How to Salvage Wood from Shipping Pallets
Pallet upcycling is all the rage today. But, if you’ve ever tried to actually remove wood planks from a pallet, you know that it is not an easy task. The nails that are used are typically spiral nails and are designed to really grip that wood. And if that’s not enough, they usually shoot 4-5 nails per joint. Sheesh, you’d think they were building a foundation for a 10 ton elephant. Okay, actually it is the foundation that has to hold tons of product as it is lifted by a fork lift. Which explains why harvesting pallet wood can be a labor intensive task.
I figured you’d appreciate it if I shared with you the quickest and easiest way I’ve found to salvage this beautifully rustic pallet wood.
Materials:
- Circular Saw (or jig saw)
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Dremel Multi-Max (or hacksaw)
- Dremel Multi-Max metal/wood cutting blade
Instructions:
Lay the pallet on a flat surface.
Set your circular saw depth to about 1/4″ beyond the pallet wood.
Saw through the pallet board close to the joint. However, make sure that you are far enough away from any nails. (It is a good idea to look underneath before you begin to cut.)
Cut along the opposite side of the board where it meets the other side board. You should have two cuts now, but the board is still nailed in the middle.
This is a good time to break out the Dremel Multi-Max. (Side note: Dremel sent this tool for me to try — and I have to say — it was a huge help for cutting through all those excess pallet nails. I really liked the tool and it fit nice in my (small female) hand. I haven’t tried any of the other attachments yet, but will be using it to cut the baseboard trim in the bonus room soon.)
The Dremel Multi-Max comes with a few attachments, but you can buy other attachments as needed. Check out the Dremel accessory finder to figure out which bit or blade you need for your specific project.
To install the cutting blade, remove the collet nut on the Multi-max with an allen wrench (1). Loosen the nut until you can slip the wood & metal blade underneath.Line the pins up with the holes in the blade (2). Tighten the collet nut on the Multi-Max.
Insert the Multi-max blade flush with the bottom of the pallet wood. Let the blade saw through the nails. Don’t force or rock the Multi-Max. (I was able to cut through the outer nails, but couldn’t reach the inner ones.)
Hammer a pry bar under the edge of the loosened board. Pry up the edge a little.
Slip a hammer underneath the pried up side and slide the crow bar into the opposite side of the board. Gently rock the hammer and crow bar outward to lift the board free.
To remove nails still in the pallet board, turn the board upside down (1). Hammer the nail through the board (2). Flip the board right side up and use the claw on the hammer to pry up the nail (3).
After a few hours I had amassed quite a collection of pallet boards and scrap wood from the shop. I used ALL of it in this project.
Stay tuned!
Read more tips on harvesting pallet wood on Instructables.
Disclosure: Dremel sent me the Multi-Max to try out in a product review. I was not compensated to write this post, nor was I told what to write or how to use the tool. All opinions and instructions are my own.
I need one of these!
… “liked” you on Facebook – love the instagram shots! I had no idea you were more places than just your blog.
I just signed up to Follow All on your Pinterest page … can’twait to go thru them all!
Very creative!
The real question is “How wouldn’t I use it?” … what a handy tool and I’ve wanted one forever!!
Multi Max is my dream tool. Just went to use my regular dremel, it’s broken 🙁 Someone related to me by marriage) seems to have “done something” arrrggg.
And, I just “liked” you on Facebook 🙂
Well, of course ~ I would use the tool to salvage wood from shipping pallets! Thank you for the great tutorial!
I follow you on pinterest!
This tool would be perfect for my bathroom re-model!
Awesome Post ..I love old pallet wood & like you have found them to be a real challange to rip apart so your post was perfect…I’ve got all the tools mentioned except the Dremel Multi Max. So I would love to win this one. I could use it not only to rip apart pallets but in creating many of the Prim Gatherings I create..It would be a huge help since I just had hand surgery on my left hand & soon to have surgery on the right hand. Using tools is difficult unless they have a nice fat handle like the dremel.
I’m a faithful follower on your blog..I love all the how to’s you sahre with us. I know you have helped many a lady decide to take the challange to do things on there own thanks to your easy to understand & follow how to’s!
Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us!
Warm Blessings
Tonya
Wonderful tool. I would first of all remove the grout and then regrout tile in my foyer. I really love all the tips and DIY you give us through your blog. You are really a handy girl!
I recently removed an old built in oven from a floor to ceiling cabinet. I need to do some precision cutting to adapt the cabinet so I can add some much needed counter top space. I have been wishing I had one of these tools for the job. I have my fingers crossed !! : )
tHANKS for all the handy tips! I am following you on Facebook, Pinterest. I want to build a tool/garden shed out of pallet wood, and maybe a bed headbooard. Hopefully I’ll win the dremmel to help me. It also appears from their site that it would help me to work on gourds!
I been looking at these tools lately at the stores – they look very versitale.