Pallet coops..... How do you get pallets apart without breaking all the wood?

[The Moonshiner]

I scored a stack of free pallets so of course I'm thinking another coop or some kind of animal shelter.
Never really used pallets or pallet wood before cause I've always remembered if you want to take them apart you end up breaking the wood before getting nails to pull.
Anyone got a trick or tip?
I'm going to have to pull boards from some to fill gaps and replace broken slats but I afraid I'm never going to get any off in one price to use.

 

[triplepurpose]

maybe you are already aware but there are actually special tools designed to dismantle pallets with minimal damage to the wood (unlike regular pry bars, hammers, etc.). You can buy different versions, but a lot of people make their own too, and there are lots of designs and instructions online...

alternatively i think some people just cut through the nails flush to the wood without removing them, tho i wouldn't want to do it that way myself.

 

[Chickassan]

I cut the nails with a cordless saw with a metal cutting blade. I call it a sawzaw no idea of the actual name, but i slipped the blade in the gap and zipped right through.

 

[CapricornFarm]

It is a reciprocating saw.

 

[The Moonshiner]

These things are nailed tight so no gaps but yes thought about trying a sawzaw. Didn't know how well it would work.
Heads are into the wood but also thought a cut off wheel and try to grind the head off and maybe they would pull off that way. Sounds like a lot of work.
Never heard of something made just to take pallets apart.
I'll have to look into that. If I can get a way to get them apart easy enough I'm gonna be a building fool could a few places with free pallets.

 

[triplepurpose]

doing a web search for "pallet pryer" or "pallet ripper" should give you some examples. they may also be called by other names...

 

[Chickassan]

Thank you!

It is a reciprocating saw.

@The Moonshiner I did have to use a pry bar to widen the gap on some pieces, and forget about pulling those nails out they're the spiraly kind that really grip in.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I think those pallet break down things are expensive.

 

[blackdog043]

Do a you tube search. A lot of ideas there.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I cut the nails with a cordless saw with a metal cutting blade. I call it a sawzaw no idea of the actual name, but i slipped the blade in the gap and zipped right through.

The name of the tool is actually a sawzall... because it Saws All.... get it?!?!?

Anyway, it or and angle grinder will cut the nails flush with a quickness.