Barrel Hooks

Safe, Efficient Drum Handling Solutions

Lifting 55-gallon drums involves unique risks, from shifting liquid centers of gravity to slippery surfaces. Holloway Houston, Inc. (HHI) supplies industrial-grade Barrel Hooks, Drum Lifters, and Chime Hooks designed to secure heavy loads for overhead lifting.

Unlike standard forklift attachments or light-duty shop tools, our rigging hardware is engineered for the rigors of construction, oil & gas, and chemical processing environments. Whether you are moving steel, plastic, or fiber drums, we have a compliant below-the-hook solution.

Types of Drum Lifters We Stock

1. Vertical Drum Lifters (Chime Hooks) Designed to grip the "chime" (rim) of a steel drum. These are typically used with a two-legged chain or wire rope sling.

• Best for : Lifting closed-head steel drums vertically.
• Rigging Note : Most standard chime hooks are not rated for open-head drums or plastic barrels unless specified.

2. Horizontal Drum Slings A simple, effective way to lift drums in a horizontal position for pouring or racking.

• Best for : Loading drums into racks or dispensing contents.

3. Automatic Mechanical Clamps Grips the drum automatically when lifted and releases when set down.

• Best for : High-volume moving where the operator needs to stay clear of the load.

Selection Guide: Steel vs. Plastic Drums

Critical Safety Warning : Not all hooks work on all drums.

• Steel Drums : Most standard chime hooks are designed only for the rigid rims of steel drums.
• Plastic/Poly Drums : These require specialized lifters or broad-band slings. Using a steel-drum hook on a plastic drum can cause the rim to tear or the hook to slip, resulting in a dropped load.

Need to lift plastic drums? Look for our "Universal" lifters or specialized polyester drum slings designed to grip without puncturing.

Compliance & Testing

All HHI drum lifting hardware meets ASME B30.20 (Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices) standards.

• Design Factor : Manufactured with a standard 3:1 or 5:1 design factor depending on the model.
• Traceability : Stamped with Working Load Limit (WLL) and manufacturer identification.
• Proof Testing : HHI can proof-test drum lifters in-house to verify integrity before shipment.

Complete Your Rigging Assembly

Drum hooks rarely work alone. Ensure you have the right connection hardware :

• Chain Slings : For durability in rough environments.
• Synthetic Slings : For lighter weight and spark resistance.
• Shackles : To connect hooks to your hoist or crane hook.

Need help selecting the right lifter for your specific drum type? Call our Rigging Team at 1-888-496-4700 for guidance on compatibility and capacity.