Repairing a 2nd-Hand Container: Rust, Doors & Seals

Most used containers need a little attention at some point: a rust spot to treat, a stiff locking bar or a door seal that's seen better days. The good news is that most repairs are straightforward, and many are easy DIY jobs.

Here's how to fix the common problems on a second-hand container, and when to call a professional. If you haven't bought one yet, our guide to 2nd hand shipping containers for sale explains the grades, so you know what condition to expect.

Before you start

• Wear gloves, eye protection and a mask when sanding or painting
• Work in dry weather
• Empty the area you're working on
• Take photos before you start, for your records

Repair 1: Surface rust

Surface rust is normal on used containers and easy to treat.

1. Wire brush or sand the rust back to sound metal.
2. Clean the area to remove dust and grease.
3. Prime with a rust-inhibiting primer for steel.
4. Paint with a paint suitable for steel and outdoor exposure.

Focus on the roof, where water collects, and the bottom rails, which sit close to the ground.

Repair 2: Pinholes and small holes

Small rust-through holes let in water and get bigger over time.

• Temporary fix: clean the area and seal it with a metal-repair compound or patch kit designed for steel.
• Permanent fix: cut out the damaged metal and weld in a new steel patch, then prime and paint.

Welding is a job for someone with the right skills and equipment.

Repair 3: Roof dents that hold water

Dents that collect water rust faster. Options:

• Push out smaller dents from inside, using a jack and a piece of timber to spread the force.
• Keep the roof clear of water, leaves and snow.
• Add a cover or slope, such as a simple pitched roof or tarp frame, if dents are extensive.
• Treat any rust inside the dent promptly.

Repair 4: Stiff or sticking doors

Container doors often stiffen after sitting unused.

1. Check the container is level. A twisted container is the most common reason doors stick. Adjust the supports under the corners.
2. Lubricate hinges, locking bar brackets and cam keepers with a penetrating oil, then grease.
3. Work the locking bars back and forth to free them.
4. Replace bent or broken parts, such as handles or cam keepers, if needed.

Repair 5: Door seals

The rubber gaskets around the doors keep water out. When they harden, crack or tear:

1. Remove the old gasket, which is usually held in a retaining strip with rivets or screws.
2. Clean the channel.
3. Fit a new gasket of the right profile for your container's doors.
4. Check the doors close and seal evenly.

Replacement gaskets are available from container parts suppliers.

Repair 6: Floor damage

• Small soft spots or holes: cut out the damaged section and screw in a new piece of marine plywood of the same thickness.
• Wear near the doors: add a steel threshold plate or overlay with new plywood.
• Delamination: seal the area, or overlay the floor.
• Widespread rot: replace the floor, which is a bigger job worth pricing professionally.

Repair 7: Bent locking bars and handles

Bent bars and handles can usually be straightened or replaced as parts. If several are bent, check the doors and frame for impact damage.

When to call a professional

• Welding patches on the walls or roof
• Replacing large sections of floor
• Straightening bent door frames
• Any damage to corner posts, castings or the frame
• Cutting new openings for doors or windows

Preventing future repairs

• Keep the container level, on a base off the ground
• Clear the roof of water, leaves and snow
• Touch up scratches and rust every year
• Grease hinges and locking gear once or twice a year
• Replace seals when they harden
• Ventilate to reduce condensation

A yearly maintenance schedule

FAQ

Can I fix rust on a shipping container myself?

Yes. Surface rust is a simple DIY job: brush back to metal, prime and paint.

How do I fix a hole in a container?

For a quick fix, use a steel repair compound or patch kit. For a permanent fix, have a steel patch welded in.

Why won't my container doors close?

Usually because the container isn't level. Adjust the supports under the corners, then lubricate the hinges and locking gear.

Can container door seals be replaced?

Yes. Replacement gaskets fit into the retaining strips around the doors.

Is it worth repairing an old container?

Often, yes. Most repairs are inexpensive compared with replacing the container, as long as the frame is sound.