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Well, I've picked up my feeder stand (I'd guess about 350+lbs of solid steel) which will allow the motor and timer to sit about 14' off the ground...I will be using a 55 gallon drum (metal) for the corn. I was fortunate enough to pick one up off of Craigslist on the cheap! The only issue is that the lid doesn't have a lock. I have no idea what is the best way to secure it.

I've tried a C-Clamp and that locks it down tight, but I'm wondering how Raccoon proof that is. A high tension spring clamp also works, but again...Raccoons.

Are there any aftermarket locks? My google-fu is giving me the cold shoulder tonight.

The drums I've seen with removable lids had clamping rings that captured the edge of the lid and the lip on the drum.

The clamp closed under tension. While I don't recall a lock per se, it could easily be secured with wire.

Mike1951 wrote:The drums I've seen with removable lids had clamping rings that captured the edge of the lid and the lip on the drum.

The clamp closed under tension. While I don't recall a lock per se, it could easily be secured with wire.

some clamp rings have a hole for a lock in the handle. I have two of these on my feeders. I padlock them as I have had some raccoons that have gotten past the wire ties after they start to rust. The clamp rings also create a better seal to protect the corn from mildew and clumping.

Look for a business in your area that makes some kind of machinery or oilfield eqipment. If they paint their own product it is possible they get paint in 55 gallon drums with plastic liners in them. If so they should have the tops with lock rings on them and you might be able to get one there.

How tightly does the lid fit? If it is pretty snug, use a big rock. Raccoons can't get enough leverage to peel the lid up if 5-7 pounds of rock are holding it down.

On a couple of our drum feeders, we have a simple tin lid with a 3" lip that's held down with a rock, and we've never had an issue - and it isn't even airtight. One of your threads had a link to them in the last week or so, but I can't find it now. Now, Llano County may have bigger coons than Gillespie, but it'll probably work. Wind has never been an issue either, and it can get pretty breezy out towards Doss.

ETA: These lids are great if you've got to get into the feeder soon after a rain, too, because the water can't pool on top and possibly spill in the drum when you take the lid off.