Pallet wood: which pallets are safe, how to break them down without splitting every board

@thrift_queen_mo · Sep 17, 2026 · 607 views
Difficultyeasy

Look for the IPPC stamp: HT (heat treated) is fine, MB (methyl bromide) is not, and no stamp means unknown. Skip anything stained or that smells of chemicals. Breaking down: a reciprocating saw with a 9" demolition blade run between the deck boards and the stringers cuts the nails and leaves the boards whole; a pry bar splits half of them. Pull the nail stubs with end nippers. Run every board over a metal detector or a magnet before it meets a planer blade. Pallet wood is free; planer knives are not.

#pallet#reclaimed-wood#upcycle#ippc#free

60 💬 13 comments

13 comments

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@crucible_carl 1mo ago

Question: do you need to disconnect power for this or is it safe to leave it plugged in?

14
@stitchfix_sue 1mo ago

Followed along, got it done in about twice the time quoted, but it is done and it works.

14
@thrift_queen_mo OP 1mo ago

Unplug it. Always. Takes two seconds and the worst case otherwise is a trip to the ER.

5
@stitchfix_sue 1mo ago

I did the same repair last month and your step 3 is where I got stuck. Wish I had this then.

12
@thrift_queen_mo OP 1mo ago

Yep, same here. The second time is always faster.

4
@rtr_watch 1mo ago

Small addition: wear eye protection for the part where you pry it. Learned that one the hard way.

9
@thrift_queen_mo OP 1mo ago

Unplug it. Always. Takes two seconds and the worst case otherwise is a trip to the ER.

8
@benchtop_bea 1mo ago

Nice. What did the whole thing end up costing you?

7
@thrift_queen_mo OP 1mo ago

Yep, same here. The second time is always faster.

3
@drainpipe_dave 1mo ago

The embedded video is clearer than the official service manual, which is a little embarrassing for the manufacturer.

7
@thrift_queen_mo OP 1mo ago

Yep, same here. The second time is always faster.

2

This is the kind of post that makes this place worth it.

3
@thrift_queen_mo OP 1mo ago

Glad it helped.

8

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