Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Draining quart oil cans

Hi Folks!

How do the collectors of quarts go about draining them, as safe as possible?
I have about 10+ to do tommorrow, as they are leaking.

I always do holes on the bottom.. Do you guys think..

-2 holes with a drill
-Hand can opener (one hole on back)(gotta watch you dont make marks or scratches, dings)
-2 holes, with the can opener?

I know its simple or whatever, but curious how other folks do it. Thanks friends!

Rob C
-

I tap two small holes on bottom near the edge with a center punch opposite of each other and let drain for several hours.

You can rinse the inside with engine degreaser then warm soap & water to help remove any oil residue

A small dab of silicone over the hole, seals them up nicely! No leaks on the shelf that way!

ICE PICK 2 small holes, lay on side w/ screen over your catch pan/bucket.

Hey Guys, thanks for all your input. I see nobody is using the old fashioned punch can openers. They are ok, but gotta watch they dont make a mark on the front.

Ive used the bench electric drill, just nervous ill miss or slip.

I TOOK AN OLD SCREWDRIVER AND CUT THE BLADE OFF THEN ROUNDED OUT A NICE POINT ON THE END. THIS WAY I CAN POP HOLES IN THE BOTTOMS OF CANS FROM SMALL TO THE FULL DIAMETER OF THE SHAFT! NOW IF I COULD JUST REMEMBER WHERE I PUT IT! LOL!

Just wondering, I have heard it both ways. Does a can being full or being drained really affect its value? I am sure there are always exceptions to the rule, but in general. I am not talking about a can of Quaker State 10W40, for instance the Harley Davidson can also being discussed. This is a rookie question, it can help me and other newbies from getting burned in the future.

Bill

I've always used a drill with a small bit. I was afraid of denting the can by hitting it. I was probably being overly cautious.

Some buyers, especially on Ebay, are willing to pay a premium for full cans.

Bill--I believe that the general conception behind buying a full can is that if its full, it must be original! Nothing could be farther from the truth because an empty repop can be filled and lidded. The repop thieves will do everything possible to seperate us from our funds! The best thing is to educate yourself on repops and when in doubt--ask! Also, if you drop a full can, it creates a pretty good dent while nothing happens to the empty can. That plus shipping costs make the empty cans more desireable! Good luck!!

What do you guys do with the oil that drains out?
Do you dispose of it,or throw it in your engines or??

I drain my cans into 5 gallon jugs, then I give them to the Local Small Engine Repair shop. He heats his Shop with it in the winter months. I uasually wait and take him 10 gallons at a Time a couple time a year.

We dont have too many but we generally punch holes in the top. That way when you put the can back on the shelf it doesn't leak out of the bottom. We drain every single can we buy.

Kevin

I take all my old and drained oil down to the local "chain" auto parts dealer and they have a large metal tote you pour it into and doesn't cost me a thing to get rid of it. This way at least it gets recycled for some new use.

IN NY STATE ANY DEALER THAT SELLS OR DISPENSES OIL HAS TO TAKE IT BACK, USED OR UNUSED....NO COST TO THE PERSON/PUBLIC.