Pallet Rack Hardware
Pallet racking is a warehouse storage system used to organize, manage, and maintain inventory. Several varieties of racking systems are designed to accommodate different types of products, from heavy-duty raw materials to lightweight, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs).
Pallet racking systems can help increase the storage capacity of a facility through high-density configurations. Many can be stacked vertically, improving space efficiency and creating valuable floor space for easier forklift and manual handling access.
Most pallet racks are manufactured using strong and durable heavy-gauge steel, ensuring they can last several decades with responsible use. However, pallet rack damage and wear and tear are often unavoidable, especially when it comes to hardware and racking components. Repairing, replacing, or upgrading hardware can keep your equipment and inventory safe year-round.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we stock a broad range of new and used warehouse equipment. In addition to high-quality pallet racking systems, we carry a variety of hardware components and accessories. Whether you need to replace a row spacer or an entire rack structure, we can provide a selection of reliable options.
Certain types of racking are designed to store specific classifications of inventory. It’s important to consider the type of products you store, the weight of your goods, your available warehouse space, and your inventory management system. Some of the most popular pallet racking varieties include:
Cantilever racking is designed to store long, heavy, and bulky items, such as building materials, lumber, machinery, or steel sheets. They can be used indoors and outdoors and are typically found in lumber yards, building supplier warehouses, and industrial storage facilities.
Cantilever racking has no front support beam, so there is no vertical obstruction when loading or unloading inventory. This makes it a perfect option for heavy-duty storage.
Selective racking is the most common type of pallet system. Selective storage racks are low-cost, customizable, and accessible. However, they are not as space-efficient per pallet and typically have a lower load capacity when compared to other varieties.
Carton flow or gravity flow rack systems are high-density storage options mainly for lightweight goods with a heavy turnover, like pharmaceuticals or perishable food items. This racking system is perfect for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management, operating with separate loading and unloading bays.
Carton flow racks use gravity, rollers, and conveyors to transport goods around the warehouse. This reduces walking distances and saves valuable operating time.
Push back racks are high-density systems that enable you to store pallets two to six units deep. They use one access point for loading and unloading. The pallets are placed onto shuttles or rollers so they can be pushed back toward the end of the rack as they are being loaded. Push-back racks are used predominantly in last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management systems.
Drive-in and drive-thru racking are efficient systems that improve warehouse productivity while reducing picking and retrieval times. Drive-in systems only access pallets from one side, driving into the racks to collect inventory before reversing out the same side. With drive-thru systems, forklifts enter through one side, collect a pallet, then exit the opposite end.
We stock replacement pallet rack parts in case any of your existing hardware is damaged or worn. The key structural components of virtually any pallet rack are:
Uprights are the vertical frames that support the entire rack structure. They run from the facility floor to the top of the unit, determining the height and width of the storage system. Uprights are available in various materials and sizes to accommodate different load capacities. Many contain small holes, allowing you to adjust or change the decking.
Our FastRak uprights can support heavy-duty goods, providing up to 7,000 lbs. capacity per upright. The teardrop design enables quick and easy assembly and reconfiguration. Beams are adjustable in 1 to ½ inch increments.
Pallet rack beams connect the vertical uprights, providing horizontal support. They determine the width of the rack and reinforce the surface storage area where the goods are placed.
Our step pallet rack beams are available in a range of sizes, ensuring they can meet your storage volume, weight, and size requirements. The largest pallet rack beam can support up to 7,000 lbs.
Pallet racking can be secured to the warehouse floor with baseplates or footplates. These metal elements connect to the uprights, helping distribute a portion of the weight to the floor, creating a more stable foundation.
We stock deluxe foot plates from Jaken. For optimal support, secure two plates to each upright. They are easy to install and anchor to the concrete floor.
Horizontal or diagonal braces connect the two vertical uprights, providing added stability. They help support the system in a cross-aisle direction.
We supply several types of pallet rack braces. They are frequently used for medium to heavy-duty applications, making them a popular support option for cantilever racks. Our Series 2000 braces are specially designed for the Series 2000 cantilever racks. They are available in sets of two, three, or four and can support uprights up to 20 feet in length.
Pallet rack accessories are optional extras that can be used to optimize a racking system. Although they’re not always necessary, rack accessories often improve the system to accommodate your facility’s needs better. For example, safety equipment can be installed onto various rack parts to protect them from forklift damage.
Damaged racking is extremely dangerous for your staff and inventory. It can reduce the system’s load capacity, making it vulnerable to collapse. Our vast warehouse accessory range at Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc. can help you create a more streamlined, efficient, and safe pallet racking system.
A pallet rack row spacer helps keep back-to-back racking separated. Spacers connect to the rack uprights, holding them firmly in place and preventing racks from moving closer during loading and unloading. They can be fitted to the top or bottom of each upright. We stock 6, 8, 10, and 12-inch Tri-Boro spacers if you need a row spacer.
Protectors and pallet rack guards are essential for mitigating damage to pallet racks in high-traffic areas. Material handling equipment and forklifts often cause damage to pallet rack uprights and posts, diminishing their structural integrity.
Our pallet rack upright protectors and pallet rack guard impact support units can help you maintain a safe storage facility. If you need a post protector, our large DPI plastic protectors combat structural damage. We also stock a 10-gauge steel rack guard, providing more comprehensive protection from forklift collisions.
Pallet rack netting is another critical accessory for high-traffic areas. Rack safety netting helps prevent product damage if pallets or loose items slip between racks. It also helps you meet safety regulations and compliance by creating a safer workspace.
We supply OSHA-compliant guard net systems made from 100% nylon mesh with robust poly rope binding. The net material is see-through, ensuring it won’t affect product visibility.
Shims add to the stability of a pallet rack system, creating a more balanced and safe unit. They are placed between uprights and the floor or between gaps if the racking is uneven. We stock high-quality, affordable shims from Tri-Boro, should you need to recalibrate your racking system.
Pallet rack cross bars or support bars help reinforce the stability of a load, providing extra support when loading and unloading items. They help distribute the weight of the inventory more evenly across the storage surface or rack decking.
Our pallet rack support bars are available in 36, 42, and 48 inches deep sizes. They are lightweight but strong, helping prevent unnecessary damage to your inventory or the racks themselves when they come in contact with forklifts.
A fully optimized storage system with correct spacing, adequate rack protection, and sufficient support can contribute to a more productive, efficient, and profitable operation. High-quality components and accessories can also create a much safer working environment, reducing the risk of accidents and helping with safety compliance.
Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc. carries a range of pallet rack hardware for various racking systems. We also provide consultation services, helping you plan, design, and integrate a more productive storage system. Our factory-trained installation crews can even help you assemble and install any new equipment.
Browse our online catalog to view our entire inventory list, including racking, shelving, and hardware. To arrange any of our additional services, call us today at (800) 589-7225.
