Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Frugal Living => Topic started by: evie2 on August 10, 2010, 12:58

Title: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 10, 2010, 12:58
just been to the local garden centre and asked about the pallets they had outside, they will sell them to us at £1.00 each. Is that a good price?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on August 10, 2010, 13:28
It is for them!  :lol: It'll save them having to dispose of them.

If they are the blue painted pallets then these belong to a company who say they will and then never collect them (discussed at great length in the past on here), so your garden centre shouldn't be offering these for sale.

Apart from that, do you think its good value getting a big chunk of wood for £1.00? Not as good as free, but not bad.

:)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on August 10, 2010, 13:30
I'd keep looking round for a bit Evie, we've never paid for a pallet yet!  :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 10, 2010, 13:45
I did wonder. It's a 'fur coat n nae knickers' type of place :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Mosslane on August 10, 2010, 13:49
We paid 75p for ours but we wanted them to be good ones so didn't mind paying. We have 4 as a shed base and three are the base of my 2 little greenhouses and my big reusable grow bag.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: madcat on August 10, 2010, 13:54
Now, I haven't heard that phrase since I worked in the potteries!  Know what you mean..   :D :D

Broken pallets (usually plenty good enough for chickens and compost heaps, but maybe not green houses) usually come for free, good ones are returned to the supplier.  Check out your local industrial estate - someone will likely have some broken ones piled in a corner - and then take your cheek and winning smile into reception/ to the yard man and ask nicely! Fluttering an eyelash helps.  I've been given them by printers and horticultural & wine merchants ...  the co-op ...  builders merchants and digger drivers wanting them out the way ..  Usually with a "you right shifting 'em, lass?  I'll send george/fred/the lad out t'give you a lift ..."  Bearing in mind that it was a long while since I was a 'lass' by any stretch of the imagination!!!   :D

But I suppose they can't actually say - old girl - to my face, can they?   ???
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on August 10, 2010, 14:00
Broken ones?  Oh Madcat you are obviously in the wrong area Dahlink!!   :D :D

We would only take a broken pallet if we wanted it for firewood!  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on August 10, 2010, 14:05
They break good ones for kindling round here!!  :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: TheEnglishman on August 10, 2010, 14:10
I went in search of free pallets last year.  I found the blue ones are returnable, so stores wouldn't let me have them.  

However, one of the national DIY stores were more than happy to let me have the plain, unpainted palets for free.  

I learned a couple of things -


I definately wouldn't pay anything for them - just ask in all of the local DIY/garden centres when they're not busy  ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: madcat on August 10, 2010, 14:13
They break good ones for kindling round here!!  :lol: :lol: :lol:

You two are in the frozen east and north!  Anything for a flicker of fire in the gloom and summat to roast the rabbit.   ::)

Round 'ere they want their monies worth, and they paid for those pallets, love!   :D :D  

One of the first batch - nice clean ones with one broken bar - went to make sparrow terraces.  They were too good for making compost heaps. Priorities ....   :nowink:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 10, 2010, 14:14
We want them for a fence for the new Sablepooks run so we're going to ask around the trading estate, builders merchants and co op :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on August 10, 2010, 14:18
That sounds like a good plan, Evie.  ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: BigPaddy on August 10, 2010, 16:58
I have never paid, but the local garden centre tell me that they get paid 1.50 by folks who come collecting.

B-P
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: pairofacres on August 10, 2010, 18:19
I learned a couple of things -

  • There isn't  a standard size for palets - they come in all different sizes

There is a standard size "Euro" pallet, which is 1.2m to fit standard 90cm pallet racking. You'll rarely get them for free, as warehouses buy them in bulk, so recycling places pay decent money for them. Other sizes are pretty much worthless and companies like the one I work for can't get rid of them quick enough. We've always got a huge pile we'll happily give away to anyone who asks.

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: elrohana on August 10, 2010, 18:45
However, one of the national DIY stores were more than happy to let me have the plain, unpainted palets for free.  

I learned a couple of things -

  • There isn't  a standard size for palets - they come in all different sizes
  • The 'spacer' between the top and bottom can be made of chipboard blocks - these fall to bits really quickly!  Get solid wood spacers, if possible.

I definately wouldn't pay anything for them - just ask in all of the local DIY/garden centres when they're not busy  ;)

Yes, and also try offices/companies that get a lot of printed material delivered, as printers generally leave the leaflets etc on the pallet and never come back for it - I've taken loads from my office up to the lottie, and right now there are another dozen stood in the compound at the back of the office that I don't need.  I did offer them to someone on Freegle but she never bothered to turn up and get them   >:(
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: sunshineband on August 10, 2010, 19:01
There's usually lots around that are free, and using them for fencing sounds a great idea

(and sheds, and compost bins, and greenhouse staging and chairs and benches and shuttering around concrete being layed... etc ect etc  :lol: :lol: :lol: )

and our wood chip on the plot is, yes you've guessed: chipped pallets  :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 10, 2010, 20:04
we went down to the local small family run builders and brought back 6 :D they were delighted to get rid of them and they're putting 10 out for us tomorrow :D they're in great condition and we can have as many as we want any time :D when we've finished making runs any broken ones will be used for compost bins and raised beds :D

Thanks everyone for suggesting places to find free pallets :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: sunshineband on August 11, 2010, 08:15
That sounds excellent  :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on August 11, 2010, 10:23
we went down to the local small family run builders and brought back 6 :D they were delighted to get rid of them and they're putting 10 out for us tomorrow :D they're in great condition and we can have as many as we want any time :D when we've finished making runs any broken ones will be used for compost bins and raised beds :D

Thanks everyone for suggesting places to find free pallets :D :D :D

That's a result then Evie! :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: old hooky on August 18, 2010, 22:26
This is a subject that is currently bugging me! I have asked every garden centre, DIY store, even a local building site to see if the pallets lying around, usually in some kind of heap that looks like they are awaiting Guy Fawkes night, and I have had the same answer, NO!, even the pallets that are not painted blue apparently have a deposit on them, at least where I live, I desperately need to construct a compost bin, or bins, seriously thinking about taking the roof off my 60 year old shed and using that, Any ideas anyone? please? 
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Plot18 on August 18, 2010, 22:44
This is a subject that is currently bugging me! I have asked every garden centre, DIY store, even a local building site to see if the pallets lying around, usually in some kind of heap that looks like they are awaiting Guy Fawkes night, and I have had the same answer, NO!, even the pallets that are not painted blue apparently have a deposit on them, at least where I live, I desperately need to construct a compost bin, or bins, seriously thinking about taking the roof off my 60 year old shed and using that, Any ideas anyone? please? 

I use a local wood recycling company for all my bits, did a bit of a search and found http://www.oxfordwoodrecycling.org.uk/

Might be worth giving them a call?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: yamandmole on August 18, 2010, 23:26
Freecycle/Freegle is always a good source of pallets. Alternatively, try your local hospital (I work for one). If they have their own stores, there will inevitably be a large supply of unwanted pallets lying around. A polite request is usually all it takes........ A lot of hospitals are allegedly refusing to accept deliveries on wooden pallets in the name of environmental friendliness, but it ain't working!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 19, 2010, 09:37
We go to a skip yard sometimes to get bits of wood (last year we got some old gardening tools too) but when OH and son went on Tues they said there was a lot less wood than usual, the chap told them loads of people come for wood for their wood burners.

I've also been told there's a place round here that is buying pallets at £8 each :( I'm glad I've found my supplier  : :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: noshed on August 19, 2010, 09:48
Plumbers merchants are a good source of big pallets
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: madcat on August 19, 2010, 15:22
This is a subject that is currently bugging me! I have asked every garden centre, DIY store, even a local building site to see if the pallets lying around, usually in some kind of heap that looks like they are awaiting Guy Fawkes night, and I have had the same answer, NO!, even the pallets that are not painted blue apparently have a deposit on them, at least where I live, I desperately need to construct a compost bin, or bins, seriously thinking about taking the roof off my 60 year old shed and using that, Any ideas anyone? please? 

Try the trading estates - and ask for broken pallets.  They usually only have one bar broken - not a problem for a compost heap - but they cant get the deposit back on them, so are much happier to give them away.

We go to a skip yard sometimes to get bits of wood (last year we got some old gardening tools too) but when OH and son went on Tues they said there was a lot less wood than usual, the chap told them loads of people come for wood for their wood burners.

I heard that during the week from a guy involved with a skip company ... they don't get anything like as much waste wood in now as they did a year or two back.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: ian.ford on August 24, 2010, 14:52
I got hold of 3 large crates (1 metre cubed) from Wyevale free of charge and then cut them down into shallow raised beds which gave me 9 in total and then i fixed pallets to the bottomsand then i made apex lids covered in polythene and i have done all my growing in them this year. No weeding or bugs and i managed to start very early in the year and everything has been very successful.
You need to speak to the guys who are outside clearing the grounds and catch them whem they are skipping everything. It worked for me.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Skorps on August 31, 2010, 20:48
We always find them in skips!!
xXx
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Yorkie on August 31, 2010, 20:57
We always find them in skips!!
xXx

Just make sure you ask the skip owner's permission before you remove them, or you are committing theft  :(
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 31, 2010, 21:16
we've used our pallets to fence the chooks in the old veg plot, make a mini run for the poots, a stand for the rabbit hutch, compost bins, raised beds and a fence :D


I love recycling  :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Trillium on September 01, 2010, 15:06
I saw one house in the country who decided to make a pallet fence - he literally stood whole pallets on end, side by side, all around his property. Junky barely describes the effect  ::) It had to be a he as no woman would allow such an eyesore, at least, not one that wasn't taken apart, pieced neatly and painted.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on September 01, 2010, 19:43
I saw one house in the country who decided to make a pallet fence - he literally stood whole pallets on end, side by side, all around his property. Junky barely describes the effect  ::) It had to be a he as no woman would allow such an eyesore, at least, not one that wasn't taken apart, pieced neatly and painted.

 :lol: I suppose it was strong against the wind though! ::) Why can I nearly always see both sides of an "argument"? It can be maddening!

:)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on September 01, 2010, 21:38
That's because you come from the sunniest place in the UK during August 2010 :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on September 02, 2010, 10:42
That's because you come from the sunniest place in the UK during August 2010 :D :D :D

Well according to the weather stats on August..... :wub:
Title: Re: pallets
Post by: st0ne5ish on October 06, 2010, 16:04
Drove around the local industrial estate and collected 5 wooden pallets, lugged them to my plot in preparation for compost bin building, hopefully will get another 5 tomorrow, enough to make 3 bins.

Do people with these treat them or are they normally already treated?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: noshed on October 06, 2010, 22:48
I don't think they are treated. They take about 5 years to rot - just replace them
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Nige2Plots on October 07, 2010, 12:47
They are just normally untreated wood, some are painted for identification purposes. As noshed says just replace them or treat them yourself!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Nige2Plots on October 08, 2010, 17:18
Drove around the local industrial estate and collected 5 wooden pallets, lugged them to my plot in preparation for compost bin building, hopefully will get another 5 tomorrow, enough to make 3 bins.

Do people with these treat them or are they normally already treated?
Did you get the others?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: st0ne5ish on October 08, 2010, 21:14
Drove around the local industrial estate and collected 5 wooden pallets, lugged them to my plot in preparation for compost bin building, hopefully will get another 5 tomorrow, enough to make 3 bins.

Do people with these treat them or are they normally already treated?
Did you get the others?

I had a check but nothing was out, I also asked in a few other places but they had already put theirs aside for big bonfires, might have to wait till bonfire night is done.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Squibbs on October 08, 2010, 22:24
I've never paid for pallets - most smallish companies are only too keen to have you take them away - it saves them money. I always imagined that large companies would say no - probably quoting some imaginary health and safety rule!

I think if you take something from a skip you aren't actually stealing from the person that chucked it in but the skip hire company. I think there was a legal case some time ago that clarified it. But I do take things from skips from time to time - I am still using a plate rack I liberated about 10 years ago from a outside a  8 storey block of flats.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: fengirl on October 12, 2010, 10:31
I learned a couple of things -

  • There isn't  a standard size for palets - they come in all different sizes

There is a standard size "Euro" pallet, which is 1.2m to fit standard 90cm pallet racking. You'll rarely get them for free, as warehouses buy them in bulk, so recycling places pay decent money for them. Other sizes are pretty much worthless and companies like the one I work for can't get rid of them quick enough. We've always got a huge pile we'll happily give away to anyone who asks.


Hi there, I am after free/cheap pallets  would it be possible for you to PM me with the name of the place you work I live in the ely area. As you said "we've always got a huge pile well happily give away to anyone who asks" .  
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: fengirl on October 15, 2010, 14:14
Quote
There is a standard size "Euro" pallet, which is 1.2m to fit standard 90cm pallet racking. You'll rarely get them for free, as warehouses buy them in bulk, so recycling places pay decent money for them. Other sizes are pretty much worthless and companies like the one I work for can't get rid of them quick enough. We've always got a huge pile we'll happily give away to anyone who asks.


thankyou for getting back to me I cannot PM you back until I have 10 posts. and I have only just joined. If you have some pallets available where you said. I would be very interested. but I don't know how to give you my email address or anything. As I would also need your firms permission if anyone asked me.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Kleftiwallah on October 17, 2010, 18:36
If I go "scrounging" (kleftiwallah by name ditto by nature)  :blush: and get something well below the price I was prepared to pay (mafish foloose), I normally return with a jar of home-made jam, pickle chutney or bottle of wine. (I make 'em all), it always helps should you need to go back for something else.  ::)  Cheers,   :) Tony.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: A. Fallowfield on October 17, 2010, 21:35
We must be lucky, the company next door to the plots puts all his against our gate!
And the local scap yard brings us a fork lift full of really substantial pallets every so often! :)
All the broken ones are used for starting bonfires1
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Benandbill on October 19, 2010, 06:23
We have a pallet on the half plot we've inherited.  Being new to this game, I've had a crack at taking it apaart to make beds / bin etc but have only succeeded in splitting the wood.  I've tried it with a claw hammer and by getting a spade between the joins but nothing seems to work.  What's the quickest and safest way of taking one apart?  Do you need a crow bar or something?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: savbo on October 19, 2010, 08:15
I splashed out on a fancy wrecking bar and still found it hard...it was on here I saw the tip of hammering the nails IN rather than trying to pull them out...
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: joyfull on October 19, 2010, 08:40
lorry tyre levers seem to work pretty well as does a slitting disc on an angle grinder.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on October 19, 2010, 11:36
We gave son a hammer and told him to think of it as rugby training, an hour later there was a huge pile of excess wood and the fence was ready to go up round the veg plot :lol:

I can rent him out but he eats non stop which puts some off :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: born_2b_mad on October 25, 2010, 15:38
Have taken home a total of 16 EuroPallets from my workplace last week.  Thankfully they are in plentiful supply, all I had to do was ask the Works Engineer if he minded that I took them.
Fingers crossed these 16 pallets will be turned into a load of picket fencing for my allotment  8)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: noshed on October 25, 2010, 16:07
Ripping them apart depends on how they're held together (to state the xxxx obvious). Nails pull out quite easily but other fixings can be really hard to get out. Sometimes I just lever the wood apart and cut through the metal with a hacksaw.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on October 25, 2010, 21:26
Ali levered the wood apart, knocked the wood back in again leaving the nails heads sticking out and easier to remove :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: diggerjoe on October 29, 2010, 11:05
I'm starting a new job at the end of November at a printers and when I was shown round i saw they had loads of small pallets and I asked what they did with the old ones they said took them to the tip so I shall be  rehoming as many as I can - they are smaller so easier for me  to manage and will fit in the car.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on November 13, 2010, 09:42
I just picked up 4 from work, the slightly smaller ones that fit in my car, we had about a dozen just sitting there so I just asked the stores man. here comes my first compost bin.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Gleavo on December 09, 2010, 23:56
Took delivery of 25 from a mate who said the bloke on the next ind unit had a 'few'.  :wub:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Kleftiwallah on December 11, 2010, 18:46
Just got a dozen pallets, cost - two jars of Damson Jelly.  :tongue2:   That's the way I like to do business.   Cheers,   Tony.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kenny199 on December 22, 2010, 13:48
Just been in to the local plumbers shop on the industrial estate near the site.Asked if they had any more of the 6ftX2Ft pallets I had fortnight previously.No they were with something on special offer.No more to be had.Wandered further down the estate and found a newly started metal fabrication works with a HUGE stack of big pallets.Yes mate you can,take as many as you like.Who wants to BUY 6 ft x4ft pallets
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kenny199 on December 26, 2010, 09:36
got the pallets for the new sparragrass raised bed.They are brilliant I pulled them apart by hand as they are only STAPLED together.I will have to get some more as I looked at another site in town and saw that someone had made a small cage to go over their brassicas with similar 3"x1/2 timbers.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kenny199 on December 28, 2010, 18:38
Finished the raised bed today .Looks a blimmin big hole to fill up.It s about 2 cubic metres so I will see the local farmer for some manure.I ve got a small raised bed at home so I will bag up the compost out of that and take up there.
Best thing ,another plot holder came along and asked what it was for ,how much it cost to build(only thing I paid for were the nails and they were very cheap from Lidl about 6 years go)He said he would like to have a go at building one as he was very impressed with mine.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on December 29, 2010, 16:15
It's amassing what can be done with pallets, it's just a case of getting them before the bonfire does :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: CluckyChicken on January 02, 2011, 23:50
how do you nail them together though?  because I may have to have some from my local place and make some interesting things... :)  ohh  getting excited at the possibilities now  :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: joyfull on January 03, 2011, 09:30
with nails  ;)   :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on January 03, 2011, 09:58
I use decking screws, just go through the planks of one pallet into the corner of the next.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on January 03, 2011, 11:02
We've used tie tags and wooded brackets/joiners  :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: CluckyChicken on January 03, 2011, 18:08
with nails  ;)   :lol: :lol:
::) ::) ::) ::)  oh Joy...... :D

I use decking screws, just go through the planks of one pallet into the corner of the next.
Grendel
We've used tie tags and wooded brackets/joiners  :D

okay, thanks grendel and evie :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Diggit on January 11, 2011, 20:26
This thread reminded me of a gate I made a couple of years ago from a couple of pallets I got from work. There's so much you can do with them it's great!  :lol:

(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w131/pjl83/alotment008.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on January 25, 2011, 16:56
Ive been looking and asking around as im looking for 4 to make a compost bin but so far have had no luck, the local garden centre wanted to charge a fiver for one :ohmy: :( :wacko:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on January 25, 2011, 17:18
have a trip round the local industrial estates and see who has piles of them, then pop in and ask, some places get charged to take them away, so will be happy for you to take as many as you want - the trick is carrying more than a few.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mick thomas on January 25, 2011, 17:35
Funny that chat topic. Today I approached a gang of contractors erecting play area rides and laying soft (fall over and don't hurt yourself) rubber matting. A dozen pallets lying around looking lost and forlorn,so I asked one of the guys what they were going to do with them. Please take the lot was the reply they will only be dumped,save us the job. Barrow in hand they were duly dished out to the waiting vultures on the patch. Even had a couple left over for a little old lady to chop up for kindling. So the motto is Don't buy them unless you have money to throw away. Ask and if told a price smile and walk away.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: joyfull on January 25, 2011, 17:46
It's a shame you are so far away Jamie I could have given you some pallets for free  :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: fatcat1955 on February 07, 2011, 19:53
Try the big plumbers merchants, they have long pallets from the baths etc, these when broken down are good for edging your beds
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: martywolfman on February 08, 2011, 22:01
I got a bunch today for free, from freecycle, and more if i want them, they have a constant supply and are keen to get rid of as many as possible.

I got 4 of the 7ft ones, and 6 of the 'normal' size ones.

If anybody in the bedford area is after some, send me a message, i'd be happy to pass on the phone number. They encouraged me to let other allotment holders know :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: derbymeg on February 09, 2011, 16:40
Local Travis Perkins

Have you any pallets?
Yes how many do you want?
Err 10!
Ok no problem, we can drop them off with your delivery ( of 22 breeze blocks & bag of sharp sand) to the allotment on Friday morning, let us know if you want more

Total cost £21 for the blocks and sand 0 for delivery and pallets!

Top blokes
Location
Pocklington York
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Kajazy on February 10, 2011, 23:04
Ok - another numpty question (I have lots of them in store) - have all of you who have got these lovely free pallets managed to fit them in the back of your car? Are they heavy?
Let's cut to the chase - I'm short, I'm female and I have an S-Max - can I shift 'em???!

 :D Thank you!

PS - If anyone knows of any free pallet availability in the Rugby/Daventry area, I'm all ears...
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on February 10, 2011, 23:31
I have a volvo estate and can only fit about 4 in the back at a time, they are a tight fit.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on February 11, 2011, 09:41
We get 4 in our Nissan and I get help from the young men there :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: savbo on February 11, 2011, 12:10
I can't fit them into a Ford Focus so use roof bars. They vary a lot in weight but the ones you most want are heavy
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: A. Fallowfield on February 12, 2011, 10:41
Just a few preparations for the toms; all constructed from pallets!
(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp141/Flatters_photos/Grobagready.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: martywolfman on February 13, 2011, 22:20
Ok - another numpty question (I have lots of them in store) - have all of you who have got these lovely free pallets managed to fit them in the back of your car? Are they heavy?
Let's cut to the chase - I'm short, I'm female and I have an S-Max - can I shift 'em???!

 :D Thank you!

PS - If anyone knows of any free pallet availability in the Rugby/Daventry area, I'm all ears...

I borrowed the van that belongs to the wolf sanctuary i volunteer at, as i wasnt sure if i could fit them in my mondeo hatchback or not. yes, they are fairly heavy. if you are not a fit, healthy fairly strong person, i would reccomend trying to move them alone
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Kajazy on February 14, 2011, 11:42
Thank you for that - I'm off to collect one this afternoon, so will ask for some help.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: hamstergbert on February 14, 2011, 14:17
Useful to take along a log saw - it is not too hard a job to cut the pallets into almost half.

Leave the long planks untouched but you can cut the cross planks (just outboard of the centre support block hence the 'almost half' - one side has one longitudinal stretcher plank more than the other!) top and bottom at each end and at least it makes them a bit more feasible to slot into a car (even if for a small vehicle it may mean flattening the passenger side seats as much as you can and slinging an old blanket on top to protect them).

IF time is not too much of an issue, may even be worth taking along the relevant maul hammer, clarw hammer, nail pincers etc and dismantling them in the car park!  (A pal doing that was impressed when someone from the company he had scrounged them from came out of the industrial unit and loaned him a proper warehouse nail extractor!)

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: gherkin on March 16, 2011, 23:01
I really never though much about pallets until I got my allotment and decided I need a compost bin!  All the things you have made on this thread sound amazing!

Anyone made a compost bin?  I have 2 pallets acquired from work and 2 more to come.  Any ideas about a construction plan?  Just bash some nails in to make a square 'box' or should I leave the front one as a gate?  Do I need a lid?

 ???
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on March 16, 2011, 23:41
I managed to get 5 in one width and 2 narrower, I use the narrower ones as the front, the other % form the backs, 2 sides and central divide. I fix them together with decking screws. heres one on my other half plot built into the corner.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kevinp on March 17, 2011, 06:34
heres the bench I made a couple of weeks ago for my part of the shared poly tunnel

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/kenderworld/Gardening/DSCF1030copy.jpg)

my first compost bin

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/kenderworld/Gardening/DSCF0852copy-1.jpg)

I have since added another compost bin and a seat.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/kenderworld/Gardening/IMG_9415copy.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on March 20, 2011, 15:16
on the way home from visiting my parents I spotted a free pallets sign, so hooked up my trailer after dropping the wife home and went back for some. nice long ones too.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: witchwoopiggy on March 20, 2011, 20:48
on my local freecycle there offering free pallets with free delivery getting some on friday so hopefully i can work out a compost bin, planters and hopefully a wee fence round my veg patch to keep my bunnys off :) as i can keep having them, any other ideas ?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: WhiteWolf on March 20, 2011, 20:54
on my local freecycle there offering free pallets with free delivery getting some on friday so hopefully i can work out a compost bin, planters and hopefully a wee fence round my veg patch to keep my bunnys off :) as i can keep having them, any other ideas ?

witchwoopiggy

Which is your local freecycle? You have no location in your profile.

WW  8)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: witchwoopiggy on March 20, 2011, 21:08
East Sussex have changed profile as well  :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: WhiteWolf on March 20, 2011, 21:13
East Sussex have changed profile as well  :)

I noticed  :D

So if you're in the guinea pig shed, where are the guinea pigs sleeping?  :lol:

Welcome to the site by the way  :D

WW  8)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on March 21, 2011, 19:43
my compost bins on plot 2
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on March 23, 2011, 19:16
bench seat added to the compost bins.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kevinp on March 23, 2011, 19:33
Grow bag holders

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/kenderworld/Gardening/DSCF1053copy.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/kenderworld/Gardening/DSCF1054copy.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Lindeggs on March 23, 2011, 22:06
Oooh some very clever ideas there!  I've also seen a "free pellets" sign nearby so I might have to fetch some home.  No trailer though so it will just be what I can squeeze into my 1985 corona hatch.  :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on March 23, 2011, 22:13
take a saw, then you can cut them down if they are too big to fit in your car.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kevinp on March 23, 2011, 22:23
If you can find the cheap pallets these are the ones with wood on just one side, these tend to come apart very easy

lay a piece of wood on the ground and then lay the pallet upside down on top of this kneel on the upside down pallet and hit the rails off one at a time hitting as close to the main rails as possible. What tends to happen on the cheap ones is that the nails pull through and stay in the main rails.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on March 25, 2011, 19:47
built a second bench seat at my other plot tonight.
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: A. Fallowfield on March 26, 2011, 00:25
My new archway, all the top is pallet! :)
(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp141/Flatters_photos/Arch04.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Nige2Plots on March 26, 2011, 07:40
That is brilliant A. Fallowfield. You have given me an idea for my second plot! I was lucky this week as the factory opposite were having a spring clean of there wood stores and now I have again in my possession several pallets to do with what I like.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mumofstig on March 26, 2011, 08:40
That looks very like the rose arch I made from a broken trellis panel and some pallet wood when I fist moved here ............mine was stained bright blue (tin was mislabelled and I couldn't be bother to take it back :nowink: )
But now the roses have grown up it, I've grown to like the colour :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grantgee on April 12, 2011, 08:13
The Blue pallets are GKN's and as stated earlier belong to specific companies. Be careful because they actually have spotters out checking for people using them all over the country and there was a programme on TV about these a few years back... I am unsure wether you can be prosecuted for using them but i know the companies can just take them back and if broken down they can make you pay for them so just be careful.. I know this because luckily where i work we have an endless supply of good, bad and ugly pallets that we allow our employees to use once we are finished with them. I would love to offer them out here but we have a "only for Employees policy" which is a shame.

Hope this helps and stops anyone possibly getting into trouble.

Grant
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mumofstig on April 12, 2011, 08:42
Just to clarify...........I painted the arch blue, I didn't use blue pallets ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Rene on April 13, 2011, 22:35
cheers everyone I have a few pallets and wondered how to get them apart and son not turned up to help, but will manage somehow now my ground work is almost completed. I want to make a frame to grow butternut squash as googled last year, they say cover the frame with a lid covered in polythene and lifts the lid through the hot days, i got lots of poly tunnel polythene left over from my home made wooden greenhouse. i guess if i cut thein m half and fill in the gaps with either poly or another plank for the sides. I also work in head office for a company who has build,plumb, parts, timber centers all over the UK and beyond WOw there is a yard of ours next door with plies of the things, i will have to goa nd seen the cheif in there for a few more. thanks again for the info

Moonchild isme
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: krystal on April 17, 2011, 13:42
Thank you got 19 pallets today to strip and make a fence ( well hubby will  :tongue2:) thank you i love this site gives you so many ideas
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: JohnB on April 22, 2011, 15:13
  I make some wood stores out of pallets. 2 on the bottom 2 up the sides screwed to the bottom ones and string/rope accross the top. You can replace the string latter with battens but not till afterwards as you will constantly bang your head otherewise. Also started with just using them for kindling but I soon had enough for a few years then I decide like a lot of people on this forum to cut them into as long a length as possible without overdoing the work IE cut inside the first cross peice at each end then pull or and use a crowbar. You can of course still cut them into kindling but theres the option of using them for something else like the walls of a shed? or as I did recently to repair shed roof. How about bird boxes? A outside bench or table (might be pushing it there). Anyone with any other ideas? 
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: JohnB on April 22, 2011, 15:21
  I occasionaly carry them home on my bicyle trailer have to use the single wheeled one and carry only 2 at a time (depending on the weight). Not as I expected very wobbly as long as you don't get lazy and put too many on.
 
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: JohnB on April 22, 2011, 15:26
   Most pallets are really not designed to be reused and if you can find a place where they get deliverys on pallets you will probably find yourself with a near infinate amount. The person who fitted my wood burner gets all his firewood from pallets and he gets them from the firm who supplied my wood burner. They have a skip outside and they never have to empty it as he and others empty it for them. All the stoves arrive come on non reusable pallets. Pity it is 20 odd miles away!!!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: A. Fallowfield on May 17, 2011, 18:24
An old work mate of mine manufactures a pallet wrecking bar, amongst other things!
See:
ipQLy-0Pfag
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Carollan on July 30, 2011, 22:14
I managed to find a shop in town that lets me have pallets.Hubby has cleverly made a bench for us at the allotment out of them and we used some for outside staging at home to put tomato plant buckets on.I have the bush variety and they trail on the ground,we have a lot of slugs and snails round here,and you can`t get me to eat a  tomato thats had a shiny trail on it ,for any amount of money,even if it looks like it`s been washed off!  :tongue2:

The aforesaid slimies seem to prefer a shorter journey to the french marigolds nearby.  :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Old Tom on July 30, 2011, 22:16
Don`t worry about the slime. It`s full of vitamins and minerals and...and...slime. On second thoughts avoid it. :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: snowdrops on July 30, 2011, 22:21
Carrolan,where's your allotment in Hinckley? I'm in Burbage
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Carollan on July 31, 2011, 00:36
hi Snowdrops,my allotment is in Stoke Golding.We do have a couple of allotmenteers from Hinckley ,so I guess there must be a shortage ? I bet your allotments are 5star in Burbage aren`t they?  :)

and Tom,I really do have a slug/snail dislike verging on phobia....I can deal with any other animal/creature/insect,even wasps which I am regularly stung by and hate with a vengeance.Ah well,maybe i`ll grow out of it eh?? :wacko:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: snowdrops on July 31, 2011, 21:24
Hi others may be but definitely not mine.The weeds keep sneaking up on me & of course work & family have a habit of getting in the way. Do you enter Stoke Golding's Show?Burbage's is on 13th August.We also have a garden club that meets on the 1st tues of the month at Burbage Conservative club @ 7:30
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 31, 2011, 21:30
An old work mate of mine manufactures a pallet wrecking bar, amongst other things!
See:
ipQLy-0Pfag

One of our members made one like that some years ago, but I can't remember now who it was.  good idea!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Carollan on August 03, 2011, 23:37
Snowdrops,I`m afraid I have 4 dogs as well as the allotment,so any free time I have is spent walking /feeding/grooming etc,no time for the yearly show I`m afraid! You are making me feel guilty,I`ll have to see if I can at least spare the time to walk round the show and see what everyone else is up to!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: savbo on August 04, 2011, 14:52
does anyone have an idea how much you can get for pallets at timber recyclers?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kenny199 on September 12, 2011, 17:14
does anyone have an idea how much you can get for pallets at timber recyclers?
Most companies are only glad for people to take pallets away as some have to pat to have none returnable one taken away.Ask nicely around your local industrial estate and I am sure you will be told to take as many as you like.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mumofstig on September 12, 2011, 19:12
does anyone have an idea how much you can get for pallets at timber recyclers?
Most companies are only glad for people to take pallets away as some have to pat to have none returnable one taken away.Ask nicely around your local industrial estate and I am sure you will be told to take as many as you like.

It sounded to me as if savbo wondered if the recyclers would pay him for pallets he takes to them, rather than him wanting to take some away  :unsure:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Alastair-I on September 12, 2011, 20:07
You'd be amazed how much people pay for a pallet with four wheels screwed to the bottom.. ..(link (http://www.made.com/legion-pallet-table-natural?istCompanyId=dafe8666-3e67-4c26-a35a-474ae6732c1c&istItemId=wmmqrpwp&istBid=t)).
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mumofstig on September 12, 2011, 20:12
that looks quite good, considering what it is  :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Lloyd on September 12, 2011, 20:57
Crazy though. Realistically, who would buy one, and why?....What would be the application, where would you use it?

I used to work for a national garden chain, who had skips for pallets and a weekly emptying would cost £30. I started using my trailer to take away a dozen at a time, then chainsawed them for firewood, and ever since have done this, heating the house for free ever since, all through the winter months. The woodburner guzzles pine, softwood has a poor ratio of volume to heat, so big volume for average heat, compared to hardwood, but free is free.   :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: A. Fallowfield on September 13, 2011, 22:24
You'd be amazed how much people pay for a pallet with four wheels screwed to the bottom.. ..(link (http://www.made.com/legion-pallet-table-natural?istCompanyId=dafe8666-3e67-4c26-a35a-474ae6732c1c&istItemId=wmmqrpwp&istBid=t)).

(http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp141/Flatters_photos/LightBulbMo.jpg)
Checking wheel prices on our local market this week! ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Yorkie on September 13, 2011, 22:28
Crazy though. Realistically, who would buy one, and why?....What would be the application, where would you use it?

I used to work for a national garden chain, who had skips for pallets and a weekly emptying would cost £30. I started using my trailer to take away a dozen at a time, then chainsawed them for firewood, and ever since have done this, heating the house for free ever since, all through the winter months. The woodburner guzzles pine, softwood has a poor ratio of volume to heat, so big volume for average heat, compared to hardwood, but free is free.   :)

I have a recollection of reading that softwood creates more flammable gunk deposits in your chimney / flue, and therefore greater care needs to be taken that you don't have a chimney fire.

Might be worth double checking this out as you do burn a lot of softwood.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Lloyd on September 13, 2011, 22:45
I believe unseasoned pine is the biggest byproduct producer in terms of tars, but we religiously get the flue swept every summer to be on the safe side.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kenny199 on October 01, 2011, 19:28
I believe unseasoned pine is the biggest byproduct producer in terms of tars, but we religiously get the flue swept every summer to be on the safe side.
the soot used VERY sparingly is a very good slug repellant
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Madame Cholet on November 09, 2011, 07:24
I live near a small ironmongers shop they are greatful to get rid of thier pallets saves them time having a bonfire. i give the some biscujts or cake  to say thank you.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: hongu123 on December 11, 2011, 15:31
Hi I work at a printers and we have surplus pallets constantly we have a couple of people who come and take them for fire wood. So go to your local printers and ask them. :blink:
Phill
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: yorkiegal on March 03, 2012, 19:59
I happened to mention to a group of local teens that I'll be after some pallets in a few weeks time when I get my allotment. doorbell just went tonight and they've nicked four pallets off a skip and dragged them round to my flat. Very nice of them but not sure the rest of the tenants in my communal gardens will appreciate having them stacked against the wall.  :nowink:

btw it cost me 4 cans of diet coke and 4 cigarettes.  :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: gavinjconway on March 05, 2012, 18:54
I happened to mention to a group of local teens that I'll be after some pallets in a few weeks time when I get my allotment. doorbell just went tonight and they've nicked four pallets off a skip and dragged them round to my flat. Very nice of them but not sure the rest of the tenants in my communal gardens will appreciate having them stacked against the wall.  :nowink:

btw it cost me 4 cans of diet coke and 4 cigarettes.  :D

Slave labour!!  :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: plot48callington on March 08, 2012, 15:51
At the moment I have a building site next door to my house where they are building 8 new houses. I waited for the builders and asked for the gaffer to see if I could get any of the 30 plus pallets stacked up. He reckoned he had a £15 deposit on each one, I nearly fell over when he said that. What makes it worse is no work has been done for at least two months on the site now and all these palletts are sitting there winking at me. In the end my other half has started bringing home the odd Half size pallet from work, she works for a small crisp company, so problem solved over time anyway. But I still keep having to walk past those idle pallets every day.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Sprinter60 on March 09, 2012, 07:52
Hi evie2, we collect from our local printers merchant, and use them to make propagation benches measuring 12ft by 6ft.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: ulsterfairy on March 25, 2012, 00:42
We've never paid for pallets, in fact a local builders yard let me choose the ones I wanted and delivered them the next day for free (They did happen to have a delivery on the same street  8) ) The stafff did say they are charged to have them removed.

We have since found a company on one of the industrial estates who keep a particular size of pallet for us, each time they get them in and are very pleased for us to take it of their hands.  They have good solid wood as spacers.  They have been used for shed base and we are using them as the base of a small decked area by the shed as a play area for our toddler  :D

Good luck finding pallets
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Dantheman on March 25, 2012, 05:30
i get mine for free try putting an add on freecycle or your local friday-ad, your be surprised how many place will let you just take them.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Flatcat on April 07, 2012, 11:28
We got a massive load of free pallets from Wickes a few years ago when we were starting up allotmenting. All they said was not to take the blue ones or ones stamped 'Wickes', but there were still a great selection to be had
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Madame Cholet on April 23, 2012, 19:36
Chuffed with myself just make 3 picket fence pannels from pallets cut of the top rail and back and made points with the jigsaw ::)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Milly on April 24, 2012, 07:40
(http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr82/matildamay7/Palletandveggies.jpg)

I saw this on the internet and was considering trying it, not sure what they've used as a base but I have a tarpaulin and was considering 'tacking' that onto it. What do you think?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Yorkie on April 24, 2012, 18:38
You'd need to put drainage holes in the tarpaulin but it could work.

I have concerns about some of the plants there - they look a little like brassicas, which will need wider spacing once grown a bit more.

Perhaps they're using it more as a seed bed?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Milly on April 24, 2012, 20:00
Good point about drainage, thanks. I was thinking of using it for lettuce, spring onions and radishes.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Yorkie on April 24, 2012, 20:03
Sounds interesting  :D

Make sure you post piccies in due course  :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Tenhens on April 24, 2012, 21:47
Re Milly,

That use for pallets, assuming you can get the ones with the blocks - like the blue ones -
which I would remove and use as shown. Nice straight rows , keeps the weeds down , is so simple and would be good for carrots, beetroot, onions? which web site was it on?
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Milly on April 24, 2012, 21:53
Saw it on facebook, a page called Homesteading/Survialism. Will post pics when I've done it.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on April 28, 2012, 16:45
My son-in-law works at a builders Merchants in Bexleyheath, Kent, and he was saying that they can't get rid of their pallets, so if anyone here has an allotment in or near, Peppers are in

Rowan Road
Bexleyheath
Kent DA7 4BW
Telephone: 0208 3034043       ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: adamcatherick on May 18, 2012, 14:43
get down your local industrial estate with a van thats what i always do :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on May 18, 2012, 15:09
A friend works at an egg farm and their pallets are as good as picket fences, they only use them once them throw them away, pity the hens have a **** life :(
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: thestens on June 07, 2012, 19:36
Just been offered a 8 by 6 greenhouse FREE! I suspect though that there is no staging. Anyone got any plans for building staging out of pallets ? I know where to get lots of pallets so thats no problem.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on June 24, 2012, 19:32
Ideas for everyone who's a bit stumped for pallet designs ;)

pFGaW2FdKB4feature=related

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on June 24, 2012, 19:36
Innumerable possibilities. :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on June 24, 2012, 20:40
It's amazing what you can find when your looking for washing machines  ::) :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on June 25, 2012, 06:27
 :lol: Firepit? ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on June 26, 2012, 15:59
New washing machine's arrived, been plumbed in (by Eils) and with the amount of noise from the kitchen, the fire pit's about ready for the garden and the first thing to be burned in it will be old broken pallets :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: thedadtony on June 26, 2012, 20:10
Just a quick tip palleteers,drill the nailheads out with a 5mm bit first, ,stops the wood splitting so much so you get more usable timber.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Welsh Merf on August 10, 2012, 11:34
Personally, I'm getting my allotment next week, and I'll be going to the local builder's centre to ask for pallets that they don't want. I've done it in the past, and they always seem grateful for someone to take them off their hands.

I was a volunteer at a local nature reserve, and we needed about twenty pallets. The local Jewson's branch gave us some for free, and even offered to deliver them when they were passing!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Pauline01UK on August 24, 2012, 00:02
just been to the local garden centre and asked about the pallets they had outside, they will sell them to us at £1.00 each. Is that a good price?

Hi, if you have a local company (or one that's not too far away) that sells pallets if you ring them and ask about scrap pallets they usually give them away for free :)

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: gavinjconway on August 29, 2012, 15:27
Never pay for a pallet... there are always free available..
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Welsh Merf on August 29, 2012, 20:45
Never pay for a pallet... there are always free available..

Absolutely right! I have now found out that a distribution warehouse will let me have any pallet I see outside totally free of charge.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: angelavdavis on October 11, 2012, 16:42
I haven't trawled through the 11 pages of this thread, so apologies if this is duplicated, but I invested in a pallet stripper a couple of weeks ago as I am not the strongest of people and was finding it took ages to strip down pallets without completely destroying them.

There are a few different ones on the market, but I bought this one (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roughneck-Demolition-Lifting-Bar-/251022644374?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3a721d9496) and I have also used it this week to lift floorboards to install underfloor insulation having spent two exhausting hours lifting the first one, I was able to lift the second one in less than two minutes once this arrived in the post!

I actually bought it for the underfloor insulation job but it does pallets really well too.  It isn't cheap, but I think worth it if you plan to use pallets a lot for construction projects.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on October 11, 2012, 16:56
A pry bar, wrecking bar or claw hammer would all work, but its good to have more ideas. :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: angelavdavis on October 11, 2012, 17:04
A pry bar, wrecking bar or claw hammer would all work, but its good to have more ideas. :)

I tried using a claw hammer and crowbar but found it too hard work on my arms and back, but I am girlie!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Welsh Merf on October 11, 2012, 18:33
A pry bar, wrecking bar or claw hammer would all work, but its good to have more ideas. :)

I tried all those things, but they still kept splitting the wood. It seems that they put stronger nails in pallets these days.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: angelavdavis on October 11, 2012, 21:20
A pry bar, wrecking bar or claw hammer would all work, but its good to have more ideas. :)

I tried all those things, but they still kept splitting the wood. It seems that they put stronger nails in pallets these days.

They are ring shanked, pneumatically injected nails which are the devil themself to remove.  I have tried all sorts of strategies including cutting with a metal saw (when my wood saw has reached them).

The lever tool I have bought has been really good on seasoned pallets - I haven't tried it on new pallets.  Some planks still split so it isn't foolproof.  For me though, it was a darn sight easier than the alternative.  I ended up stripping 2 pallets in 4 hours and was forced to pledge allegiance to Ibuprofen afterwards!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: arugula on October 12, 2012, 07:28
Quote from: angelavdavis link=topic=63335.msg1104013#msg1104013
They are ring shanked, pneumatically injected nails which are the devil themself to remove.

They'll use ringshank nails because they're not supposed to come out and have the thing fall apart. :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: allot2learn on October 12, 2012, 16:17
I use my garden fork. Plenty of leverage makes it a piece of cake.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: angelavdavis on October 12, 2012, 20:38
Quote from: angelavdavis link=topic=63335.msg1104013#msg1104013
They are ring shanked, pneumatically injected nails which are the devil themself to remove.

They'll use ringshank nails because they're not supposed to come out and have the thing fall apart. :D

Well, I think its a cheek!  I have so many plans for them on my plot!!  ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: kimmy666 on October 21, 2012, 16:16

Love wooden pallets as yet never had to pay for one but they are so useful

so far we've used them for fencing off half the garden and them building raised veg beds

thumbs up to wooden pallets   :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Madame Cholet on October 21, 2012, 18:53
All of my wood for burning is scrap or pallets saves me over £1000 in gas heating and electric as I cook and heat water on the burner  too. Just hard work lugging and sawing.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mumofstig on October 21, 2012, 19:04
perhaps we should all be making these for sale
coffee tables (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-Vintage-RETRO-Designer-Industrial-Pallet-Style-Coffee-Table-/190740920237?pt=UK_Home_Garden_LivingRoomFurniture_EH&hash=item2c690b77ad)

 :blink:  :nowink:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on October 25, 2012, 17:37
I use an 18 year old son for de-constructing pallets  ::) :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: thedadtony on October 25, 2012, 20:46
If your stripping pallets drill the nail heads out first with a 5mm bit, they come apart much easier then, pull the rest of the nail with Mole Grips.Hope that helps. Cheers Tony!!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: gavinjconway on October 26, 2012, 19:51
If your stripping pallets drill the nail heads out first with a 5mm bit, they come apart much easier then, pull the rest of the nail with Mole Grips.Hope that helps. Cheers Tony!!

Good idea!!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: bluepeterwoman on November 02, 2012, 20:58
If your stripping pallets drill the nail heads out first with a 5mm bit, they come apart much easier then, pull the rest of the nail with Mole Grips.Hope that helps. Cheers Tony!!

Good idea!!

Yep that is what I had to do when taking up a chipboard floor with those ring shanked pneumatically injected ( I called them "terrier") nails.

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Daamoot on January 09, 2013, 10:31
Good call, I'll keep that in mind when I collect some pallets.  Our local country store has piles outside so I asked if I could buy a few.  He responded saying I'm welcome to take several at a time so long as I avoid the blue or double sized ones.  Excellent!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Pauline01UK on January 12, 2013, 17:17
If you look it up on the internet where they sell pallets in your area, ring them up and ask them about their damaged pallets you will find that they usually give away as many of those ones as you want for free :) I am sure you would get enough wood that you need from several those :) I found out because I rang to ask how much they would be, they told me they was free but they don't deliver any of the damaged ones so I would have to collect, I couldn't get any myself because unfortunately I don't have transport, Its worth a try if they are free  :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: ThatsNice on January 12, 2013, 18:08
I put a wanted ad couple of days ago on my local freegle and I've had a reply from a local'ish guy who has (at least 20-30 he says) scrap pallets I can have :D Some are damaged but he has a guy collects those for his wood burner. He giving them away because they're non-standard sizes and he can't sell them. Happy days for me though :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Sweetpea C on January 16, 2013, 12:58
This site is fantastic! I just went to our post room / reprographics and asked if we had any 'yes', what do we do with them 'they go in the skip' (WHAT!!! and we call ourself a sustainable company - I won't say who I work for!).

So I am having all of them for the forseeable future in preparation for the wasteland :-) and the nice boys have even offered to put them in my car for me. Thanks all for the tips  :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Sweetpea C on January 18, 2013, 07:22
I put a wanted ad couple of days ago on my local freegle and I've had a reply from a local'ish guy who has (at least 20-30 he says) scrap pallets I can have :D Some are damaged but he has a guy collects those for his wood burner. He giving them away because they're non-standard sizes and he can't sell them. Happy days for me though :D

Good idea that's nice, I'm usually giving stuff away on frecycle so hopefully ill get lucky  ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stuart curran on January 28, 2013, 09:51
no need to pay just go to a trading estate there are always good pallets to have for free just ask neat piles of pallets are normally being returned to whence they came but scruffy piles are normally the throw aways  good hunting
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Sweetpea C on January 28, 2013, 16:42
Hurrah - got my first loads of pallets today and he even took me in the van to the allotment and unloaded it for me (well, I was in work clothes of dress and heels!).

They are all different sizes (and colours) but that won't deter me :-).  :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Dantheman on February 25, 2013, 10:08
What i did is printed off small flyers 4 to an A4 piece of paper with a little note and my contact details on it, went down the trading estates and gave them to the local business asking for all there spare pallets, within a week i was getting so many emails and texts saying come collect our pallets.  Now have arranged a van from a kind allotment holder now we collect as many as possible and put them in the allotment car parks for all to share. works out quite good because we now get offer loads of freebie plants etc for doing so (i would do it anyway without the freebies).
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Jake on March 04, 2013, 13:37
What i did is printed off small flyers 4 to an A4 piece of paper with a little note and my contact details on it, went down the trading estates and gave them to the local business asking for all there spare pallets, within a week i was getting so many emails and texts saying come collect our pallets.  Now have arranged a van from a kind allotment holder now we collect as many as possible and put them in the allotment car parks for all to share. works out quite good because we now get offer loads of freebie plants etc for doing so (i would do it anyway without the freebies).

Your altruism makes me feel like a ferengi (off Star Trek).  I've just got permission to take as many pallets as I want from a local business near work, on viewing them there's an almost limitless supply (for my needs).  My second thought was perhaps I could make money from them, shame on me :nowink:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Madame Cholet on March 06, 2013, 03:18
What i did is printed off small flyers 4 to an A4 piece of paper with a little note and my contact details on it, went down the trading estates and gave them to the local business asking for all there spare pallets, within a week i was getting so many emails and texts saying come collect our pallets.  Now have arranged a van from a kind allotment holder now we collect as many as possible and put them in the allotment car parks for all to share. works out quite good because we now get offer loads of freebie plants etc for doing so (i would do it anyway without the freebies).


Your altruism makes me feel like a ferengi (off Star Trek).  I've just got permission to take as many pallets as I want from a local business near work, on viewing them there's an almost limitless supply (for my needs).  My second thought was perhaps I could make money from them, shame on me :nowink:

Free wood for the log burner saves ££££s



Edit to clarify quoted text.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Taff the Welder on April 01, 2013, 17:34
We have to pay £70 per ton to get rid of waste wood (primarily broken pallets)....  Company encourages people with log burners (and Allotments), etc. to help themselves.  You'd do the garden centre a favour if you took them FoC...  ;)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: DaveJNeal on April 02, 2013, 21:44
If your stripping pallets drill the nail heads out first with a 5mm bit, they come apart much easier then, pull the rest of the nail with Mole Grips.Hope that helps. Cheers Tony!!

Good idea!!

Yep that is what I had to do when taking up a chipboard floor with those ring shanked pneumatically injected ( I called them "terrier") nails.

I've got a small flat crowbar type of thing which is just top notch for taking these apart, I think the technical/correct use is as a floorboard lifter or something - couple of quid from B&Q, takes the nails out and leaves the boards unsplit too.

D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on April 16, 2013, 12:22
I've just bought one of these and it's awesome

(http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541763_10151164719537325_2069604234_n.jpg)

Got a couple opf projects Im looking to make quite soon aswell :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on April 16, 2013, 13:03
Possibly the biggest project on the forums to date using pallets? lol 19 foot x 10 foot shed lol

(http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555571_10151163515562325_2070601371_n.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: mumofstig on April 16, 2013, 15:08
Munty's is just a little bigger - but it's close  :lol:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=26997.msg320798#msg320798
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: snowdrops on April 17, 2013, 09:29
Will there be any allotment left to grow anything on :lol: What are you going to use it for? saying that I have 2 x 6x4 sheds at the allotment & a 10x7 at home & they're all full :wacko:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on April 17, 2013, 11:30
My allotments 248 sq m so got plenty of space, lol
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Beetroot queen on May 16, 2013, 12:02
My allotments 248 sq m so got plenty of space, lol


I thought you were making me a pallette tea room. I'll make the tea and cakes and you sort the Walls  :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on June 28, 2013, 12:39
another use for pallets - decking

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/934929_10151261708312325_727888797_n.jpg)

a step for the wife cos she's on the short side

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/969075_10151248841352325_399235824_n.jpg)

Decking and seating area

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1000530_10151245896882325_553130026_n.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Beetroot queen on June 28, 2013, 21:35
Stick me up, that step is just what i need. 5 foot is blooming inconvenient, even my kids look down on me now  ::)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on June 28, 2013, 22:11
you're 2" taller than my mother in law then..
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Beetroot queen on June 28, 2013, 22:30
you're 2" taller than my mother in law then..
Grendel


I am actually five foot three if i stand up really tall lol  :lol: another three would be better but hey ho i could be like my nan who was 4 foot and not much more, we called her diddy nanny  :wub:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: grendel on July 13, 2013, 20:51
just spotted on ebay - £150, who are they kidding...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/shabby-chic-furniture-/300933569246#ht_722wt_1193
(not a bad idea though)
Grendel
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: allot2learn on July 14, 2013, 15:09
That's a waste of a perfectly good compost bin.  :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Beetroot queen on July 14, 2013, 15:15
That's a waste of a perfectly good compost bin.  :lol:

At that price i could give up a few bins
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on August 16, 2013, 08:46
Seating area is coming along slowly, need more spare time lol

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/971403_10151322438572325_512046063_n.jpg)

Pallets also work well for tidying up the outside of buildings

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1005637_10151314767612325_371694232_n.jpg)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on September 17, 2013, 13:09
More updates

seating area is moving on with a fire pit

(https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1005849_10151374438662325_2120295580_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1260891_10151374439152325_1499389727_n.jpg)

Also made the boyo a seat for the allotment made out of an old cable drum/reel and an old pallet

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1238753_10151381624857325_1319710888_n.jpg)

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on July 09, 2014, 08:55
Another use for a pallet, radiator cover in my sons new bedroom :)

(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/p526x296/10513430_10151872791592325_1460909021543213740_n.jpg)

Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on July 09, 2014, 10:02
That's really neat  8)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Madame Cholet on July 10, 2014, 07:12
I love it
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on July 10, 2014, 08:50
Just needs a coat of varnish and job done :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on July 11, 2014, 18:42
Someone in Maine USA makes and sells custom made pallet hammock/swings for £185.63 on Etsy :ohmy:

Sorry cant post pic or link but easy to find :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: rosiecider on July 24, 2014, 11:15
Hi sorry bit late of a reply on this link but on the industrial estate we work on businesses are only too pleased when people come round and ask if they can remove pallets, we leave ours outside for anyone to take they are a nightmare otherwise to get rid of
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on August 10, 2014, 13:55
Saw this on Pinterest and thought how clever and cheap it is ;)

http://www.1001gardens.org/2013/08/pallet-herbs-planters/

then I found this ::)

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/211809988698464816/
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on October 19, 2014, 12:36
It never ceases to amaze me how inventive people can be with the humble pallet, have a look on, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7881368070106531/ there are some great ideas :)
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on November 12, 2014, 08:57
Following on from the pallet radiator cover in my sons bedroom - pallet batman wall light
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Kevin67 on November 12, 2014, 09:13
Holy Standardised Transport, Pallet-boy!

That's really very good!

Cat woman would love to use that as her scratching post!
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on November 13, 2014, 20:37
That's fantastic  :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: stickmeup on November 20, 2014, 08:50
Cheers, quite getting into my pallet work at the moment
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Kevin67 on November 20, 2014, 11:39
We demand more photos!  :lol:
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: TREGRAHOW on December 07, 2014, 16:12
I could cry when I think of what I used to make with pallets. I had a great arrangement with a former employer whereby I could take pallets, packing cases, random lengths of timber, steel racking, angle iron, plastic & steel drums etc... from the designated scrap area. I had to take the stuff whole. I couldn't do any dismantling or cutting on site. Then some numpty in one of their US facilities hurt himself cutting into a steel drum and - you've guessed it - sued the company. Result? A total ban on ANY scrap materials leaving site other than via a registered waste company.
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Dave NE on January 25, 2015, 10:07
0Tkne48XUGQI posted this some years ago, everyone seems to claim to be the inventer, ha ha, funny old world, Dave ps used a large version of this tool over 40 years ago on demolition sites
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Beekissed on February 16, 2015, 03:58
LOVE that tool!  That would come in handy for many things besides pallet demo. 
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Dave NE on February 19, 2015, 09:07
They are not that hard to make BK and you can make it your own with a few design changes, glad you enjoyed the vid, cheers Dave  ps there is a short companion vid showing the design, wrecking bar Mk2, 18 seconds long
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Mr Mole on June 21, 2015, 22:36
I have got a roughneck demolition bar .....same sort of thing as yours Dave......jolly useful bit of kit.
I have just had a look and see that people put prices of various things and where to buy them, so I assume I won't get into trouble if I put a link on where you can get one.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/demolition-and-lifting-bar
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: Dave NE on June 22, 2015, 18:39
There are lots of makers these days, never tried a commercial one so cannot comment but there is a young guy on youtube who thinks he invented it ha ha, I was using a massive version of this tool called a bull fork 42 years ago on demolition sites, pretty scary when you are 4 floors up on joists with nails in them, Dave
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: evie2 on January 26, 2016, 19:01
just found this, hope it's useful
http://themicrogardener.com/20-creative-ways-to-upcycle-pallets-in-your-garden/
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: rowlandwells on September 25, 2018, 19:27
all those lovely wooden pallets a good friend of ours brings us wooden crates that he has  logs  delivered in from abroad in containers there 6ft planks nailed to a new pallet I've used several of them for storage boxes for my logs

if your careful taking those pallets to pieces they make lovely razed beds and any broken pieces  get cut up and used on the wood burner pallets also make good compost bins

I never refuse pallets old or new  :D :D :D
Title: Re: wooden pallets
Post by: David S on April 02, 2020, 14:08
I love wooden pallets. They do come in many sizes depending what is being shipped. I found that the building merchants the best, You need to get friendly with the yard foreman / forewoman. Sheets of plasterboard 8' x 4' are shipped flat on pallets, Bath's, Doors and objects of different sizes. The last two pallets I got were 3m x 1m. As for the cross pieces you need to check as I have found that some are made from a hard wood which is excellent for widow frames. I have now built 2 sheds from pallets and scrap wood just paying for the glass and felt roofing.