How to Take a Pallet Apart Easily

Pallet projects are fun to do and the results are certainly worth it, but it can be frustrating to disassemble a pallet so you can use the wood. It’s easy to break and splinter boards by trying to get the nails out, not to mention how much time it takes. Here’s the best way to take your pallets apart quickly and end up with the boards intact.
The best thing to use is a sawzall, which is a little reciprocating saw. If you’re going to be doing more than one pallet project it is worth investing in a sawzall. These cut right through the nails so that the pallet comes apart easily. A sawzall

can disassemble a pallet in less than two minutes into 10 or more pieces of great usable wood.  Besides – the left over embedded nail fragments actually add a ton of character to pieces when either stained or painted.
1st Tip – Invest in a reciprocating saw (sawzall).
They are the key to quickly destructing a pallet – and without damaging or splintering the wood.  Yes, it’s an expense – but the inexpensive ones will work just fine with pallets.

2nd Tip – Forget about the little 5″ blade that comes with your sawzall.

That will only frustrate you.  Buy a couple of 12″ construction blades (trust me – the few bucks are worth it – and they last forever).

3rd Tip – How to disassemble.

Set the pallet on its side and simply slice through the nails on each end. Then – head down the middle row doing the same thing and in no time you have a lot of great pallet wood for all of your crafts!

Harbor Freight is a good place to pick up tools at a reasonable price. They often have discounts or you can also order online.

Thank you to Old World Garden Farms for their information and source of image.