How to Build an Oil Drum Raft

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Thursday, September/19/2024

1). Inspect each drum to make sure it is free of any holes. To prevent the drums from rusting in the water, apply a coat of rust-resistant enamel to the outside of each drum and allow to dry for 24 hours.
2). Lash your oil drums together side by side. Wrap a rope around the drums and secure with a square knot to hold the drums together tightly. For simple, single-person rafts, you can often go with just two or three drums; however, you can make the raft as large as you want.
3). Place wooden poles above and below the oil drums, in the joint where the drums meet.
4). Lash the top and bottom poles together using rope. This will clamp the barrels between them and keep the barrels in place.
5). Slide the raft into some still, shallow water and test the rigging once it gets wet. Tighten the ropes or re-lash if necessary.

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