Steel Nails For Pallets: How to choose the best option?

Introduction

In the bustling world of logistics and supply chains, where products journey across vast distances to reach our shelves, there’s one component that’s often hidden in plain sight: the pallet. These unassuming wooden platforms play a pivotal role in the seamless movement of goods, supporting industries from agriculture to retail. Yet, how often do we pause to consider the intricate dance of forces that ensure pallets bear the weight of commerce?

In this exploration, we delve beyond the surface of pallets, focusing on a component that holds them together. Yes, you’ve guessed it—steel nails for pallets. The nail might appear insignificant, but its quality wields a profound influence on the longevity and robustness of pallets. As we unravel the layers of this seemingly mundane connection, we’ll uncover the intricate interplay between nail quality and pallet durability. From the factors that define nail quality to the far-reaching consequences of overlooking it, join us on a journey into the heart of pallet construction—one that might forever change the way you view these foundational elements of modern trade.

Understanding Pallets and Their Durability

Pallets might not grab headlines, but they’re the unsung heroes of moving products around the world. They’re like the choreographers behind the scenes, ensuring goods flow smoothly from manufacturers to consumers.

The typical pallet consists of several key components: deck boards, stringers or blocks, runner or bottom boards, and the often overlooked steel nails for pallets.

Deck boards are the top surface of the pallet, forming the platform upon which goods are placed. Stringers or blocks, and their boards, provide structural support and determine how the pallet can be lifted and moved. Pallet feet or runners are the bottom components of the pallet that make contact with the ground or other surfaces. They provide stability and allow for easy entry of forklift tines or pallet jacks. While these components are crucial, it’s the quality of the nails that truly binds them into a cohesive unit.

steel nails for pallets
Nail quality plays a crucial role in pallet durability.

As pallets endure the rigors of transportation, storage, and handling, they face a relentless barrage of stress. The force of heavy loads, the jostling of forklifts, and the wear and tear of time can all take a toll. Consequently, the quality of every nail driven into place becomes a determining factor in the pallet’s ability to withstand these challenges. Therefore, pallet threshold models have been developed to determine when pallets need repair. These models come in various types, each with different quality classifications for pallets. However, the main goal remains the same: to identify the best time for pallet restoration.

One of the examples is the EPAL association-developed pallet quality classification model in which pallets are classified as follows:

  • NEW
  • CLASS A
  • CLASS B
  • CLASS C
  • NOT FIT FOR USE (meaning repair is required, if possible)

In the USA different pallet durability models are used. To this day, one of the most popular models is Wallin and Whitenack’s economic model created in 1984. The method of this model is to classify pallets into severity damage levels. In total, 9 levels of damage severity were determined. Level 1 represents a new pallet, and level 9 represents severe damage (beyond repair). In a study conducted by the USDA between 1967 and 1971, it was found that the most optimal time for pallet restoration is when it reaches level 7.

More detailed information about the study can be found in the Virginia Tech website’s published article on the same topic as we are talking about now.

Wallin and Whitenack’s economic model to predict the overall durability of a pallet. Source: www.vt.edu

Effects of Pallet Nail Quality on Durability

The saying “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” holds particularly true in the world of pallets. When it comes to nail quality, this principle couldn’t be more relevant. The repercussions of using subpar steel nails for pallets can be far-reaching, impacting not only the individual pallets but also the efficiency and sustainability of the entire supply chain. Nails are the glue that holds a pallet’s components together. When nails are of poor quality, they’re more likely to break, corrode, or pull out. This compromises the structural integrity of the pallet, making it susceptible to collapse under the weight of goods or the pressure of handling equipment. A single weak nail can trigger a domino effect, leading to pallet failure.

Factors Influencing Pallet Nail Quality

Nail quality isn’t just a roll of the dice; it’s influenced by a combination of factors determining whether these seemingly simple components will stand the test of time or become weak links in the pallet chain.

1. Nail Material:

The type of steel used for manufacturing nails is really important. Most nails are made from low-carbon steel; other materials, such as copper, aluminum, brass, or stainless steel, are called out for specialized applications.

But what does “low-carbon” mean? Is it bad? Should you be worried? The short answer is not at all. Here’s why.

The low-carbon steel alloy has a comparatively low ratio of carbon to iron compared to other steel types. Typically, its carbon content is within the range of 0.05% and 0.32% by weight. This gives low-carbon steel lower strength properties but makes it more malleable and ductile compared to high-carbon steel products. This attribute is advantageous for fasteners, as they need to possess the capacity to flex to accommodate structural stresses.

The grading system called SAE is a standard alloy numbering system for steel grades maintained by SAE International. For example, SAE 1004 – 1044 is considered low-carbon steel, SAE 1045 – 1059 is medium-carbon steel, and SAE 1060 and above is high-carbon steel. Nails and all other fasteners are usually made from SAE 1004-1045 grade steel, which is perfectly fine and acceptable for fasteners. Steel nails for pallets are commonly made from SAE 1010, but some applications require higher carbon steel; for example, joist hanger nails are made from SAE 1030 grade steel so they can easily penetrate the joist hanger plate. Moreover, it is commonly overlooked that pallets can be produced from both softwoods and hardwoods, with the hardness of the same wood differing significantly across various global regions. That’s why, when choosing nails for pallet production, manufacturers should take into consideration nail hardness, which significantly contributes to the longevity of pallets.

A short version of the SAE steel grading system.

2. Nail Size and Design:

The size of nails, including their diameter and length, impacts their holding power. Larger nails generally offer more strength, but the type of nail shank has the most influence on holding power. Ring and screw (helical) shanks are the most effective against withdrawal forces.

As an illustration, a study conducted in 1982 by Wallin and Whitenack demonstrated that a helical nail measuring 2.8 x 40 yields an average withdrawal force of 58 kg per 1 cm of penetration. A majority of wooden pallet associations maintain documentation specifying the ideal types and dimensions of steel nails for pallets to be employed in pallet manufacturing to achieve optimal production outcomes.

From top to bottom: smooth, screw (helical), and ring nail shank types.

3. Manufacturing Techniques:

The methods used to produce nails matter as well. Precision manufacturing techniques result in nails with consistent dimensions and improved structural integrity. Nails with irregularities or weaknesses are more likely to fail under stress. That’s why investing in high-end nail manufacturing equipment is so important and necessary to ensure constant nail quality.

Litnaglis company uses high-end nail manufacturing machines for nail production.

4. Installation Methods:

Even the highest quality nails can fail if they’re not installed correctly. Proper nail installation involves using the right tools, ensuring the nail is driven in at the correct angle and depth, and avoiding overdriving or underdriving. A nail that’s improperly installed won’t be able to provide the necessary strength and may compromise the structural integrity of the wooden pallet.

A visualization showing how steel nails for pallets should be driven.

Pallet manufacturers recognize the critical importance of aligning each pallet nailing line with a precise nail diameter and type. Our company stands as a dependable source, capable of furnishing nails tailored to exact specifications, ensuring seamless integration with our customers’ unique nailing systems. This seamless compatibility translates to the flawless operation of pallet nailing lines, contributing to enhanced manufacturing efficiency and product quality. More about our nails for pallet nailing lines can be found on our website in the bulk nails section.

Exact nail measurements are crucial for optimal pallet nailing line workflow.

Considering these factors and making informed choices about nail quality can be a game-changer. It’s not just about selecting any nail; it’s about selecting the right nail for the job. Businesses that prioritize nail quality not only ensure the longevity of their pallets but also contribute to smoother supply chains, reduced waste, and improved sustainability.

Conclusion

Through our exploration, we’ve journeyed from the surface of pallets to their very core, discovering the profound impact that nail quality wields. What might appear as an insignificant detail becomes a linchpin in the robustness of these foundational components. The strength of each nail contributes to the resilience of the entire pallet structure, safeguarding goods, ensuring safety, and maintaining the seamless flow of commerce. The lesson reverberates: in the grand symphony of global trade, where each note contributes to the melody, the quality of nails orchestrates harmony. Let this understanding guide our actions, prompting us to choose not just any nail, but the right nail—one that secures the future of pallets and, by extension, the future of how we move the world.