Tips For Assembling Your New Pallet Racking System

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Tips For Assembling Your New Pallet Racking System

2 August 2017
 Categories: , Blog


If you're installing pallet racking in your warehouse for the first time, it can be exciting to see the organization and new production flow coming together. Unfortunately, in your excitement, you may rush the preparation and assembly process. Doing so can render your pallet racking unstable, unsecured, and dangerous. Here are some tips to help you with the assembly and installation stage for your new pallet racking system.

Start With The Basics

Before you get too far into unpacking and trying to put things together, you should take the time to go through all of the directions. Read them thoroughly so that you understand the entire process. When you do start the assembly, make sure that you follow those directions precisely, as modifying the configuration or assembly can render the structure unsafe to use.

Check Your Spacing

Before you put your pallet racking together, you need to be sure that it's going to fit where you want to put it. You also need to know that the floor is level and that the rack will be square. If you're assembling more than one pallet racking system, you need to be sure that you have room to put space between the racks. You'll have to be able to fit your forklift easily between the racks. Measure the space carefully, and check the leveling on the floor so that you can be sure it will be stable.

Prepare For The Assembly Process

You shouldn't try to put the pallet racking system together until you're sure that you are fully prepared to start and finish the job. That way, you don't risk losing your place in the process or missing a step.

Start by sorting out all of the components of the system. Use the parts list that comes with the instructions to verify all of the parts are there. While you're sorting the parts out, make sure that they are all in good condition, too. You need to be sure that nothing got cracked, chipped, or bent in shipping. If anything is damaged or missing, reach out to the manufacturer right away to get them replaced. Don't put the system together until they are.

Get your tools together before you start assembly. You'll want a tape measure to help you measure and mark the dimensions of the system. This will help you to visibly ensure that you have the space you need. When you measure the space, mark it off with a chalk line. You'll want that chalk line to clearly define the boundaries of the pallet racking system so that you know exactly where it should go.

You'll also need a leveler to make sure that the floor is level. You can also use it to be sure that the vertical supports are at the proper angle during assembly. A mallet will help you to drive the load beams into place without damaging them. Finally, you'll want to have a forklift or something similar accessible to help you lift the vertical supports into position.

Assemble The Racks

Once everything is prepared and marked off, it's time to put the racks together. Start with the first bay, following the instructions closely to be sure that it's correct. After that bay is assembled, shim it and make sure that all of the angles are correct. From there, you can move on to the next bay. Repeat the same process for each bay until the entire system is complete.

Focus special attention on the locks, anchors, and other connections during assembly. These are vital to the structure and stability of the system, and if they aren't properly secured, you'll risk collapse when you put the pallet racks under load. Tighten all of the bolts and nuts so that they are secure, but don't overtighten them, as you don't want to bend the structure.

To learn more about pallet racking systems, check out websites like http://www.commercialhardwaregroup.com.