Are you a pallet purchaser who sometimes feels overwhelmed by the industry jargon? You're not alone. For those outside the pallet industry, the unique terminology can be confusing and even intimidating. Having a basic understanding of these terms can help you make informed decisions about the pallets you’re purchasing.
Here are five terms for the savvy pallet purchaser to know:
- Chamfer: A machined or molded inclined surface along part or the full length of the edges of deckboards, located between stringers or blocks. Chamfers facilitate the passage of fork-arm wheels on pallet trucks and guide the tines of forklifts during entry into the pallet.
- Deflection: The amount of bending that occurs in a pallet due to the weight of the load it is carrying. Understanding deflection is crucial when selecting the appropriate pallet for your specific application to ensure proper load support and minimize product damage.
- Shiner: A fastener point that protrudes from the pallet surface. Shiners can occur when nails or staples are not fully driven into the deckboards, potentially causing damage to products or injury to handlers. Proper pallet construction and quality control help minimize the occurrence of shiners.
- Companion Stringer: A full or half-length supplementary stringer placed next to a damaged stringer during pallet repair. Companion stringers help reinforce and extend the life of a damaged pallet, providing a cost-effective alternative to full pallet replacement.
- Fork Entry: The opening between the top and bottom decks, or beneath the stringerboards, that allows the entry of the forks on a lifting device such as a forklift or pallet jack. Adequate fork entry is essential for safe and efficient pallet handling.
If you ever find yourself scratching your head over a pallet term or concept, don't hesitate to reach out to the Millwood team. We're here to help you make informed decisions and ensure your pallet needs are met with the highest level of expertise and customer service.
Note: These terms and their definitions were provided by the Approved American National Standard on Pallets, Slip Sheets and Other Bases for Unit Loads.