Removing the Hoops and Head of a Barrel : A Mystic Barrels DIY Tutorial

In this Mystic Barrels DIY Tutorial, we reveal the best way to remove both the hoops / bands and head from your barrel.
Remember, every barrel project starts with high quality barrels! Get yours today at www.mysticbarr...

[@williamchamberlain5839]

Thanks for the techniques was having a hell of a time with a whisky barrel and a pry bar AFTER removing the tacks

[@btrent9244]

I’m getting ready to prepare a few new barrels for a “moonshine display” that will be sitting on a flat bed truck and kept inside a temperature controlled garage when not being out side for display at car shows and other events. Do you have any tips on the best way to preserve them in addition to your excellent 4 part videos? Thank you. I acquired the barrels Thursday and I found your channel today. Excellent!!!

[@fuzzypantz7902]

Thanks...did not know about those staples...ouch..lol

[@dreamer_4937]

Great video, thank you so much! Just bought a barrel, making it into a water butt. Question: when I hammer down the lid, can I then put it back later? Your one started coming apart; it’s not glued at all, right? Also, is there a risk of me breaking it when hammering it down? You seemed to be really giving it some welly. Basically, I need to take off the lid so that I can inspect the inside (drink any remaining whisky!) and fit a rain diverter; I may need access to fit the tap as well. Thanks!!

[@MysticBarrels]

Hey Edward! Glad you liked it. Reinstalling a barrel head can be a bit tricky. The hardest part is not going to be getting the head seated in the grove. Its going to be getting the hoops back into the same position as they started. Especially the outside hoop. In production, they have hydraulic presses to get those hoops in position. So its a bit tricky to do without. I've have a number of customers use the EarthMinded Rail Barrel Kit with lots of success. You can do everything from the outside without needed to open up the barrel. Here is the link: www.amazon.com/EarthMinded-Rain-Barrel-Diverter-Parts/dp/B005CJFBJE

[@dreamer_4937]

@@MysticBarrels thanks so much! This is really helpful. You have a fantastic channel! I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I watched all the videos a channel had in one go! Well, I have an old butt and bought a brand new diverter kit with it already and would rather not chuck it out to be honest. It requires twisting on a cap on the inside and out. And anyway I’m really curious to see the inside!! I take your point about getting the outside hoop back on being a ball ache; but I think I’ll have a crack. Appreciate the warning. Especially as mine is a whiskey barrel with lots of rust everywhere. If it kicks up a fuss on the return journey I’ll try using various bits and bobs like straps etc. to tighten up the top section enough to get the hoop back on. Fingers crossed!

[@paulholmes6882]

Is possible to add a wood section to half a wooden barrel after reoving steel bands?

[@kylekellogg1723]

If I remove the 4 hoops in the middle and leave the 2 on both ends, my barrel should stay together while sanding correct? I’ll put a ratchet strap on to help before I start sanding.

[@MysticBarrels]

Hey Kyle! As long as the hoops were tight to begin with, you shouldn't have any problem removing the interior 4 hoops and having the barrel stay together. If the hoops were loose to begin with, you may want to secure the top and bottom hoops first to ensure everything stays together. Good luck!

[@kylekellogg1723]

The company I bought the whiskey barrel from said he sells to breweries to use for beer, so it’s still in great shape. I guess I’ll give it a go this weekend. Thanks for the reply. Awesome videos also!

[@paulgush]

My barrel has dried out since I bought it, and the staves don't lie flush with each other any more. The top and bottom hoops are still tight, though. If I tap the belly and quarter hoops closer to the middle of the barrel, will that pull the staves flush and level?