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.
You now have an icon on my smart phone. I’m new to pallet up-cycling and wondered how the heck to remove the nails…thanks so much for the tutorial. I keep up with you on Pinterest now but will follow you on Facebook after making this post. Genius…simply genius answers to DIY issues that always seem to pop out of nowhere (kinda like the “snake in a can” party trick…).
I would use this tool along with others I have collected over time to make the job of creating my kids a playhouse a much easier task! I read your blog all the time and Follow you as well!
I’d love a tool like that! And I would like to follow you on Pinterest.
Following on Pinterest as magpiedpiper
soluckyducky at gmail dot com
I liked you on FB as sarah lientte
soluckyducky at gmail dot com
Thank you for the lovely tutorial too!
soluckyducky at gmail dot com
I would use it to make Montessori shelves for my daughters.
soluckyducky at gmail dot com
4. I just found you yesterday somehow (don’t recall the source!) & I LOVE YOU! You are amazing. My best friend & I have just started refinishing/painting vintage & funky styled furniture. We are teaching ourselves. We want to be able to repair AND build furniture as well. YOU are an inspiration!!!
3. I already follow you on Facebook!
2. I just followed you on Pinterest!
1. I would definitely use it to do what you have just taught us to do! I have gotten several pallets from work & could never figure out how to take them apart! 🙂
I follow your rss feed on my google reader, love your projects
I follow on Pinterest
Buckets, do I need a Dremel! I’ve collect a bunch of sea glass and shells that need some spiffy holes drilled into them so I can make some jewelry and crafty home decor. These goodies need some repurposed love, instead of being cooped up in their plastic bags and jars! I just love your blog and follow you on facebook! I’m inspired by your great projects and ideas! I’m also a fan of reclaimed wood and I could turn out some great projects with a Dremel:) Ohhhhhhh, I hope I win!
I’ve also subscribed to your blog via email. Still hoping to win 🙂
I would like to say that I have only just recently “found” you – and I am so thankful. My husband and I have always been too quick to hire someone to do something for us — without even trying first ourselves. Already after just a couple of weeks of seeing your posts I am feeling more confident and most importantly, more interested in trying to tackle some home improvement projects. You are an inspiration! Thank you!
Robin
Cary, NC