Wondering how to take down your pallet rack shelving or pallet racking system as you know it? This is often necessary since people need to free up more space for the installation of additional pallet racking components and other systems while also freeing up more space for handling materials, equipment and also relocation of racks to another facility or warehouse. You may even need to get the pallet racking shelves to another centre for distribution and logistics as well. 

You should carefully understand how to disassemble a pallet above all else. The ease of dismantling will depend on factors like the method of fabrication and assembly alike that is used by the company. There are two methods majorly used in the industry. 

But before going into the details, you can read about the type of pallet to buy for your warehouse.

Roll Formed Systems

Wondering how to dismantle a pallet racking system like this one? Roll-formed mechanisms usually involve steel components that are cold-rolled and can join together with ease. The assembly form is completely free from bolts while there are posts on beams or rivets that easily link to uprights with the help of slots that are shaped in the manner of teardrops. This lowers lead times greatly while reducing costs of installation at the same time. However, the one disadvantage of these types of warehouse pallet shelving systems is that roll-formed racking does not have durable or high-strength components. If you have a light racking setup in mind, then roll-formed racking is the best choice. It is easier to take down as well. 

Structural Rack Systems

Structural racking systems make use of components crafted from hot-rolled steel and these are linked together by the company, leading to a heavy channel and robust system for support. This is more expensive and the amount of time taken is also on the higher side. Yet, the components have higher durability and overall strength. This helps structural racks offer more support for bigger loads while resisting collisions with forklift trucks simultaneously. If you have to store heavier loads and require racking solutions that are more durable in environments where there is higher forklift traffic, you should choose structural racking systems above all else. 

Read our blog to make sure you choose the right racking company for your warehouse. 

How to disassemble a pallet racking setup

You will have to find out whether your workers are trained in the safe disassembly of the racking setup. The first part of the procedure covers the removal of the pallet racking accessories and decking. These include the likes of post protectors and columns which help in safeguarding the racking setup, row spacers and forklift trucks alike. Caution and alertness are the need of the hour along with good judgment whenever you are dismantling any component of your pallet rack and another storage unit. 

Beams horizontally link uprights together while offering higher support for pallets as well. You should take the manufacturers guidelines on disassembly into account while removing the beams one by one. Anchors are fastening accessories that link the upright base-plates or floor plates to the warehouse concrete floor for enhanced stability overall. The removal of these anchors will lead to concrete damages and leave gaping holes behind. Irrespective of whether you are using strike or wedge anchors, they may get embedded into the floor. For anchor removal, you will have to get the washer and nut removed first. Thereafter, put the upright onto the side. You can drive the anchor into the floor or cut out the part that protrudes with a saw, grinding the same till it is absolutely flush with your floor. 

If you could extract the floor anchor successfully, you can fill up the remaining gaps with cement epoxy or even cement. If your racking systems are being dismantled for being transported via truck to other locations, you will have to securely palletize and bundle together all parts for avoiding damage during transit. The components should be carefully bundled together with steel strapping of a heavy-duty nature. Make sure that you focus on ensuring uniformity of all the bundles.