How to Build a Grill Out of a 55-Gallon Drum

Are you interested in construction and grilling, and do you want to learn how to build a grill out of a 55 gallon drum?

A 55-gallon drum is a type of container that is frequently used to hold water, gasoline, or other liquid. It is a cylinder shape, and quite large. However, this same drum can also be turned into a convenient and useful outdoor grill if you take a few minutes to pick up some how-to knowledge! It will save you the money of purchasing a new grill, and you have the pride in knowing that you created your own grill!

What Supplies Do You Need to Build the Grill?

You will need a number of supplies to build the grill. However, most of the supplies you may already have in your backyard, your garage, or the house. You need all of the following supplies: a 55 gallon drum, masking tap, sawzall, angle iron, mesh metal, welding torch, and a piece of meat to cook on your new grill. You have some leeway with the type of mesh metal that you choose. However, heavier metals usually work better in this type of grill.

If you do not have a 55-gallon drum somewhere in your garage, do not worry. You can easily find one at your local automobile garage, or gasoline station. If both these places are unsuccessful, you can probably locate one at the old junkyard in your town. It may take a little searching, but you should be able to find a 55-gallon drum without too much hassle. Once you have the drum and you know how to build a grill out of a 55-gallon drum, you can begin making the grill!

How to Build a Grill Out of a 55-Gallon Drum

So then, want to know how to build a grill out of a 55-gallon drum? You need to divide the 55-gallon drum into quarters. You need to measure the drill, and make sure that the quarters are evenly spaced apart. The masking tape that is required is an excellent way of measuring the grill, and keeping track of your measurements. Write on the masking tape where each quarter begins and ends. This ensures that when you begin to cut into the grill, you will be cutting into the grill at the appropriate places.

Once you have divided the grill into quarters, and you have marked those quarters with your masking tape, you can begin cutting into the drum. You want to divide the grill into quarter lengthwise, and not widthwise. Using your Sawzall, you want to cut out one quarter of the drum. The quarter that you cut out of the grill will eventually become the lid to your homemade grill.

After you cut out the lid, you want to take your angle iron. You then want to weld the angle iron because it needs to be the support for your grill. Taking the angle iron, make a rectangular shape out of it. You then want to weld this rectangular shape into the middle of the oil drum. Not only will the angle iron support your grill, it will make sure that the grill stays in place.

Next, take the mesh metal that you selected. Attach it to the bigger half of the grill. Since you will have to clean this metal later, you should fold down the edges of the mesh metal because you do not want to cut yourself later with you attempt to clean it. The coals go underneath this mesh metal, in the belly of the 55-gallon grill.

After you have attached the mesh metal, you will want to create legs for your grill. You can use steel for the legs, or you can place the grill on a stand. The choice is yours, but you need to make sure that the grill will not collapse as you use it! You need to make sure that you can easily move the legs, in case you have to relocate the grill.

Finally, take the meat of your choice and cook your first meal!