A double-pointed wire fastener used in some pallet construction for deck-to-stringer attachment.
Detailed Definition
A pallet staple is a U-shaped wire fastener with two legs joined by a crown, usually driven by a pneumatic stapler. In pallets and crates, staples tend to appear in lighter-duty construction, in attaching thin components, and in some assembly and repair work, while nails remain the usual fastener for deck-to-stringer joints in most wood pallets. Holding power depends on wire size, crown width, leg length, any coating, and the wood species and moisture. Fastener choice should be part of the pallet design, not a substitution made on the line.
Staples vs nails in pallet joints
Pallet nails such as helical and annular threaded nails are designed for withdrawal resistance in wood, and nail quality can be checked with established tests, such as the MIBANT bend test described in ASTM F680. Staples spread the clamping force across two legs and a crown, which can help hold thin boards, but their performance in a given pallet joint should be confirmed by design analysis or testing rather than assumed to equal a nail joint.
What to check when staples are used
- Leg length suits the combined thickness of the boards being joined.
- Crowns are seated flush, not standing proud or cut deep into the wood.
- No legs exit the side of a stringer or protrude where they could snag product or hands.
- The staple pattern matches the agreed fastener pattern for each joint.
Staples and pallet repair
Recyclers who repair pallets usually fasten replacement boards with nails to match the original construction and their customers' specifications. If a pallet arrives stapled, ask whether replacement parts will be stapled or nailed, and whether the repaired unit still meets your capacity needs.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stapled pallets strong enough for racking?
It depends on the design. A pallet in rack carries its load across an unsupported span, which puts heavy demands on the deck-to-stringer joints. Some stapled designs may be adequate for light loads, but you should not assume a stapled pallet matches a nailed one. Ask the supplier for a racked capacity based on design analysis or testing for your load and rack orientation before using stapled pallets in rack.
Why would a pallet maker use staples instead of nails?
Staples can be quick to drive with handheld tools, may hold thin boards or panels with less splitting than some nails, and can suit light-duty pallets, crates and box components. Nails are still preferred for most load-bearing pallet joints because their withdrawal and bending performance in pallets is well understood. If a quote specifies staples, ask why and what capacity the design is rated for.