Pallets are commonly used to move and store goods. They can be easily deconstructed by cutting the nails that hold them together with a reciprocating saw.
This guide will show you how to do it in just a few minutes. First, cut the nails on one side of the pallet. Then, pry the boards apart using a hammer and crowbar. Finally, cut the remaining nails with your reciprocating saw. Easy!
How to find free pallets?
One of the best ways to find pallets is by checking around your local area. Most businesses/warehouses have a lot of pallets to give away. You can also check Craig’s List or eBay for freebies.
Safety precautions
- A reciprocating saw, an electric handsaw with a thin, rigid blade that moves back and forth on a track, can be very dangerous to use. Here are some safety precautions you should take when using your saw:
- Wear eye protection.
- Keep the blade sharp and clean of debris for smooth performance. Make sure it is not wet or dry with any kind of oil or lubricant.
- Cut at the proper angle to avoid kickback, which is when the saw blade suddenly binds and jumps back toward you or your other hand. The best way to avoid this is to push forward and down on the saw while feeding it into the wood slowly. This will keep the blade from binding and kicking back towards you.
- Keep your hands away from the saw blade at all times by keeping them on the handle of the reciprocating saw.
- Be aware of where your fingers are when near the blades, don’t touch any part of the blade while it is moving or you will be cut.
How to break down a pallet?
Keep these safety precautions in mind because you will be using your reciprocating saw to cut through nails. You should always wear eye protection when operating or around power tools, but it is especially important with this tool because the blades are moving quickly and you could end up getting hit in the face if something goes wrong. The best way to use your reciprocating saw is to wear a pair of thick leather gloves. If you don’t have any, make sure you keep a firm grip on the handles and push down when cutting through nails to avoid kickback.
Tips:
- Make the first cut on one side of the pallet and then pry it apart using a hammer and crowbar.
- Remember to push down on the saw when cutting through nails and never ever touch any part of the blades while moving because they will cut your hands.
- Be sure to wear thick leather gloves or a firm grip when operating this tool.
Cutting the pallet
In order to safely break down a pallet with your reciprocating saw, you will need to wear thick leather gloves. If they are not available, make sure you keep a firm grip on the handles and push down when cutting through nails to avoid kickback. The first step is making the initial cut. To do this, start on one side of the pallet and guide it towards where you want it to cut so that it is slightly overhanging.
Then, put pressure downward with the blade while pulling toward yourself in short even strokes until you have cut through all of the nails connecting that board to others. Do not force the blade or pull too hard because both can result in kickback which is when the blade suddenly binds and jumps back towards you or your other hand. After cutting through the first board, use a hammer and pry bar to finish breaking it apart.
Repeat this process on each side of the pallet until it comes apart easily. Then, just guide the blade through all of the nails on one side of a slat so that it falls off without any problems. The last step is cutting any remaining nails with your reciprocating saw.
Removing the slats
When you are finished cutting through all of the nails on one side of a slat, it will fall off very easily. However, there may be some cases where an individual slat is harder to cut through than others. In this situation, just apply a little more pressure and cut at a steeper angle to get rid of that troublesome slat.
If you have trouble pushing into the pallet or want to keep your cuts as smooth as possible without any jagged edges, make sure you do not pull the blade back quickly. Instead, slowly guide it through each nail until they are all separated from one another, and then push out each new board before moving on to the next.
A reciprocating saw is a very versatile and helpful power tool. It can be used in an endless amount of ways so don’t be afraid to explore! Some examples include DIY projects, construction work, and demolition. If you wanted to take this tool outside of the realm of woodworking, it could also be used for cutting through a metal pipe or even ice when stuck in the car on a cold winter day. There are countless uses for such a handy device that can really add value to your tool collection.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a guide on how to break down a pallet with a reciprocating saw. It’s an easy process that can be done in minutes as long as you have the right tools. Be sure to use caution when cutting and always wear safety gear. Now that you know how to do it, go ahead and try it!