silly 5-gallon plastic bucket question

[tandemrx]

O.K., I got these 5-gallon plastic buckets from Dadants.

On the cover it says "cut at hole to remove cover" and there are these tab type things that have imprinted holes around the outside edge of the cover spaced about every 5-6 inches.

Cover will not currently go on at all as purchased.  I assume somehow I have to make cuts around the outside of the bucket - maybe cut off these "tabs".

All other buckets I have bought have a strip around the outside that you tear off and then it will go on and off.

These tabs aren't really separated from the outer edge, they are just light markings in the plastic.

Even with my heavy duty wire clippers I can't readily cut into these tabs to cut them out so I can get the lid on my honey.

How in the heck are you supposed to make these covers fit on the bucket???

I could probably take a hack saw to the plastic, but I can't imagine that is the intended design.

HELP ?    

[johnnybigfish]

The lids are only made to be cut to remove the lid from a full bucket. The lids (if the buckets are new of course) should have been shipped to you not attached to the top. The lids, when putting onto the buckets, should be pressed onto the top. Use a rubber mallet if you have to. You should also have an O ring inside the lid. After YOU put on the top, it cant be removed unless you cut those little indentations on the lid. Its still pretty tuff to pull the lids off, even after cutting the notches.
I use this type of 5 gallon bucket for putting stink bait into! :)

your friend,
john

[tandemrx]

thanks for the info, but how do I cut out the notches? 

I am going to have to put these lids on and take them off with some frequency.  I know they make a tool to pry off the lids, but I assume I will still need to cut the notches even if I use the tool.

But I have no clue how to cut the notches.  No scissors would come anywhere near cutting that thick plastic.  As I mentioned, my heavy duty wire snippers won't do the job.

People must have to cut these off all the time.  How does one go about doing it without an emergency room visit or ruining the cover?

[johnnybigfish]

 I use dikes or tins snips(you know, the ones that come in red, yellow, and green?) Wire cutters work good too..Usually, you cant cut all the way to the top as this would make the lids not fit snug afterwards. A razor knife is NOT a good idea....They might slip while you're cutting upwards and cut you in the stomach or arm!(Ive done this a couple of times)...Just so you know, I hate getting the lids off of these buckets :-x...I always thinking I'm gonna tear off a fingernail by my hand slipping.
your friend,
john

[tandemrx]

Thanks

https://www.dadant.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=M009453

Dadant sells a lid removing tool.  If link above doesn't work - go to their web site and search for item #M009453

[randydrivesabus]

i use a utility knife when i open those kinds of buckets. slit the tabs to the rim of the lid.

[utahbeekeeper]

I purchase my buckets from local hardware store and they also sell a screw top adapter which I like very much.  Just snap on the threaded ring, then screw the full size lid on . . . . even has a removable gasket.

[Frantz]

Ditto, to what Utah just said. I have now used the screw on type of bucket lid and I will never use anything else again!! They're great and air tight. I use mine to haul water and everything. I love them.. They weren't that expensive if I remember right.
F

[annette]

Gosh how I have struggled with these bucket tops. Breaking my nails (oh my!!), but I never knew about an adapter to these buckets. Hope they have them out here also.

Thanks for the info
Annette

[thomashton]

Yup. They're called Gamma-seal lids http://www.gammaplastics.com/new/GSL.html.

I use them on all my 5 gallon buckets that I keep white rice, brown rice, bread flour, all-purpose flour, wheat flour, sugar . . . in.

If I had to pull one of those lids off everytime I needed 1/4 cup of flour I would go crazy. You can get them all over the place including PetSmart and PetCo.

Here in Utah where food storage, feeding large families, and buying in bulk is in fashion, you can get them anywhere. In fact, right now a local grocery store is having it's bi-annual emergency preparedness sale. You can get the lids for about $4 apiece. Worth every penny.

[annette]

Thanks once again for this info

[thomast55]

I use a sig flathead screwdriver and a hammer . Just put the screwdriver at the indent and tap with the hammer until it penetrates the plastic and then use the driver to pry a little . Do this all thee way around the bucket and you should be good to go .

[hankdog1]

i normally use a dull knife to cut the tabs.  i would be willing to bet though a dremel tool with the little circular saw blade on the end would do the job grate.  but due to me being lazy i'll probably stick with my dull pocket knife.

[Scadsobees]

Yeah, I use a utility knife too.  The idea behind these lids is they are actually slammed on with a rubber mallet, then the only way to get them off is to cut the tabs, effectively sealing the bucket.

I mostly use bakery buckets free from the local bakeries, and the lids that I get from there are MUCH easier to use, on and off, and they fit all of the buckets.  I don't even use those lids from Dadant.

Rick

[twb]

O.K., I got these 5-gallon plastic buckets from Dadants.



Cover will not currently go on at all as purchased. 

HELP ?    
[
/quote]

I had a similar issue in a bucket with honey gate I purchased from them.  I finally called and told them I would bring it to a beek convention where I knew they would be in attendance and we exhanged for the "right" cover and it fit on beautifully.