Why not square containers ?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Frequently frozen MN
Why not square containers ?
This is a little frivolous, but I was wondering why they don't put spackle and joint compound (and probably other stuff) in square containers.
I'm sure it's probably cost, but it would seem to be lot easier to get the right amount on your blade if the container was square.
hj
I'm sure it's probably cost, but it would seem to be lot easier to get the right amount on your blade if the container was square.
hj
Super Duty
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,525
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From: NW IN.
Often wondered that myself. It absolutely would.
It would also save a TON of space when packaging. Last time I looked, boxes, pallets and shipping containers weren't round either. You could use every available square inch for packaging and shipment.
But what do we know. We're just the end user.
It would also save a TON of space when packaging. Last time I looked, boxes, pallets and shipping containers weren't round either. You could use every available square inch for packaging and shipment.
But what do we know. We're just the end user.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lafayette, IN
Joint compound DOES come in square containers--it comes in boxes lined with plastic bags, but it's generally only sold to the pro drywallers that way.
Also, even though joint compound says "ready-mixed" on the side of the bucket, it's much more usable if you add a little water, dish soap and mix it (even just mixing it makes it more workable). Square containers don't let you mix the contents thoroughly with a powered tool.
There are probably a bunch of other reasons related to the manufacture and processing of the packaging that make round containers a bunch cheaper.
Jason
Also, even though joint compound says "ready-mixed" on the side of the bucket, it's much more usable if you add a little water, dish soap and mix it (even just mixing it makes it more workable). Square containers don't let you mix the contents thoroughly with a powered tool.
There are probably a bunch of other reasons related to the manufacture and processing of the packaging that make round containers a bunch cheaper.
Jason
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Nixa
I was going to saythat about mixing the joint compound.
I then remember my framing days. Hand drives came in aquare buckets. Someone always managed to drop those buckets full of nails right on corners, and the buckets always busted wide open.
So now imagine the big mess you'ld have if you dropped a square bucket of joint compound.
I then remember my framing days. Hand drives came in aquare buckets. Someone always managed to drop those buckets full of nails right on corners, and the buckets always busted wide open.
So now imagine the big mess you'ld have if you dropped a square bucket of joint compound.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
This is a little frivolous, but I was wondering why they don't put spackle and joint compound (and probably other stuff) in square containers.
I'm sure it's probably cost, but it would seem to be lot easier to get the right amount on your blade if the container was square.
hj
I'm sure it's probably cost, but it would seem to be lot easier to get the right amount on your blade if the container was square.
hj
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Frequently frozen MN
It is because cylinders are stronger than rectangles, top to bottom. Packaging is first and foremost a method of delivery.
Still, you'd think that it would be somewhat offset by the fact that there's less wasted space on pallets, etc. I have seen some things that come in squarish plastic containers, so I would think that it could be made strong enough.
And they could certainly promote the ease of use.
hj
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Carpenter Local 745
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From: on da beach
I am sure that gas filled cylinders are the strongest possible container for that type of application too. Square edges would not hold up to pressure and damage.
I was wondering about the square container too while trying to reorganize round bottles and containers in my frige.
I was wondering about the square container too while trying to reorganize round bottles and containers in my frige.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
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From: Whittier, CA
I can buy that, and I presume that you're in a position to know.
Still, you'd think that it would be somewhat offset by the fact that there's less wasted space on pallets, etc. I have seen some things that come in squarish plastic containers, so I would think that it could be made strong enough.
And they could certainly promote the ease of use.
hj
Still, you'd think that it would be somewhat offset by the fact that there's less wasted space on pallets, etc. I have seen some things that come in squarish plastic containers, so I would think that it could be made strong enough.
And they could certainly promote the ease of use.
hj
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
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From: SW VA
I work in the packaging industry, so I have some insight. I am not an expert on pallet loads. But I know that with heavy products, like drywall mud, and even bottled water, the product is so dense that they sometimes cannot fill a van to the ceiling because of trucking restrictions. So they ship a lot of dead air space anyway. When designing pallet loads for warehousing, the number of pallets that can be stacked can be important. If the packaging can handle it, they may warehouse 3 pallets high. Warehouse space is expensive, and strong product containers can be cost effective. Not to mention the liability issues if a stack of pallets falls over. Which happens far too often.
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