Want to build a better pallet? Start with some tips from LINC Systems on selecting the right pallet nailer for your application.
Wooden pallets are the industry choice and for good reason. They are cost-effective, durable and can easily be repaired and re-used. However, poor pallet construction can make or break your packaging operations.
Choosing the wrong pallet nailer and pallet nails to construct or repair your pallets can result in more than just flimsy pallets. It can lead to lower productivity, less efficiency, increased risk of handler injury and damaged product loads — dramatically increasing your total cost of ownership.
Selecting the wrong pallet nailers and pallet nails often results in increased wear-and-tear on the equipment, forcing your tooling to spend more time in repair and less time on the production floor.
Below, we offer suggestions on choosing the right pallet nailer and fasteners for better-performing pallets:
Shop Top Pallet and Crating Products
How Does Pallet Material Affect Choice of Pallet Nailer?
Did you know that the type of material the pallet is constructed from can make a major difference in the type of pallet nailer you use? It’s true. Wood pallets can be made from all kinds of different species of wood including softwoods and hardwoods. Softwoods may include species such as spruce, pine, redwood, juniper and Douglas fir and be typically used for light loads. Hardwoods may include species such as oak, walnut, mahogany, teak and maple and are typically used for heavy-duty loads.
While softwoods do not have the strength and resiliency found in hard woods, they are less expensive, lighter, easier to source and environmentally sustainable. Hardwood pallets are stronger and more durable, yet they are typically heavier and denser than softwood pallets. For this reason, the type of pallet nailer you choose matters. For hardwoods, you would want a pallet nailer that offers more power and force when delivering the nail into the wood.
The size of the fastener itself also matters. You’ll want to select pallet nails that have the right diameter for your application. A diameter that is too small may not offer enough hold while too large of a diameter may be overkill for your pallet needs.
Weather condition is another interesting factor that impacts pallet nailer selection. You may require a different nailer for constructing pallets in colder regions like the Northeast or upper Midwest than you would in warmer climates like the Southeast. For example, if it’s wintertime in Detroit and you have near-frozen hardwood, you’ll need a heavy-duty nailer that delivers the right amount of power to effectively apply the pallet nail.
What to Consider When Choosing Pallet Nails
What about pallet nails? The most fundamental component of a good pallet is the pallet fastener. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked. Choosing the wrong pallet nail can lead to irreparable damage to a product load during storage and transport. Choose a pallet fastener that offers stiffer joints as well as better withdrawal and pull-through values.
Related: Why and How We Tested Our New Pro-Drive Premium Pallet Nails
Do you really need a heavy gauge nail or can your pallet use a smaller diameter nail? If you’re shipping heavy and bulky items like automotive motors or household appliances, you probably do need to construct a heavy-duty pallet that doesn’t come apart when lifted with a tow motor. However, sometimes that could be overkill if you’re shipping lightweight parts like paper or plastics. When engineering your pallet, think about the pallet size, weight and dimensions when deciding on a tool.
How Does Application Impact Pallet Nailer Selection?
Available power isn’t the only thing to consider. The quality of the tool’s components matters, too. For instance, the tool’s driver blade should remain at the right level of hardness so it doesn’t become brittle and break when striking the nail. If the tool’s components cannot stand up to the rigors of the job, you’ll be repairing and replacing its parts more than you’ll be using the tool. The cost of repairs and downtime far outweigh the costs associated with investing in the right tools off the bat.
We recommend choosing an industrial pallet nailer that has undergone rigorous destructive testing and inspections to make sure it can withstand heavy use and high-pressure applications.
Should Ergonomics be Considered When Choosing a Pallet Nailer?
When employees perform repetitive tasks common in manufacturing and packaging operations, they are more apt to injure themselves. Improving ergonomics in the workplace is one way to reduce employee injury, reduce costly insurance claims and improve productivity — for a happier, healthier work environment.
Employees that construct pallets typically handle heavy and bulky tools and perform strenuous labor for 8-12 hours a shift. Installing production line tool hanging accessories like the CB3-5 Counter Spring Balancer from Everwin offers gravity-free operation for safer and more ergonomic use. The counter balancer alleviates some of the tool’s weight, making it easier to maneuver throughout the day.
Smaller tools can also improve ergonomics and work just as well, depending on the application. For example, moving to a smaller tool (from 8 lbs. To 5.5 lbs.) can have a significant improvement on ergonomics for the operator, especially over time.
Concerned about worker safety? LINC Systems can also add a secondary safety handle to your pneumatic pallet nailers. With a secondary safety handle, firing the tool requires a two-step activation of dual triggers. Check out this one on the front of the Everwin’s PN100CP Wire Coil Nailer.
LINC Systems Recommendations: What’s the Best Nailer by Diameter Size and Application?
Looking for the right nailer for your pallet production needs?
For stringer pallets, block pallets, crates, and pallet repair, we have you covered. LINC Systems supplies and services pallet nailers from top-rated manufacturers like Everwin, MAX, Bostitch, BeA, and many others.
Everwin Industrial Pallet Coil Nailer Model PN58
For pallets, boxes, cartons and crate assembly, we recommend the Model PN58 Industrial Pallet Coil Nailer from Everwin. Designed for high-speed operation, the heavy-duty PN58 is more powerful than other 2-¼" coil nailers and delivers better balance and ergonomics during operation. The PN58 is the “sweet spot” for nail length and diameter of most applications.
- Fastener Range: 1”- 2-1/4”
- Fastener Diameter: .083 to.090
- Weight: 5.9 lbs.
- Drive Power (in-lbs @100psi): 499
Everwin Magnesium Pallet Coil Nailer Model PN65M
For recycled or new pallet or crate construction, we recommend the powerful Model PN65M Magnesium Pallet Coil Nailer from Everwin. Its lightweight magnesium housing reduces tool weight for reduced user stress and fatigue. Plus, it has a cushioned grip for better balance and ergonomics.
- Fastener Range: 1”- 2-1/2”
- Fastener Diameter: .090 to .113
- Weight: 6.2 lbs.
- Drive Power (in-lbs @100psi): 680
Note: Many pallet manufacturers only use one type of nail, a standard 2-inch pallet nail. In some instances, they may be using a heavier tool. The PN65M offers the same usability operators are used to with a lighter body for easier handling and better ergonomics.
Everwin Industrial Wire Coil Nailer Model PN90
For jobs that require up to a 3 ½" nail, we recommend the PN90 Industrial Wire Coil Nailer. The PN90 offers high-speed operation and heavy-duty construction with an adjustable exhaust cover that directs hot air away from the user, for increased comfort.
- Fastener Range: 2”- 3-1/2”
- Fastener Diameter: .099 to .148
- Weight: 8.2 lbs.
- Drive Power (in-lbs @100psi): 1050
Everwin Industrial Wire Coil Nailer Model PN100B
Need a nailer that can drive up to a 4-inch nail on large pallets, blocks and skids? The Everwin Industrial Wire Coil Nailer Model PN100B is built for high-speed, heavy-duty operation and is designed to handle the toughest jobs for improved cycle times.
- Fastener Range: 2-1/2”- 4”
- Fastener Diameter: .099 to .131
- Weight: 12.1 lbs.
- Drive Power (in-lbs @100psi): 1470
When Should Companies Consider Fully-Automating Pallet Production?
Are you looking to increase pallet production in your facility? If you are consistent in the type of pallet and volume of pallet that you’re building and want to maximize output, automating your pallet production may be the answer. Today’s sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, pallet machines can increase efficiency, improve worker safety and maximize labors hours, without sacrificing quality.
Everwin Automated Industrial Pallet Nailer– Model PN70PAL
For high-volume new pallet construction, we recommend installing a machine-mounted nailer like the PN70PAL from Everwin. Automated options like this one improve production rates and consistency while reducing the need for human intervention. Designed to handle up to a 2 ¾" nail and ideal for high-production/high-volume machine operations.
- Fastener Range: 1-3/4”- 2-3/4”
- Fastener Diameter: .092 to .113
- Weight: 6.4 lbs.
- Drive Power (in-lbs @100psi): 712
Selecting the right fasteners and tools is critical to building quality pallets and crates to spec, so we’ve got a handy online Pallet & Crating Supply Catalog for your convenience.
Looking to improve your pallet and crating manufacturing operations?
Contact us to schedule an on-site evaluation with a knowledgeable LINC Systems representative who will arrive on-site to assess your state of operations, identify bottlenecks and provide detailed tooling recommendations to help you cut labor costs, reduce rejects, and improve plant processes. We can demo our tools and fasteners on-site so you can see how they will perform with your applications.
LINC Systems is here with the tools and advice to help you work safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an on-site consultation for automating your production line, please click here to contact us. Or, give us a call at 800-513-9918