How to Take Apart a Pallet Without Breaking It

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Choose pallets that show no sign of deterioration.

   Although they might be easier to disassemble, the wood is more likely to be damaged beyond use.
   
   You can get up to 40 feet (12m) of wood from a good pallet.
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   Step 2: Don’t try to take apart pallets with regular tools.

   Shipping pallets are built with annular ring nails, which are meant to stay put. , A handheld reciprocating saw will reduce pallet deconstruction from 30 minutes or more to about 10 minutes. , The five-inch (12.7cm) blade that comes with the saw will not work, and you will break the saw if you use it for this project., Make sure it is secure.
   
   Plug the saw into an electrical outlet. , Earplugs or ear protectors will also reduce the risk of hearing loss. , If you can’t, lay it across sturdy workbenches and you can saw the nails off using a horizontal motion. , The smaller horizontal slats, usually 2 x 4 wood, should be nailed to these pieces to create the top surface of the pallet.
   
   You will need to cut through the nails along the vertical pieces where the horizontal and vertical slats meet. , Place your saw between the two pieces of wood and cut downward or sideways, away from your body, in a smooth motion.
   
   You will cut through the spiral nails that connect the two pieces of wood.,, The horizontal boards may start to fall off.
   
   Ask a friend to pile them up if they are becoming a hazard. , Move around the outer edge, cutting between the wood where the frame pieces meet.
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   Step 3: Purchase a Sawzall tool.

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   Step 4: Buy a metal cutting 12-inch (30.5cm) demolition blade.

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   Step 5: Install the blade on your saw.

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   Step 6: Put on some safety goggles

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   Step 7: work clothes and gloves.

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   Step 8: Prop the pallet up vertically if you can get it securely clamped to a surface.

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   Step 9: Find the two main vertical pieces of wood on the pallet.

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    Step 10: Start your reciprocating saw.

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    Step 11: Continue cutting down one side of the vertical slat until all the horizontal slats are loose and cut free of the nails.

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    Step 12: Go to the other vertical slat and repeat the process through the other side of the pallet.

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    Step 13: Move to the back of the pallet where the frame of the pallet is construction.

Detailed Guide

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