Abstract: A drum deheader is adapted for use with a cylindrical drum having a sidewall, a cover at opposite ends of the sidewall and an annular chime joining each cover to the sidewall. A receiver is adapted to be positioned against the sidewall and is engaged with the chime. A slide plate assembly is adapted for vertical sliding movement within the receiver and carries a cutting blade adapted to engage the cover. An elongated handle is pivotally mounted to the receiver for operably moving the cutting blade upwardly and downwardly into and out of cutting engagement with the cover. The invention is improved by a follower and slot arrangement formed in the handle, the receiver and the slide plate for enabling the upward and downward movement of the cutting blade as the operating handle is pivotally moved.

Abstract: A drum opener for severing a metal clamping band on a drum to enable the cover to be removed from the drum. The drum includes a cylindrical metal wall having a plastic liner and the upper edge of the wall and liner are rolled outwardly along with the peripheral edge of the cover to form a chime. A metal clamping band is secured around the chime to seal the cover to the drum. The drum opener includes a base which supports a power source such as an electric gear motor and a drive wheel is journaled on the base and is disposed to engage the upper portion of the clamping band. A rotatable cutter is disposed in engagement with the lower portion of the band and is out of direct alignment with the drive wheel. The cutter can be manually adjusted to bring the cutter into engagement with the clamping band.