1
04-08
A company dedicated to solving ergonomic and material
handling problems since 1955.
OWNER'S
MANUAL
DRUM DEHEADER
Model D-HEAD-1
Vestil Manufacturing Corporation
2999 North Wayne St., P.O. Box 507
Angola, IN 46703 USA
Ph 260-665-7586 • Fax: 260-665-1339
www.vestil.com • sales@vestil.com
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL D-HEAD-1 DRUM DEHEADER
Insure that all employees understand and follow the
following instructions.
The drum deheader works much like a kitchen can opener
on a larger scale. The Vestil Drum Deheader Model
D-HEAD-1 utilizes pressure created by a vise-grip style
clamp to force rolling cutting wheels into the drum lid. The
finished opening has a very smooth rolled edge making it
safer to handle due to no sharp edges to cut the handler.
The opener uses replaceable cutting blades that can be
easily replaced when cutting capabilities are decreased.
The opener can be used on a variety of styles of drums
with permanently sealed lids. There may be some
instances however where bung nuts may come into contact
with the cutting head. Many times the deheader can be
manipulated around these obstacles with a little care.
However, in few instances, there may be special made
drums that this opener may not be able to work with.
The first step in opening any drum is to make sure that the
contents are completely emptied from the drum before
beginning. If working with hazardous materials, be sure the
proper gear is worn and all necessary precautions are
taken to avoid accidents. The drum deheader is not spark
resistant and can possibly created sparks if struck against
another object so use on highly flammable materials or
explosives is not recommended.
Secure the drum opener to the top lip of the drum with the
1/2" drive socket up and the cutting wheel against the
inside of the lip. The cutting wheel should be as low as
possible on the drum lid to allow for easier cutting. The
two drive gears should rest against the outer ledge of the
drum ring. Clamp the drum deheader down onto the drum
ring when location of the cutting wheel and gear is
achieved. Adjust the clamping force much like a "vise
grip" style wrench. Be careful not to clamp too much
pressure as the cutting wheel is hardened and can break
when excessive force is applied. Try to adjust the wrench
so it takes 20 - 30 lbs. to close the wrench.
Place a 1/2" drive ratchet into the 1/2" "socket like"
receptacle in the top of the wrench. Rotate the ratchet
clockwise and hold the drum wrench 90° to the drum side
to maintain force on the cutting wheel. After completing
one rotation around the drum, readjust the clamping force
again to 20 - 30 lbs. This may be required several times
dependent on the thickness of the drum. When making
consecutive rotations around the drum, be sure to stay in
the same cutting path as the previous cut. After cutting
through the drum lid, take a hammer to tap the lid down
into the drum for easier removal.
As with many hand tools, using the drum wrench several
times will help the operator perfect their style and will
become easier for them to operate. Pneumatic impact
wrenches or air ratchets can also be used with this
wrench to speed the process, but caution should be
used. Air tools are extremely powerful and can injure an
operator when an obstruction is encountered.
To replace blades, simply remove the screw in the center
of the cutting wheel and slide the wheel out from the
side. Place the new cutting wheel with the offset to the
top and reinstall the screw. Tighten the screw down until
the cutting wheel does not rotate and back the screw out
slightly to allow rotation again.
PRESSURE
ADJUSTMENT KNOB
CUTTING WHEEL
1/2" DRIVE SOCKET
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