Drum Scale Buying Guide: How to Weigh 55-Gallon Drums

A drum scale needs a low deck with ramps that fits a 55-gallon drum, like the Brecknell DS1000-LCD (1,000 lb x 0.5 lb, 31.5 in deck), on sale for $675.00 (regular $850.00), in stock.

Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 4, 2026 · Prices checked November 4, 2026

This guide is for plants, warehouses and shops that fill, receive or ship 55-gallon drums of oils, lubricants, coatings, food ingredients and other liquids. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas, and we are one of the largest scale distributors. MNM Scales is an authorized Brecknell dealer.

Drum scale deck size for 55-gallon drums

A standard 55-gallon steel drum is about 23 in in diameter and 35 in tall. The drum base should sit fully on the live deck with room to spare, so the weight reaches all four load cells. A deck of 28 in or larger fits one drum with margin for a drum dolly or a slightly off-center drop.

Deck	Fits	Model
31.5 x 31.5 in painted steel, built-in 9 degree ramps	One 55-gallon drum, a drum dolly or a small cart	Brecknell DS1000-LCD
28 x 28 in stainless, ramped ends and live side rails	One 55-gallon drum, or a pallet set across the rails	MNM Scales OP-917-SS
4 x 4 ft and larger	Four drums on a pallet	See our floor scale buying guide

1,000 vs 2,000 lb capacity

Add the full drum, the empty drum and any dolly or cart. Water-based liquids in a full 55-gallon drum come to roughly 460 lb, and denser products weigh more. A 1,000 lb x 0.5 lb drum scale such as the DS1000-LCD handles one full drum of most liquids. Choose 2,000 lb x 0.5 lb, like the OP-917-SS, for heavy products, drums on a cart, or two drums on a pallet across the rails. Both read in 0.5 lb steps, so the reading stays the same size at either capacity.

Loading by ramp or drum dolly

• Ramps: the DS1000-LCD has gradual 9 degree entry and exit ramps on both sides, so you can roll a drum dolly or cart on one side and off the other. The OP-917-SS has 4 in long ramped ends and an ultra-low 1.5 in deck.
• Drum dolly: roll the drum on its dolly, then tare the dolly so the display shows the drum alone.
• Drum lift or forklift: set the drum down gently in the middle of the deck; dropping it shocks the load cells.
• Moving the scale: both scales have handles and wheels, so one person can move them between the dock and the fill station.

Stainless washdown vs painted steel drum scale

• Painted steel (DS1000-LCD): a powder coated steel deck for dry warehouses, docks and shipping areas. Wipe spills promptly.
• Stainless washdown (OP-917-SS): stainless steel construction with a washdown indicator in a NEMA 4X casing, built for food plants and areas that are hosed down.

For hose-down floor scales in general, see our washdown floor scale guide. Filling flammable liquids in a classified area needs an intrinsically safe system; see our hazardous-area scale guide.

Fill to target and drum records

Tare the empty drum, then fill until the display reaches the target net weight. The DS1000-LCD indicator has a check weighing mode for packing or filling to a set weight and an Accumulate/Total key for a running total of drums in a shipment. Its USB and RS-232 ports, and the RS-232 port on the OP-917-SS indicator, send weights to a printer or PC (DS1000 communication cables not included); see how to connect a scale to a computer.

Drum scale models compared at live prices

Model	Capacity x graduation	Deck	Build	Power	Price
Brecknell DS1000-LCD	1,000 lb x 0.5 lb	31.5 x 31.5 in, built-in ramps	Powder coated steel	AC adapter (included) or six AA batteries (not included)	$675
MNM Scales OP-917-SS	2,000 lb x 0.5 lb	28 x 28 in, ramped ends, live rails	Stainless steel, NEMA 4X indicator	AC adapter (included), rechargeable battery	$2,349

Lost the DS1000 power supply? The Brecknell DS-1000 AC adapter (9 V DC, 600 mA) is $59.

Rules: NTEP for drum scales

Both drum scales here are built for in-plant weighing: filling, inventory and shipping checks. If you invoice or sell drums by weight, use an NTEP-approved Class III floor scale; see our floor scale buying guide and NTEP and legal-for-trade guide.

Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.

Calibration and rental

• Calibration: we calibrate drum scales in our Cypress shop or at your plant, with an in-house or NIST-traceable certificate; call for a quote on your capacity. See NIST vs in-house certificates.
• On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, plus calibration per scale; see on-site calibration.
• Mail-in, repairs and rentals: use mail-in calibration, have us repair the brands we sell, and rent all types of scales while yours is out of service.

Frequently asked questions

What size drum scale do I need for a 55-gallon drum?

A 55-gallon drum is about 23 in across, so pick a deck of 28 in or larger, such as the 28 x 28 in OP-917-SS or the 31.5 x 31.5 in Brecknell DS1000-LCD.

Is 1,000 lb enough for a drum scale?

For one full drum of most liquids, yes. Choose 2,000 lb for dense products, drums on a cart, or two drums on a pallet.

Which drum scale is best for washdown areas?

The stainless MNM Scales OP-917-SS, with a washdown indicator in a NEMA 4X casing. The painted steel DS1000-LCD suits dry areas.

Can I fill a drum to a target weight?

Yes. Tare the empty drum and fill to the net target. The DS1000-LCD has a check weighing mode for filling to a set weight.

Do I need an NTEP drum scale?

Yes if you sell or invoice drums by weight; use an NTEP-approved Class III floor scale. For in-plant filling and inventory, choose by size and capacity.

Do you calibrate drum scales?

Yes, in our Cypress shop or on site at $295 + $2 per mile per visit plus calibration per scale. Call (832) 290-3120 for a quote.