Pages

▼

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

How to take a pallet apart

Now you finally have your hands on a pallet...but how to take this thing apart?
Let me show you my technique and experience.
If you have some kind of gloves, use it. splinters are no fun.
First, take the bottom slats out with a pry bar, or in my case, a plain ole' hammer.
(You can start by using a flat screwdriver to space out just a little the wood boards)
Be careful as you do this, or the wood will split. 
Then it's time to do some banging.
***Make sure you are not doing this early in the morning or late at night...unless you have no neighbours nearby***
It's going to be loud and proud.
Hammer the nails out in "reverse" aka, bang on the nail tip so the head comes out.
Repeat until ALL the nails are removed.
I personally took the pallet apart in a couple of sessions...it's HARD work.
Now you have a little stash of recycled wood to use for some cool projects.
 
Stay tune, because I am already building a few things with that wood.
Pallets=free

Stay Frugal,
at

12 comments:

  1. The Thriftiness MissMarch 12, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    Oh man I so could have used this like 6 months ago when I ruin two pallet by trying to take them apart.. apparently the wrong way..

    Pinning for the future and thanks for the great lesson!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amy of While Wearing HeelsMarch 12, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    Back to the basics. This is the first how to take a pallet apart tutorial I've seen. I'd say it was needed for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  3. KellyMarch 12, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    I love the look of the rustic wood found on old pallets. I can't wait to see what you come up with from yours.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMarch 12, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    John's in charge of taking the pallets apart - and curses me
    EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. lmho - it's a lot of work - but so worth the efforts right?
    Great post as usual Dani!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    ReplyDelete
  5. NanaDianaMarch 12, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    That is a job but well worth it when you are through- Great tutorial- xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cristina GarayMarch 12, 2013 at 5:29 PM

    Can't wait to see what are you going to come up with! I love the rustic feel of the wood! Tough work for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Deneen@dreaming-n-colorMarch 12, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Love pallets! So much you can do with them. Can't wait to see what you do.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownMarch 12, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    Oooh I will be taking your advice as soon as I can get my hands on some pallets asap!

    xo, Tanya

    ReplyDelete
  9. Leslie HarrisMarch 14, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    I needed to see this. Especially the part about banging the nails out. And I like your attitude, it helps to know right off that it's hard work. But it's so worth it!
    Leslie (Gwen Moss)

    ReplyDelete
  10. EmilyMarch 18, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    Thanks for the great tutorial. Maybe I'm slow, but where do you get your hands on pallets?

    ~Emily
    http://tossedsaladlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMarch 25, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial! I have been wondering how to tackle taking apart the pallet I'm about to use for a craft. But your post gives me confidence that I can do it. :)

    One thought though: After your note, "Pallets=free," it might be a good idea to let readers know that it's always best to ask permission before taking pallets. Most companies either re-use them, get money for recycling them, or something like that. So while pallets can be free, it's sometimes stealing to take them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yvonne @ StoneGableMarch 28, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    Thank you thank you thank you for this post! I've been looking for pallets to pull apart for projects. This will make my life so so easy!!!

    ReplyDelete

I love to respond to your comments. Unfortunately many of you show up as a no-reply email. So, IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION for me, make sure you let me know YOUR EMAIL in the comment so I can answer you. Thank you.