HOW TO BREAK DOWN WOODEN PALLETS - #61

Today I'm using a brand new tool that will hopefully make things easier when dismantling pallets to use as braces for my firewood pallet dividers. I've been using hammers, reciprocating saws without much success. Watch to see my struggles, and how I'm attempting to overcome them.
Link to where I purchased the Pallet Buster:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
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[@edsmith4414]

Fine tooth metal cutting blade on Sawsall. Turn pallet on edge, saw between the face board and the runner cutting the nails off clean. Easier and faster than prying the boards off with anything, and still having to knock the nails out. This is how commercial recyclers do it to recover usable lumber, except they use a large table with a horizontal band saw instead of a sawsall.

[@BulkFirewood]

Hi Brad, I enjoy your videos. What I do with my pallets is use a battery run Circular saw and zip off the the deck boards tight to the edge of the stringers. You can leave the small left over pieces attached to the stringer. I then use the stringers for my braces. A 2x4 is a lot sturdier and durable as a brace than a deck board. As I cut of the deck boards I cut them into usable lengths for kindling, usually 12 inches long. This works well with a three stringer pallet. The centre stringer will usually have a 12 inch piece still attached to the centre stringer. Those I just cut off , again close to the stringer and leaves me with about 4-5 inch pieces. Then I use a kindling cracker to split the desk pieces into 1x1 x12or 1x3/4 x5 inches kindling. I get the stringer braces I need and kindling to sell without having to pull any nails. Old dry pine or spruce deck boards make wonderful kindling..

[@fightinglady52]

Reciprocating saw with metal blade works best for me Those pallets are nice. Lots of projects with those.

[@Mike-dy8bq]

Use a runner from a previous dismantled pallet and stick inside the end of the pallet a foot or so. This will make taking off the first board just like taking off the second one.

[@davedomina1471]

Hi Brad...i have the same pallet buster tool...if i have to cut the first board to remove it, i use a chainsaw, much faster than a Reciprocating saw. Plus I use the bucket on my tractor to hold down the other end of the pallet. much easier to get leverage if your standing behind the tool.

[@danahasson2892]

Pretty neat tool Brad never even knew that they existed

[@coopsfirst933]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed seeing two videos this week.

[@paull9137]

Looks like a great tool. Never seen one until your vid! Thanks for the content.

[@fredgrove1133]

Nice tool find Brad! I just busted up a pallet with my hammer last week. About half was usable, haha. I was just going to suggest sacrificing the first row when you thought of it. Appreciate your videos, thanks.

[@davidwoods7360]

Having the right tools sure makes a hard job easier.

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Hey Brad! I really liked this tool presentation. Clearly explained and demonstrated, thanks for that 👍. Never heard of one of these tools before but now that I know, I may be picking one up as I can see a good benefit in this. I was sorry to hear about the incident with your eye. Definitely wouldn’t be a fun time, and those things can easily happen for sure. Hopefully it was a quick recovery. Take care! Andrew from NB :)

[@georgesalamon8128]

Great video Brad. I have the exact pallet buster. I doubt I would get rid of it because if you always have a pallet in the woodyard there is always a possibility that you may want to bust one up. God Bless.

[@tomriblett2979]

Been using the pallet buster for several years now. They work. Use in the wood yard and will be making shutters for the hen house to help keep the cold out...

[@toddsoutsideagain]

Very unique tool you found! Looks like it works well. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🥃

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Great video , my daughter were watching me break down pallets and order me one of these tools for Father’s Day last year . Great tool !!!

[@desmondsilva3313]

The pallet buster is a game changer. Thanks for the info on how you got it from Amazon. 🙂

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

You bet!

[@outdoorswiththisguy1950]

I used to work at a local pallet yard in high school. My job was to repair broken pallets. We used tools like that but they didnt have the pivating feet. Sometimes they work great but would work better if all pallets was built they same way. Alot of the pallets I use to repair would have a double runner such as a splice on a broken runner. Then the tool is not wide enough. Basicaly they are handy and much better than a hammer lol. Take Care Brad !!!

[@johncollins500]

Handy tool.

[@henryandfaithvanheeswyck1237]

Good job, just an idea if you stick a 2x4 in the end of the pallet you could start the pallet using t2x4 as an out rigger, just a thought

[@peteanderson1714]

Used fence pickets yeild 2 supports and can be found free on Craigslist or marketplace

[@danshouseofsmokeandoutdoor7119]

Looks like it works good.

[@thirdpig45]

I have been using that tool for 2 years now and I love it! I pu the tractor bucket on the end you are standing on to hold it down and it works well without pushing on the lever. Anything heavy enough to hold the end down will of course work, but the bucket is easy. Try it out and let us know!

[@davedomina1471]

Hi Tim...good idea...I use the tractor bucket to hold down the opposite end as well...works great!

[@evergreentimber]

Just put a 2” block under the tool for the first board on the pallet. Cool tool, I think I’ll make one for myself, nice vid 👍🏻.

[@bigdogfirewood2868]

Just starting using pallets. I’m going to try to use my multi tool and cut the nails.

[@woodruffwoods]

I have to admit I have never seen such a tool. It appears that it works very well. Good informative video!

[@chrisfoster882]

I could use in wood yard and brother could for his pallet furniture/craft business. Thanks for sharing.

[@leattherneck835]

Brad your video sealed the deal on me purchasing this tool. Look forward to using the wood for the same thing and for some other projects as well. I enjoy your channel and your videos. Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service. Semper Fidelis.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Really glad it was helpful to you. Appreciate the kind words and thank you for your service as well! 🇺🇸 💪🏼

[@JohnWCH]

Looks like it works pretty good

[@josephpostma1787]

In 15 minutes I can breakdown a pallet with a saws-all by cutting were the slat meets the stretcher and trying to get just under the slat. With that method you can easily cut a whole slat off the middle slat too. In 30 minutes I can use a circular saw to cut of the end of the slats were they are nailed to the stretcher on the ends and pry the slats off the center stretcher. In an hour I can pry, hammer, and punch off the slats and nails so you have nail free wood and a handful of nails to reuse. Even the saws-all scratches the underside of the slats, I prefer that method, but please were gloves! (so your skin doesn't vibrate off)

[@Alan_Hans__]

I have an endless supply of pallets so I burn lots of them for firewood. I was knocking them apart via a hammer and then levering them out where I could. I then changed over the using a pendulum jigsaw which zipped through them pretty fast. Just recently I changed to an 8" power saw and it absolutely annihilates them and allows me to knock them up to length in no time at all. I actually tried to make up a similar pallet buster but I think I failed as I used too thin and soft a steel. Threading a 4x2 up the pallet may give you something to work with to get the first board off. I would work from side to side across the pallet rather than going from 1 side to the other and then back to the middle. Be VERY careful with the nails. I was zipping through some pallets a few weeks ago and had a misstep and stood on a board with 3 nails facing up. All 3 when through my shoe and made contact with my foot but no skin was broken. I have previously stood on a nail attached to a board and it's gone through the bottom and come out the top. First stop after that is a fresh tetanus booster.

[@benscoles5085]

Hello Mr. Brad, Give yourself some time and You will figure out your best procedure, that tool will eventually pay for itself in blades and band-aids saved too.

[@firewoodathome]

A big punch and a 3# hammer. Drive nails into stringer, no nails to pull from slats.

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

Some beautiful pallets! Hard finding a good reliable pallet source that’ll give away decent pallets! Nice video and sweet tool. I stack the same as you and Chris (in the woodyard).

[@outsideinmichigan]

Looks like a useful tool Brad. I have seen the tools before but haven’t seen one being used. I was surprised on how easy the boards just popped right off. Thanks for sharing.

[@fergusonto-2032]

I’ve got a bunch of pallets & access to an unlimited number of them . I’ve been needing a pallet tool & this one should work great , Thankyou for sharing Brad

[@JoesFirewoodVideos]

Another surprise Friday video, well done Brad. Not a big fan of pallets in general

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

I wish I had a covered area like your bay 1 and Bay 2 but this is what’s working right now.

[@sureflamefirewood4174]

Well that seems to work well..

[@leefrederickson5526]

Nice tool Brad. May try popping a couple boards off one pallet, then butt it up to another pallet with tight boards so your tool has something to pivot from. Or just a scrap 2x.

[@backyardfirewood9852]

Cool tool. Put a shim underneath the tool for the first board. +1 on the safety glasses. If there is a way to get something in my eye, I’ll figure it out!

[@robertd.renovator7270]

Good Morning Brad Before you replace the braces, you might consider cutting the ends at 45 degrees. This will make setting the dividers perpendicular to the bases easier (if you line up the hypotenuse of the brace horizontally and vertically, the resulting angle of the two pallets has to be 90 degrees), and give you more surface area to nail (or screw) the braces top and bottom. Plus, it looks neater which I think a guy like you might appreciate. Stay warm.

[@Lifeinthe906]

I find myself wanting to repair one broken board on a pallet but can never get one off without destroying it. I think I'll try and build the tool. Looks like a fun welding project. Thanks for sharing Brad

[@kevinbrewer2141]

My dad makes yard decoration he made his own to break down pallets. I did buy him a Air Locker AP700 to remove the nails. Without having this tool he distorted more boards trying to remove nails.

[@OntarioFirewoodResource]

Ive had plenty of fun with pallets as an early firewood source, but I will be employing them significantly in the woodyard and will phase out a number of totes.

[@kevinmason3086]

Looks like it works pretty good. It looks like you are having fun playing with it. Never heard or seen one before untill now.

[@alexia86gt]

Yep need to get me one so I can make my dog bowl risers quicker

[@marknelson6777]

I use a saw zaw with a metal blade and cut behind the boards. Rotate the pallet while cutting, no nails to pull or busted boards. Whatever works best for you.😁

[@thesmallwoodlot433]

When i bust down pallets, I use a 2x4 next to the support runner and sticking out the end, then I smack that with a dead blow hammer, board pos free 95% of the time. Looking at that too, slide a support 2x4 down next to the runner then use the tool on popping the plank loose.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Works great , good luck on it

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Thanks Larry

[@craigwilson9560]

Those pallet busters are handy! Had one a while back at a place i worked part time. Saves a lot of time. Before that we would burn pallets if we got a bad pallet. Now we can preserve pallets and fix them and save the company money. That is a more durable one! Can you send me the link, i didnt see it. Great demonstration video!

[@craigwilson9560]

I found the link now. 😀

[@Katfellow]

I dismantle pallets using three bricks & a sledge. One brick under the slat, two I use as a lift, and then I just hammer the body of the palate down. Pops the nails out like magic. A bit slower than that tool perhaps, but I don't dismantle pallets often enough & I'm too cheap to buy one of those.

[@carolinafirewood]

I also have a pallet buster like your using. As Kevin Brewer mentioned, I also have an AP700 to remove the nails, works pretty slick. -Dave

[@scrhino40]

Great tool just have to work with it to find out what works best. Have a great day be safe

[@outdoorsinthe608]

That tool looks handy!👍

[@TheDriftlessHomestead]

Great tool I just bought one. Thanks for the great video.

[@mi-wood-dad696]

We used a homemade one at one of my jobs and just like you did we sacrificed the first board if we were unable to pry it out

[@bcoolson]

Nice tool. Lots of nails sticking up. Be careful!

[@tonieveritt7045]

Morning brad if you look up marty t. he made a pallet tool and it works really well he is from new Zealand he is a handy man to now hope he helps out just go on his channel good luck brad keepsafe.

[@markphillips5724]

Back cut the nails with Sawzall on first slat then go to town prying the rest.

[@stannelson2582]

Packing strapping works way better but I also pinch by devider pallets between my base pallets. Of course packing strapping is what I had lol. I hate nails lol.

[@ElmhorstJ]

I don't think you'll ever break it. looks strong. There are so many designs of them for sale ,some have nail pullers on them . looked at many then took a pipe from a junk trampoline smaller on one end for hand grip- pipe -angle iron -2 picese of flat stock for fingers welded it up ,gave to the neighbors got 6 semis and young guy that rebuilds pallets and he says its works great! strong and light . . Good Luck !!!

[@dalepowell6815]

Hi Brad, that looks a great tool for you or anyone who deals with taking pallets apart. PS what do you do with the scrap wood from the pallets, is there a market for kindling wood?

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

I normally give away a bundle of kindling with cord orders

[@keithmueller2857]

A metal blade for the saw all

[@oldguyfirewood]

Another great video Brad. ICB totes are my preference but once I run out of them I’ll definitely be using pallets for stacking. On another note… is your dump trailer gravity down or power down? I’m hoping on doing the video on the remote control in a couple weeks.

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

It is power down. Sometimes I wish it was gravity but I like power in some situations too

[@eddieleon39]

That's a nice jacket been looking for that color it hard to find. Where did you buy that jacket?

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

I’ve had this jacket for over 10 years. I think I bought it at Cabelas. It’s held up really well

[@Cinder2008]

Why did you sacrifice the wide (end) board to get to a narrow board? I enjoyed the video :)

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Couldn’t get leverage with the tool on the end board

[@Cinder2008]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace do you get the last wide board? If so, on a fresh pallet, cut the second board, turn the tool around and pry the first board off. Then proceed to pry the remaining boards off. Of course, if the narrow boards are desired for consistency, never mind.

[@outsidewithrodney8240]

That is cool. What is it called???

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Pallet buster

[@outsidewithrodney8240]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace cool I might have to get one. Thanks

[@itskbtv]

Why use dividers?

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

I keep them at 8 feet so that when Im loading wood for deliveries, my customers get exactly what they order.

[@slackoutdoors]

I'm a sawzall the nails off kinda guy, but to each his own right. This is the video that I saw before I started using this technique kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIGlanWFfsakoc0 Have a great weekend Brother. #slackoutdoors

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Spiral shanked nails in hardwood pallets is the work of the devil. Never again will I tear apart such pallets with that type of nail. Not worth the trouble.

[@sureflamefirewood4174]

Wow I'm so tired of getting screwed because I'm a bridge away... US 🇺🇸 is 50 bucks.. Canada Amazon is 154 bucks for the same freggin thing... wtf???

[@FirewoodattheFurnace]

Oh wow? That’s crazy

[@sureflamefirewood4174]

@@FirewoodattheFurnace yeah it don't make sense... I can understand 25 percent increase cause our dollar but more then 3 times is just gouging the Canadian economy... here I can get 120 Canadian per cord just like you guys but everything we do costs more.. a tank of gas for my truck was 154 yesterday.. how much does it cost you to fill from empty?