All decently straight nails can be used again, others saved in a big bucket for the scrapman! We have a weekly bonfire fuelled by busted pallets, a big magnet fishes out the nails for the scrap bucket and the ashes used on the plots! Frugal or what?
I'd like to live as a poor man with lots of money. - Pablo Picasso
So far ive found a lump hammer and a crow bar does the trick but it is hard going. Al told me about the fork trick yesterday so im going to give that a go xx
firstly I appologize for posting this in the wrong section, but I was prompted by the luvvvly benches and I am obviously still wracked with guilt at having to waste an entire pallet!!!! Thanks to everyone for their responses. The garden Fork trick is definatly the way forward and a wet pallet. I've taken pallets apart before, with a crowbar but these " ring shanks" really stumped me. I too have learnt to my cost to remove all nails and hardware from scrap wood as you get it, apart from my low pain threshold there is the extended recovery rate the older you get!
Also, I have found that taking things steady and pretty gently at first is the way to go. Just whacking them as hard as you can is not the way to go. I also bash each board from both ends to begin with, that is you are pushing the nails at 90 degrees to the way they are knocked in does loosen them a bit so that they are easier when you come to lift them.
Also, I have found that taking things steady and pretty gently at first is the way to go. Just whacking them as hard as you can will just wreck them. I also bash each board from both ends to begin with, that is you are pushing the nails at 90 degrees to the way they are knocked in does loosen them a bit so that they are easier when you come to lift them.
The problem with dismantling pallets is, they where put together, using an industrial nail gun. Not your common or garden hammer and clout nails. The best way to get a reasonably amount of timber, is to saw as close to the blocks as possible. Shortening the slats I know, but much easier than trying to prise out those staples.
I am an Dyslexic agnostic insomniac. I lay awake all night wondering if there really is a dog.
Also, this is an afterthought, did you know that some pallets are worth money on re-sale, especially Euro Pallets. If they are in good condition, they can be worth £5-£10 a pallet.
I am an Dyslexic agnostic insomniac. I lay awake all night wondering if there really is a dog.