How to Dismantle Pallets Without Breaking Boards

Do you like creating pallet projects?  Learn how to dismantle pallets without breaking boards!  

As I was ripping apart yet another pallet, I realized I have never posted about how I dismantle them without breaking the boards.  Now, sometimes wood pallets are just stubborn and you can't help but break boards, but I've had pretty good luck getting clean pallet boards with two simple tools.

Are you looking for DIY pallet projects?  Here's 12 creative recycle and reuse wood pallets

- TOOLS NEEDED TO BREAK APART PALLETS -

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- Hammer 

- Rubber Mallet 

Really, that's all you need.  There are no special tools or expensive equipment required.  Just a hammer, mallet and a bit of brute strength.

- HOW TO DISMANTLE PALLETS -

STEP ONE: 

Place the claw part of the hammer where the top deck board meets the stringer board.  Be sure to align the hammer so that the nail slides between the opening of the claw.   Once you have the hammer in place, strike the hammer with a mallet to drive the hammer between the deck board and stringer board. 

STEP TWO: 

Once the claw of the hammer is between the top board and stringer board, slowly pry the hammer back and forth to loosen the nails.  You may need to continue to strike the hammer with the mallet as you continue to pry the hammer back and forth. 

STEP THREE:

Continue steps one and two until all the nails are removed that attach the top board to the stringer board. 

STEP FOUR: 

Once the top board is completely removed, flip the top board over and hammer the tips of the nails through the board. 

STEP FIVE: 

Flip the board over then use the claw of the hammer to pry the nail out the board. 

STEP SIX:

Repeat steps one through six until all boards and nails are removed.

This is the best and easiest way I've found to take apart wood pallets while maintaining the character of the wood and nail holes.  

     

   

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