Introduction: How to Dismantle a Pallet Without a Saw.
I was looking at some different ways to dismantle a pallet when a light bulb went off in my head and I thought about Newtons 3rd law, where there's an action there's an equal and opposite reaction, so I grabbed my low-profile jack and started dismantle the pallet. After removing the first 4 or 5 boards, it dawned on me that I should make an Instructables. Because my jacks handle is on the left side, I started by placing the jack under the first board on the left side of the right cross member and jacked away, then I moved the jack to the left side of the middle cross member and jacked some more. Once you get that done you can usually just grab the board on the right end and lift and twist to remove it. If you can't, just put the jack on the right side of the left cross member, under the left end of the board, and as you jack put your boot on the board and put some weight on it and it will come lose. Please use some common sense and don't wear flip flops or try it barefoot, put your boots and gloves on because of the protruding nails and if you don't want any slivers. Depending on how many bottom boards you have will dictate how many top boards you remove and because of that you will need a 2x4 or a 2x6 or a piece of plywood. If you have a sheet of plywood as large as your pallet, flip your pallet over and while using your jack, remove the 3 or how ever many boards are on the bottom and take your screw gun and drive in some screws attaching the plywood. This is the easiest way because you won't have to move the 2x6 multiple times, if you do decide to use a 2x6 or 2x4 turn your pallet over and place your 2x in between a couple of the upper boards and drill some holes, large enough so that when you drive in your screws, it won't cause any jacking between the 2x and the cross member. You should only need 2 screws per end of the 2x in order to hold it, also I use the Kreg washer head screw so I don't have to worry about the wood splitting. I also use one 2x long enough for all of the pallet I come across, that way I only need one board and I predrilled all of the holes to make it go faster. Some pallets don't have any bottom boards that run parallel to the upper boards and if doesn't, just use your 2x or a piece of plywood and do the same as above. I hope this will help those who prefer to use the whole board and not just cut them up, especially if they're newer pallets. Thank you and I hope that this being my first Instructables I hope I made one that is understandable.
7 Comments
3 years ago
That's OK if you're using it for firewood but most of those planks would be split beyond use.
My method is to gently prise a gap big enough for a junior hacksaw then saw through the nails, this results in the least damage.
Later I drive out the remains of the nails with a small punch which leaves easily fillable holes.
4 years ago
I was hoping that there was something more effective than a crowbar. Gradually raising both ends of the board should prevent some breakage. Thanks!
7 years ago
Great Idea. I have broken loads of pallets using a club hammer and crowbar. Always ending with blood, sweat and tears.
Reply 4 years ago
Sorry to hear that
Reply 4 years ago
Sorry to hear about that hope it gets better soon what you say to a man that you don't even know huh get better soon good luck on your project have a blessed day
7 years ago
Great Idea. I have broken loads of pallets using a club hammer and crowbar. Always ending with blood, sweat and tears.
Reply 7 years ago
Believe me it is, thank you for your comments.