and adhesives, railroad spikes, driveway sealers, edible oils, lubricants, etc., and C.L. Smith partners with only the strongest steel pail manufacturers in the packaging industry in order to guarantee that we are your strongest partner—we work as an extension of your business! We only partner with suppliers that design and manufacture comprehensive lines of rigid metal containers so that our product line offering can fulfill your every packaging need.
The most widely requested metal containers are 5-gallon steel pails (often referred to as 5-gallon steel buckets). Pail container styles offered are Openhead (nested or straight-sided for economical storage and shipping) or Closedhead and can be ordered unlined, with or without a rust inhibitor, or with specific liners based upon the nature of your product. Unlined Openhead steel pails can be used for basically any non-food liquid, solid, or semi-solid products. Closedhead pails are helpful in keeping liquids from sloshing out and allow you to dispense just the right amount of product when using the appropriate cover with a spout or Flexspout.
We offer UN-certified and non-certified pails. Typical colors are Black, White, or Grey; however, Custom Colors are available as well. Metal containers are not recommended for filling with solvents or other low-viscosity products. It is very important that you determine the proper lining required for the containment of your specific products.
Cover Styles include Dish/leverlock (UN rated for liquids), and Lug (require a crimper) with various Fittings such as: Flexspout Installed; Screw Cap and Seal; No Fittings; Rieke Spout, and Screw Cap. Handle options include 24-29 gauge metal (UN & Non-UN Rated).
We also carry accessories for steel buckets: Anti-Glug Rieke Senior Flexspouts; Crimping Tool for Rieke Senior Flexspout; Manual Lid Closing Tool for 11-1/4” 16 Lug Covers; Pneumatic Closing Tool for 11 ¼” 16 Lug Covers; Leverlock Ring for Dish Cover 18 Gauge Powder Coated, and many more.
Product Details
| Sizes | 1 gallon – 7.5 gallon |
|---|---|
| Styles | Openhead Round (nested, straight-sided), Closedhead |
| Cover Styles | Dish/leverlock, Lug |
| Colors | Black, White, Grey Other Colors Available |
| Gauge Options | 24-29 gauge (UN & Non-UN Rated) |
| UN Rated | Available; Lever lock version is UN rated for Liquids. |
| Options | Packaging Compliance | Enhancements |
|---|---|---|
| Fittings Options | Need Hazardous Materials Packaging? How to Read UN Markings California Rigid Plastic Packaging FAQs CPSC Infant Drowning (Standard on 4gl – 6gl) |
Decorations and Labels Accessories |
Frequently Asked Questions
Steel pails are commonly used for storing and transporting various products, including chemicals, paints, food items, and industrial materials.
Yes, steel pails are highly durable and resistant to punctures, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Yes, they are available in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 1 gallon to 5 gallons or larger.
Yes, many steel pails come with secure lids and sealing options to prevent leaks and contamination.
Yes, steel pails are fully recyclable and can be repurposed into new metal products, contributing to environmental sustainability.
What Our Customers Say
Chuck, Site Manager
“You’re always competitive…a very good price for value relationship.”
Kevin, Paint & Coatings Industry
“C.L. Smith is the poster child for Customer Service”
Todd, Sourcing Manager
“I get value – you stock my products, hold my pricing, guarantee product availability and resolve problems quickly.”
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Our Solutions
Please contact one of our Packaging Specialist experts for help with all of your Performance, Regulatory, or any other needs related to custom or stock packaging!
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