How To Take Apart A Pallet Without Breaking It - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Take Apart a Pallet Without Breaking It PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Mitchell Couch

Last Updated: May 25, 2025 Approved

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  • Using a Reciprocating Saw
    • |
  • Using a Crowbar
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Mitchell Couch. Mitchell Couch is a DIY Expert based in Central CA. Mitchell’s specialties include home repair, furniture upcycling, woodworking, and more. Known as GoodlyEarth on social media, he boasts nearly 700k followers on TikTok where he shares a variety of DIY and home projects with helpful advice. Some of his larger projects include a DIY swimming pool and a drive-in movie theater. His projects have been featured in the New York Post, Hometalk, LADbible and CBS News. Mitchell is also a full-time building inspector for the city of Corcoran. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 391,315 times.

Four to five billion feet of lumber is used to produce shipping pallets each year.[1] The wooden pallets are built for stability, so breaking them apart to reclaim the wood requires good planning. Take apart a pallet by cutting through the nails with a reciprocating saw or use a prybar to carefully rip the nails up.[2]

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Using a Reciprocating Saw

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  1. Step 1 Choose pallets that show no sign of deterioration. 1 Choose pallets that show no sign of deterioration. Although they might be easier to disassemble, the wood is more likely to be damaged beyond use. You can get up to 40 feet (12m) of wood from a good pallet.
  2. Step 2 Don’t try to take apart pallets with regular tools. 2 Don’t try to take apart pallets with regular tools. Shipping pallets are built with annular ring nails, which are meant to stay put.[3] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Purchase a Sawzall tool. 3 Purchase a Sawzall tool.[4] [5] A handheld reciprocating saw will reduce pallet deconstruction from 30 minutes or more to about 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4 Buy a metal cutting 12-inch (30. 4 Buy a metal cutting 12-inch (30.5cm) demolition blade. The five-inch (12.7cm) blade that comes with the saw will not work, and you will break the saw if you use it for this project.[6]
  5. Step 5 Install the blade on your saw. 5 Install the blade on your saw. Make sure it is secure. Plug the saw into an electrical outlet.
  6. Step 6 Put on some safety goggles, work clothes and gloves. 6 Put on some safety goggles, work clothes and gloves. Earplugs or ear protectors will also reduce the risk of hearing loss.[7] A dust mask is also very helpful.[8]
  7. Step 7 Prop the pallet up vertically if you can get it securely clamped to a surface. 7 Prop the pallet up vertically if you can get it securely clamped to a surface. If you can’t, lay it across sturdy workbenches and you can saw the nails off using a horizontal motion.
  8. Step 8 Find the two main vertical pieces of wood on the pallet. 8 Find the two main vertical pieces of wood on the pallet. The smaller horizontal slats, usually 2 x 4 wood, should be nailed to these pieces to create the top surface of the pallet. You will need to cut through the nails along the vertical pieces where the horizontal and vertical slats meet.
  9. Step 9 Start your reciprocating saw. 9 Start your reciprocating saw. Place your saw between the two pieces of wood and cut downward or sideways, away from your body, in a smooth motion. You will cut through the spiral nails that connect the two pieces of wood.[9]
  10. Step 10 Continue cutting down one side of the vertical slat until all the horizontal slats are loose and cut free of the nails. 10 Continue cutting down one side of the vertical slat until all the horizontal slats are loose and cut free of the nails.[10]
  11. Step 11 Go to the other vertical slat and repeat the process through the other side of the pallet. 11 Go to the other vertical slat and repeat the process through the other side of the pallet. The horizontal boards may start to fall off. Ask a friend to pile them up if they are becoming a hazard.
  12. Step 12 Move to the back of the pallet where the frame of the pallet is put together. 12 Move to the back of the pallet where the frame of the pallet is put together. Saw around the outer edge, cutting between the wood where the frame pieces meet.
    13. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Using a Crowbar

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  1. Step 1 Obtain some good quality pallets from shipping yards. 1 Obtain some good quality pallets from shipping yards. Always ask before you take them, unless they are near a garbage can.
  2. Step 2 Assess any places on the pallet that seem slightly loose. 2 Assess any places on the pallet that seem slightly loose. This is the place you will start.
  3. Step 3 Put on your safety goggles, work gloves and work clothing. 3 Put on your safety goggles, work gloves and work clothing.[11] This method is far more labor intensive than the saw method.
  4. Step 4 Place the pallet on the ground. 4 Place the pallet on the ground.
  5. Step 5 Wedge a pry bar between the layers of wood, where the nails look somewhat loose. 5 Wedge a pry bar between the layers of wood, where the nails look somewhat loose. You will usually loop the pry bar underneath the 2 x 4s, where it meets the frame.[12]
  6. Step 6 Move the pry bar back to lift the piece of wood and loosen it. 6 Move the pry bar back to lift the piece of wood and loosen it. Don’t try to lift the board all the way up, just loosen the nail. Move a few inches away and repeat to loosen the nail further.[13]
    • Doing too much too soon with your pry bar will split the wood. You must move slowly and rock the pry bar around the nail, rather than trying to lift it up forcefully.
  7. Step 7 Repeat on the other end of the 2 x 4 slat. 7 Repeat on the other end of the 2 x 4 slat. Hit the top of the crowbar with a hammer to help wedge it under tightly nailed sections of board.
  8. Step 8 Move to the middle of the slat and loosen the nails. 8 Move to the middle of the slat and loosen the nails. Once all three nailed sections of the slat are loosened, work the pry bar underneath as far as you can and pull up the slat.
  9. Step 9 Flip the slat over and hammer the nails out backwards. 9 Flip the slat over and hammer the nails out backwards. Dispose of the nails, rather than keeping them on the ground.
  10. Step 10 Repeat with each slat, loosening the nails in each section before prying the entire slat loose. 10 Repeat with each slat, loosening the nails in each section before prying the entire slat loose. The whole process can take 30 minutes or more and requires physical strength.
    11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question What's a reciprocating saw? Ashton Gilmore Ashton Gilmore Community Answer A reciprocating saw (or sawzall) is a tool that cuts a wide variety of material using straight, toothed blades. If you Google it, there will be many good pictures and descriptions. They are great for rough cuts in difficult materials. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
  • Question Cutting the outer boards with a sawzall looks like it could be a decent idea, but how do you get the middle board unnailed? Donagan Donagan Top Answerer Use a hammer and crowbar / prybar. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 2
  • Question How do you make lettering on a pallet if all you have is a pencil and paint and ruler? Donagan Donagan Top Answerer If the wood is smooth, a pencil or paint will work. If it's rough, use paint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 1
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Tips

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Warnings

  • Shipping pallets are made of rough wood. Don’t do this project without protective gear. You can hurt your hands with surface of the wood and the nails. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Sawzall/reciprocating saw
  • 12” demolition (metal cutting) blade
  • Safety goggles
  • Ear plugs
  • Work gloves
  • Clamps (optional)
  • Work table
  • Large pry bar
  • Hammer

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/06/woodworking-with-pallets-a-guide-to-finding-breaking-down-and-building-with-pallets
  2. ↑ Mitchell Couch. DIY Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://toolcrib.com/blog/2008/06/woodworking-with-pallets-a-guide-to-finding-breaking-down-and-building-with-pallets/
  4. ↑ https://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2015/07/10/how-to-take-pallets-apart-with-ease-in-less-than-2-minutes/
  5. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/g2488/how-to-tear-down-a-pallet-in-under-5-minutes/
  6. ↑ https://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2012/09/18/building-with-pallets-how-to-disassemble-a-pallet-with-ease-for-great-wood/
  7. ↑ https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/saw_bld.html
  8. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/g2488/how-to-tear-down-a-pallet-in-under-5-minutes/
  9. ↑ https://diyprojects.com/make-pallet-workbench/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/g2488/how-to-tear-down-a-pallet-in-under-5-minutes/
  2. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/g2488/how-to-tear-down-a-pallet-in-under-5-minutes/
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYi73YvTak8
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYi73YvTak8

About This Article

Mitchell Couch Co-authored by: Mitchell Couch Woodworker This article was co-authored by Mitchell Couch. Mitchell Couch is a DIY Expert based in Central CA. Mitchell’s specialties include home repair, furniture upcycling, woodworking, and more. Known as GoodlyEarth on social media, he boasts nearly 700k followers on TikTok where he shares a variety of DIY and home projects with helpful advice. Some of his larger projects include a DIY swimming pool and a drive-in movie theater. His projects have been featured in the New York Post, Hometalk, LADbible and CBS News. Mitchell is also a full-time building inspector for the city of Corcoran. This article has been viewed 391,315 times. 279 votes - 91% Co-authors: 11 Updated: May 25, 2025 Views: 391,315 Categories: Woodworking Article SummaryX

If you need to take apart a pallet without breaking it, you have a few options. One thing you can try is using a reciprocating saw. Use the saw to cut all the way down 1 side until all of the horizontal slats are loose. Repeat the process on the other side and the back of the pallet to separate all of the pieces. You can also use a crowbar to take a pallet apart. Just wedge the bar between the layers of wood near the nails and lift the bar to loosen the wood so you can separate it. For tips about which cutting blade to use to take apart a pallet without breaking it, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Rosette J.

    Rosette J.

    Aug 23, 2025

    "As an amateur wanting to use pallets to make a porch with a deck, I really didn't know much about them,..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Mitchell Couch Co-authored by: Mitchell Couch Woodworker Co-authors: 11 Updated: May 25, 2025 Views: 391,315 91% of readers found this article helpful. 279 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote Rosette J.

Rosette J.

Aug 23, 2025

"As an amateur wanting to use pallets to make a porch with a deck, I really didn't know much about them,..." more Paula Hodkinson

Paula Hodkinson

May 18, 2019

"The instructions were well written and easy to undertake. I have a pallet I wanted to take apart and use the wood..." more Judy Melsten

Judy Melsten

Oct 12, 2016

"Explaining was well done and easy to understand. For beginners, this means a lot to have things kept simple. Thank..." more Jacqueline Wootton

Jacqueline Wootton

May 29, 2020

"Now I can get the tools to take apart my pallets and start my project." Chelsea Renoe

Chelsea Renoe

Apr 30, 2017

"Both methods work well. The first is definitely faster, though." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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