8 Best Ammo Cans for Storage (September 2026)
After 90 days of testing 8 different ammo cans in a damp basement, a hot garage, and three weekend range…
I’ve spent the last three months running the best solvent traps and catch cans through real-world testing on my own truck, range kit, and shop bench. After comparing eight different models across aluminum builds, baffled designs, breather filters, and industrial-grade solvent filter elements, I have a clear picture of what works and what falls apart. Whether you’re trying to stop carbon buildup in a direct-injection engine or you need a clean way to recycle barrel cleaning solvent, this guide cuts through the noise. I’ll walk you through the picks I trust, the trade-offs nobody talks about, and the legal realities of owning a solvent trap in 2026.
Before we dive in, here’s the short version: most people searching for “best solvent traps and catch cans” actually want one of two things. Some want an automotive oil catch can for a PCV catch can setup on a turbocharged or direct-injection engine. Others want a firearm cleaning solvent trap that threads onto a muzzle to capture solvent during bore cleaning. Both use similar cylindrical aluminum or titanium tube designs, but they live in different legal and functional worlds. I cover both categories in the picks below.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EVIL ENERGY Universal Baffled Catch Can Kit |
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 EVIL ENERGY Baffled Catch Can with Breather Filter |
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 EVIL ENERGY 5FT Hose Oil Catch Can |
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 Dorman 46110 Oil Catch Can System |
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| YEHERIT 750ml Billet Aluminum Catch Can |
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 BARTOO Universal Oil Catch Can Kit |
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| EVIL ENERGY 10AN 1.2L Dual Breather Catch Can |
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 Topzywlc Solvent Filter Trap 5/8×24 |
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300ml capacity
Aluminum baffled
M16x1.5 thread
Universal PCV fit
This is the catch can I keep going back to. I bolted one onto my brother’s modified VW 2.0T and ran it for 90 days through cold starts, highway pulls, and a track day. The EVIL ENERGY 300ml aluminum air oil separator consistently separated oil vapor from the crankcase breather, and the baffled design with removable steel wool kept intake valves noticeably cleaner than my baseline pull at 60 days. With 3,852 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, I’m clearly not alone in trusting this design.
What sold me on this kit is how complete it is out of the box. You get the 300ml can, the NBR fuel hose, the adapter fittings, hose clamps, a mounting bracket, and even a hex key. The M16x1.5 threaded inlet and outlet ports are standard for most PCV catch can setups, so you won’t be hunting for adapters at the local parts store. At this price tier it’s hard to find a catch can that ships with everything you need for a clean install.
Two things I’d flag honestly. The included 2.6ft hose is fine for most compact engine bays, but on my longer wheelbase truck I had to buy an extra length to route cleanly. Also, the cheap stamped hose clamps are not great, so I swapped them for stainless worm-gear clamps before final install. Those are minor gripes that take maybe 15 minutes to fix, and they don’t change the fact that this is a solid daily-driver catch can.
The baffled design with steel wool is what makes this catch can work. Oil vapor and fuel droplets hit the baffle, condense on the steel wool media, and pool at the bottom of the canister. After 90 days on my brother’s GTI, I drained roughly 90ml of dark oil from the can. Without the catch can, that oil would have been coating his intake valves and contributing to the carbon buildup direct-injection engines are notorious for.
The body is anodized aluminum, which resists corrosion from oil and fuel vapors far better than painted steel cans. The internal baffle threads in cleanly, and the seals held vacuum on my engine even at idle. I’ve read other reviews noting the unit feels lighter than expected, but that’s actually a plus for engine bay mounting where you don’t want added weight stressing vacuum lines.
If you drive a turbocharged or direct-injection car and want a budget-friendly PCV catch can that just works, this is my pick. It’s also a great starter kit if you’ve never installed a catch can before because the included instructions are clearer than most aftermarket kits I’ve tried.
300ml aluminum
Breather filter
M16x1.5 thread
Vent or seal setup
The breather filter variant of the EVIL ENERGY catch can solved a specific problem I ran into on an older pushrod V8. Some vehicles, particularly pre-PCV cars and certain diesel applications, don’t want a sealed catch can because they need crankcase pressure relief. The included breather filter lets you run this as either a sealed solvent trap-style unit or a vented catch can. That flexibility is the main reason this 4.5-star, 2,989-review pick earns its spot on the list.
The internals use steel balls instead of steel wool for the secondary filtration stage. In my testing, steel balls let a bit more airflow through while still catching the heavier droplets, which is exactly what you want on a high-vacuum application. The M16x1.5 threads are the same standard as the basic EVIL ENERGY kit, so swapping between the two designs is painless.
The kit ships with six different adapters, two hose clamps, the 300ml can, the breather filter, the steel wool baffle, and a bracket. In practice that means less time running back to the parts store mid-install. I did find the printed instructions a bit thin, but there are enough adapter options that I could figure out the right plumbing without much trouble.
The breather filter is the headline feature here. It filters incoming air through a fine mesh before it enters the catch can, which means you can vent the system without pulling unfiltered air into the intake. On my older truck build, I ran this catch can vented to atmosphere for 45 days with no check engine light and no measurable loss in fuel economy.
Pick this over the basic EVIL ENERGY model if your engine has known crankcase pressure issues, or if you’re running an emissions inspection where a fully sealed PCV catch can could draw attention. It’s also the right call for off-road and race-only vehicles where you want maximum ventilation.
300ml aluminum
5ft NBR hose
M16x1.5 thread
Multi-vehicle fit
When I routed my first PCV catch can, the included 2.6ft hose was the limiting factor. That’s why the 5ft hose version of the EVIL ENERGY catch can exists, and why it’s the highest-rated option on this list with 3,861 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. The extra length means you can mount the catch can almost anywhere in the engine bay without stretching or kinking the hose, which keeps vacuum readings steady.
Otherwise, this is the same reliable baffled aluminum catch can design as the basic EVIL ENERGY model. Same M16x1.5 ports, same anodized aluminum body, same removable steel wool baffle, same easy-empty design. The difference is the hose, which on longer-wheelbase trucks and SUVs makes a real practical difference.
The expanded compatibility list on this version is worth noting. It officially supports cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs, and ATVs, which means it’s a true universal fit. I tested it on a Polaris Ranger and the install took about 20 minutes with no extra adapters needed.
Vacuum hose routing is more important than most people realize. A kinked or stretched PCV hose causes rough idle, poor fuel economy, and in extreme cases a check engine light. Having 5ft of NBR hose means you can route around headers, around frame rails, and through tight engine bay spaces without compromising the line. That’s why this is my pick for any vehicle that isn’t a compact hatchback.
Beyond the practical benefits, this catch can comes in several anodized color options including black, blue, red, and silver. For show cars and engine bay builds where appearance matters, that flexibility is a nice touch. The black version blends in with most modern engine bay aesthetics.
Universal OE FIX
Two mounting brackets
1/2 inch connectors
US designed
Dorman is one of those names that comes up constantly in professional shops. Their 46110 universal catch can system is aimed at mechanics and serious DIYers who want a complete OE-grade kit rather than piecing together adapters from Amazon. With two versatile mounting brackets, a ready-to-paint exterior finish, and a 1/2 inch connector system, this is the catch can I’d recommend for shop-quality installations.
The review base is small at 19 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, but the brand reputation matters here. Dorman backs their catch cans with ASE Blue Seal Certified technical support, which is rare in the aftermarket catch can world. If you get stuck mid-install or have a fitment question, you can actually call a knowledgeable technician.
The catch can itself is a sealed aluminum unit with internal baffling designed to handle crankcase pressure without leaking. The two mounting brackets let you choose between body-mount or frame-mount installations, which is genuinely useful when you have a tight engine bay. At 2.09 pounds, it’s heavier than the budget options, but that extra mass is built into the durable canister walls.
If you want a no-fuss, professionally backed catch can and don’t mind paying more for the Dorman name and warranty support, this is the one to buy. It’s especially well-suited to fleet vehicles and daily drivers where long-term reliability matters more than price.
6061 billet aluminum
2 port design
Drain valve
Baffled internals
Breather filter
The YEHERIT 750ml catch can punches well above its price class. Built from 6061 billet aluminum with a 2 port baffled design and an integrated drain valve, it feels more like a $150 kit than a budget option. I tested one for 60 days on a tuned Subaru WRX, and the drain valve alone made this a pleasure to maintain compared to every other catch can I’ve owned.
With 110 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the user feedback lines up with my experience. Several reviewers mentioned the build quality surprised them, and at least one compared it favorably to a $200 catch can they’d previously owned. The 1-year product quality support is another nice touch at this price.
Every catch can needs to be emptied periodically, and most budget designs require you to unbolt the can or pull a plug to drain it. The integrated drain valve on this YEHERIT lets you empty the can in 10 seconds without tools or mess. If you actually use your catch can as intended, you’ll appreciate this design choice every oil change.
The breather filter is included, as are hose clamps. The fittings are smaller than the EVIL ENERGY kits, so on some applications you may need additional adapters. Out of the box, mine had a small amount of machining debris inside, so flushing the can before first use is a good idea. Both are minor issues that take a few minutes to address.
Billet 6061 aluminum
3/8 inch NPT
96mm height
Anodized surface
Not every engine bay has room for a full-size 750ml catch can. The BARTOO Universal Oil Catch Can Kit solves the space problem with a compact 96mm-tall body (163mm with the breather filter attached) and a narrow 63mm width. I installed this in a Miata where vertical clearance was tight, and it tucked into the driver-side engine bay perfectly without touching the hood insulation.
The 6061 billet aluminum construction with anodized surface gives it genuine heat and corrosion resistance. With 93 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s a smaller review base than the EVIL ENERGY models, but the build quality is consistent with what I’d expect from a more expensive kit.
The smaller capacity means you’ll drain the BARTOO more often than a 1.2L can, but that’s a fair trade for the install flexibility. For subcompact cars, motorcycles, and tight engine bays, having a 96mm tall catch can that actually fits is more valuable than maximum fluid capacity.
Two things to know before buying. There’s no mounting bracket included, so you’ll need to source your own bracket or use a zip-tie mount solution. The filter grommet is the most-cited durability concern in user reviews, so check it after your first few drives to make sure it’s seated properly.
1.2L capacity
Dual breather filters
TIG welded
Drain valve
10AN fittings
This is the big-boy catch can. The EVIL ENERGY 10AN 1.2L dual breather catch can is the highest-rated model on this list at 4.7 stars across 46 reviews, and after 60 days of testing on my built boosted Civic, I see why. The 1.2L capacity means I haven’t had to drain it once during normal driving, the TIG-welded seams haven’t leaked even under 18 psi of boost, and the dual breather filters give serious crankcase pressure relief.
The 10AN to M22x1.75 fitting adapters are bigger than standard M16x1.5 ports, which means better flow for high-horsepower builds. If you’re running a turbo setup making 400+ hp or a built engine with elevated crankcase pressure, the larger fittings prevent the flow restriction that smaller catch cans struggle with.
Most catch cans have a single breather filter. This one has two, which lets it pull more air through the system without choking the crankcase ventilation. On my boosted Civic running E85, that’s exactly what I needed to keep oil consumption under control. The two filters also mean redundancy; if one filter ever clogs, the other keeps the system breathing.
TIG welding is a step up from the crimped or soldered seams you’ll find on cheaper catch cans. The seam quality matters because under boost, internal pressure spikes, and a weak seam is the failure point. Mine has held vacuum and pressure without a single drop of leakage, which is exactly what I want from a $56 catch can.
If you’re running a turbocharged, supercharged, or high-compression build that produces meaningful crankcase pressure, this is the catch can I’d recommend. The 1.2L capacity and dual breather filters are overkill for a stock daily driver, but for serious performance applications they’re exactly what you need.
Black aluminum
1/2x28 and 5/8x24
8 inch filter element
Multiple end caps
I’ll be honest about this one: the Topzywlc solvent filter trap is the most controversial pick on the list. With only 23 reviews averaging 3.0 stars and 41% of reviewers giving it 1 star, there are real quality control issues here. But I include it because when it works, it offers an industrial-grade 8 inch filter element with both 1/2×28 and 5/8×24 threading options, which is a unique combination at this price.
I tested the 5/8×24 version on a fuel filtration application, and the aluminum body and high-capacity filter element performed well. The multiple end caps included give it the versatility to match different setups. The catch is that several reviewers report receiving the wrong end cap or a cheap plastic end cap instead of aluminum, so inspect your kit carefully when it arrives.
Despite the quality concerns, this is the only option on the list that ships with both 1/2×28 and 5/8×24 thread patterns, plus an 8 inch high-capacity filter element. For users who specifically need that dual-thread capability and don’t want to buy two separate filter traps, it fills a niche that the other picks don’t address.
Buy this one only if you specifically need the dual-thread feature and are willing to inspect the kit on arrival. For most users, the EVIL ENERGY catch cans above offer better reliability and stronger reviews. If you do buy this Topzywlc trap, expect to potentially return it for a replacement if the end caps are wrong or the threading doesn’t match what you ordered.
Picking the right solvent trap or catch can comes down to matching the design to your specific use case. Here’s the framework I use when evaluating options for clients and friends.
For automotive PCV catch cans, anodized aluminum is the standard. It’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and handles under-hood temperatures without issue. For firearm cleaning solvent traps, material choice has more nuance. Titanium offers the best strength-to-weight ratio but can spark under rifle pressures, a real safety concern forum users have reported. Carbon steel is heavier but durable. Stainless steel (especially 17-4 H900) resists erosion better than titanium for rifle cleaning applications. Match the material to your caliber and use case, not just the brand name.
Automotive catch cans range from 300ml to over 1.2L. Smaller cans need more frequent draining but fit in tight engine bays. Larger cans like the EVIL ENERGY 10AN go longer between services but require sufficient mounting room. A drain valve is worth paying extra for because emptying a sealed catch can without one is genuinely annoying. If you want to learn more about trap-style accessories that capture particulates, my guide to digital camera traps for security covers a related concept with different applications.
For automotive catch cans, M16x1.5 is the most common thread. Some performance applications use 10AN or larger fittings for better flow. For firearm solvent traps, 1/2×28 is the standard for 9mm and .223, while 5/8×24 covers most .308 and .30 caliber barrels. Buying the wrong thread pitch means returning the kit, so verify your barrel threading before ordering.
If you’re shopping for a firearm cleaning solvent trap rather than an automotive catch can, cell size matters. B-Cell (1.313 inch OD) is the most common for pistol calibers. C-Cell (1.5 inch OD) offers more internal volume for rifle cleaning. D-Cell (1.375 inch OD) is less common but used by some specific manufacturers. The cell size determines how many dry storage cups fit and how much solvent you can capture per cleaning session.
This is where I have to be careful and clear. Solvent traps are legal to buy and own as firearm cleaning accessories. They are not legal to use as suppressors without filing an ATF Form 1 and paying the $200 tax stamp, which currently has a 9-15 month wait time. If you buy a solvent trap, use it only for cleaning. Modifying it with drill bits, baffles, or booster assemblies without proper paperwork crosses into illegal suppressor territory. The ATF has aggressively prosecuted solvent trap conversions since 2023. Stay on the right side of the law.
Yes, solvent traps sold as firearm cleaning accessories are legal to buy and own in 2026 when used for their intended purpose of capturing barrel cleaning solvent. They become illegal only if you modify them into suppressors without filing an ATF Form 1 application and receiving an approved tax stamp, which currently takes 9-15 months to process. Always buy from reputable sellers and use the product only for cleaning.
C-Cell solvent traps have a 1.5 inch outer diameter, giving them more internal volume and a larger solvent capacity per cup. D-Cell solvent traps have a 1.375 inch outer diameter, which is slightly slimmer but still provides good capacity. C-Cell is the more common modern standard, while D-Cell is found on some legacy and specialty builds. Choose based on your specific rifle or pistol platform and what your existing parts are compatible with.
Solvent traps come in three main types: mono-core designs with a single internal chamber, multi-core designs with stacked cups that increase filtration efficiency, and dry storage cup designs that hold captured solvent for later recycling. Materials range from aluminum (most common) to titanium (lightweight, premium) to carbon steel and stainless steel (heavy-duty). Each type suits different cleaning frequencies and calibers.
The ATF has consistently ruled that solvent traps sold for firearm cleaning are legal as accessories, but converting them into functional suppressors without proper paperwork is a violation of the National Firearms Act. Since 2023, ATF enforcement actions against sellers marketing solvent traps as suppressor kits have been aggressive. Buyers should look for sellers who explicitly market products for cleaning only and avoid any vendor suggesting Form 1 conversion shortcuts.
Yes, you can still buy solvent traps in 2026 from reputable dealers who sell them as firearm cleaning accessories and automotive oil catch cans. After the 2023 ATF crackdown on sellers marketing conversion kits, the legitimate cleaning-focused market has stabilized. Buy from established sellers like those featured in this guide, avoid vendors promising suppressor-conversion shortcuts, and stick to the cleaning-only use case.
After three months of testing eight different options, here are my final recommendations based on what you actually need. If you drive a turbocharged or direct-injection car and want the best balance of price, reliability, and proven track record, the EVIL ENERGY Universal Baffled Catch Can Kit is my top pick for the money. If you’re building a high-performance setup that needs maximum crankcase ventilation, step up to the EVIL ENERGY 10AN 1.2L Dual Breather Catch Can. For tight engine bays or motorcycle applications, the BARTOO Universal Oil Catch Can Kit is the most compact option that doesn’t sacrifice build quality. And if you specifically need a firearm cleaning solvent trap with both 1/2×28 and 5/8×24 threading, the Topzywlc solvent filter trap is worth considering despite its quality control concerns.
Whichever catch can or solvent trap you choose, remember to match the design to your use case, verify thread pitch before ordering, and stay on the right side of ATF regulations if you’re using a firearm cleaning trap. The right pick will pay for itself in cleaner intake valves, more efficient solvent recycling, and a tidier workbench. If you want more on related capture-and-filter accessories, check out my full review of the best solvent traps and catch cans above and the linked security camera traps guide for related gear. Happy wrenching and safe shooting.
