Abstract: A drum outlet and closure apparatus for use with cylindrical steel drums provides an outlet fitting with a peripheral shoulder that is generally S-shaped to accept a cap seal (such as a commercially available metallic cap seal). The shoulder thus protects an inwardly spaced threaded section. In another embodiment, the drum outlet is formed of parent metal of the drum end, formed into an annular shoulder and then partially threaded. An upper unthreaded section is folded to define a closure sealing surface. The threaded section accepts a threaded closure fitting. An unthreaded lower interior section provides enhanced strength and protects the threading.