The number, type and placement of nails or staples that join deck boards to stringers or blocks, set by each pallet's design or buyer specification.
Detailed Definition
A fastener pattern states how many fasteners go into each joint, where they sit on the board and what kind they are, such as helical nails, drive screw nails or staples. Buyers usually define it on a drawing or spec sheet, often produced with pallet design software. Industry documents such as the NWPCA Uniform Standard give guidance on fastener terms and quality, but the pattern for a particular pallet comes from its design.
What a fastener pattern specifies
- Fasteners per joint, counted at each point where a deck board crosses a stringer or block.
- Fastener type, length, shank style and wire diameter.
- Placement, including distance from board ends and edges.
- Whether nails are staggered so they do not line up along the grain.
- Whether nail points that pass through are clinched.
Why the pattern affects pallet performance
Joints are often where a wood pallet fails first. Too few fasteners let deck boards loosen and twist under forklift impact. Nails driven too close to a board end, or in a straight line along the grain, can split the wood. Lead deck boards take the most impact, so designs often call for extra fasteners there. Holding power also depends on shank type: threaded nails generally resist withdrawal better than smooth ones, and pallet nail quality is commonly checked with the MIBANT bend test.
Checking fasteners on incoming pallets
Pull a few pallets from each delivery and compare the joints with the spec. Look for missing nails, shiners where a nail missed the stringer, raised heads and protruding points that can damage product. On recycled pallets, check repaired boards closely, since repair nailing may differ from the original pattern.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nails should each deck board joint have?
There is no single number for all pallets. The count depends on board width, stringer or block size, wood species, fastener type, and the loads and handling the pallet must survive. Wider lead boards often get more fasteners than inner boards. The reliable approach is to set the pattern in the pallet design, ideally checked with design software or testing, and then write it into the purchase spec so every load is built the same way.
Are staples as strong as nails in pallets?
They can work well in the right design, but they behave differently. Staples are used in some pallet and crate construction, especially with thinner components, while heavier pallets more often use helical or threaded nails. Holding power depends on leg length, wire size, coating and the wood itself. If you switch from nails to staples, or the reverse, treat it as a design change and confirm performance with the supplier rather than swapping one for one.