I love pallet projects, but I don’t like to dismantle pallets. I’ve only done it a few times, but with a bad shoulder, the best way to dismantle pallets is with a reciprocating saw. Even that method hurts my shoulder with the vibration of the saw.
Maybe you don’t have a reciprocating saw, or you don’t like power tools. If that’s the case, I have the best way to dismantle pallets!
Not only does this work on pallets, but it also works on fence sections. That’s a win/win for me since I do a lot of reclaimed fence projects.
Easily Dismantle Pallets
Free Pallets
I came across these pallets last year. Had I known about this method of dismantling pallets I would have scooped up as many of these pallets as possible.
*Affiliate Links in this post. You don’t pay any extra money, and the links help support MRL*
Let’s get right to the video of me dismantling pallets, shall we?
Of course I have sped up the video, but it only took me four minutes to dismantle this pallet. This was soooo easy! The Duckbill Deck Wrecker does all the work. It’s all about leverage. Now, you might think this is a newfangled tool. But, while at dinner with cousin Terry over the weekend, she told me that her dad tried to get her to get a patent on a tool like this. Neither of them understood the process, so it never happened. We’re talking about pre-google days.
Remember, I have a bad shoulder, and this was no problem at all.
This is the Duckbill Deck Wrecker! It works fabulously on pallets AND fence sections.
Order a Duckbill Deck Wrecker for your pallet projects (great for fence and deck sections too) below with my Amazon Affiliate Link-I make a small commission, but it doesn’t cost you any extray money.
This is a picture of when I used the Deck Wrecker to take apart a pallet for my Pallet Coffee Cup Rack
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How to take pallets apart
This is the pile of boards I collected from taking this pallet apart. This was a very strange pallet. It’s as though it had been repurposed or refurbished at some point. There were old boards attached that had nails in them that had previously been cut off.
This method of dismantling pallets leaves the nails in tact, so that has to be dealt with.
I tapped the nails through the boards with my hammer. Because the nails were very long, I used a scrap piece of wood to get good leverage while removing the pallet wood nails. Removing the nails was a little extra work, but since the demolition went so quickly I didn’t mind it at all.
I use an old kitty litter jug to collect my old screws and nails.
So, now I have all these great boards to use for pallet wood projects in the future.
I have asked some of my best friends to share their best pallet projects with you. They are very clever, and have their own unique way of dealing with the removal of pallet boards. I sure hope you find something to inspire you!!
Pin This For Later!
In EPISODE #22 of my podcast, DIY with MRL, I talk about pallets, pallets and pallets.
Outdoor Pallet Projects
EASY portable bar great for weddings, parties, backyard events, tailgating, and even Lemonade stand for the kiddos.
Pallet Potting Table Refresh Restyle
Pretty Glazed Pallet Top Table, Coffee Bar, Outdoor Table
Built by Kids shows us How fun it is to be a kid in this Pallet Playhouse
Oh my gosh, you seriously won’t believe what this pallet flower box looks like after the flowers filled in. Great job Amy from Her Tool Belt!
We have two projects from Infarrantly Creative—first up is this adorable snow cone stand made from pallets.
Pallet Projects to Inspire You
Pallets can have some chemicals in them, so if you’re unsure, you should check out this post from Donna at Funky Junk Interiors.
Pallet Home Decor Ideas
Easy pallet and scrap wood frames from our final MRL contributor—My Love 2 Create
These pallet signs can be found over at the DIY Village, a tutorial from One Project Closer.
I love this little flower crate made out of pallet boards from Follow Your Heart Woodworking
Pallet Wall Ideas
Unique pallet wall with ledges from Pretty Handy Girl.
Addicted 2 DIY shares her secret for putting up a pallet wall without breaking apart any pallets!
Pallet Organization Projects
Check out this pallet mobile wood storage from Fix This Build That.
Repurposed Pallet Coffee Cup Rack
This pallet wood wall rack with storage is an easy fix to an age old problem—from another one of MRL contributors, Angie from Knick of Time.
Holiday Pallet Projects
This wood slice deer head pallet project really dresses up the mantel for Kim from The Kim Six Fix
Here’s another beautiful pallet project for your mantel from Kim.
Small pallet scraps were used to make this Christmas ornament from Patina Paradise.
Here’s another project from Joan, a great pallet wood Christmas Tree.
How to Make a Christmas Stocking Shelf out of Pallet Wood Create And Babble
Pallet Furniture Ideas
This pallet coffee table tutorial is perfectly easy to follow by Repurpose Life Blog
Beckie also made this farmhouse pallet bed with rolling trundle for her son.
Mindi also made this oh so cute DIY upholstered pallet bench
Have you done a pallet project? Do you have a secret way to dismantle pallets? Do tell us all about it in a comment below.
your just a advertisement for a tool . so if you don’t have this tool your screwed .
If you really read the article you will see that there are lots of tips from bloggers that don’t have the tool. The tool is definitely worth the cost, especially for a 61 year old woman who can no longer dismantle pallets the hard way. 🙂
gail
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Hi: Can the Deck Wrecker only be per-chested from Amazon?
I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer to that question Connie. I’ve never seen it anywhere else.
gail
Hi, i purchased a “deck wrecker” bar from Home Depot. It was called a “Wrecking Claw ( trademark)” Angel-GUARD Products, thru the mail, it was under $50. And shipped for free right to my house. It works great and has a split claw at the end of each pry bar called a catspaw.
oops – can’t find the affilate link in this post – or the shop now button. Can you tell me where it is. I know-duh! But thanks!
I’m guessing you’re on mobile. The words DUCKBILL DECK WRECKER right under the video are linked to Amazon.
I hope you can find it.
gail
Ok – it’s on my list! Thanks!
Thank you for the recommendation for the Deck Wrecker. I’m going out to get one soon!
I truly think you will love the duckbill deck wrecker whether you’re using it for decks, fences or pallets! 🙂
gail
Awesome projects
I just popped over from your DIY Pallet Board Tray post for the Power Tool Challenge where I said I took apart a pallet once and vowed never to do it again. I need me a Deck Wrecker!!!
yes! everyone needs a deck wrecker! It is so incredibly easy to dismantle pallets this way. 🙂
I need to get one of those tools, you make it look so easy! Thanks for including my cascading planter box.
Thanks so much for including my pallet wall, Gail! I love this roundup! There’s so many great ideas. I need to check out that Deck Wrecker! I have a stack of pallets at my house just waiting to be broken down.
a great collection of pallet projects! that bed with trundle looks like a challenge…. but many of them look do-able!
I especially like the rack with storage… from Knick of time.
I use a lot of pallets but have never seen that tool before. Thanks for sharing and for including my flower crate with all those great pallet projects!
Great tips and projects! pinned it for later when I can work on a pallet!
Debbie
This is awesome, why do I not have one of those tools?!! Great video Gail and so many inspiring pallet projects, thanks for including mine!! Pinned!
As many pallets as I’ve dismantled, you would think I would have one of those tools. Maybe I need to put it on my Christmas list. I usually take a circular saw and just saw down the side rails and then I’m only left with the middle. So glad to see you become a pallet convert. 🙂