Pin Down Colorado Warehouse Safety with PALLET RACK SAFETY PINS

LITTLE PINS WITH MILE-HIGH IMPACT

Most of us think of safety pins as those small metal devices that fasten fabric and various articles of clothing together. A pallet rack safety pin is similar, yet different. They both affix items together, but pallet rack safety pins secure roll-formed steel beams and uprights to stabilize your storage racking system. Also known as a locking pin, pallet rack safety pins help prevent beams from dislodging if they’re hit by a forklift or pallet load. Pallet rack safety pins create positive pressure that requires purposeful separation to be disengaged –therefore holding those beams in place until you want them removed. Despite the secure fit, pallet rack safety pins are relatively quick and easy to unlock and remove when it’s time to repair or reprofile your system

Pallet Rack Safety Pin Varieties

Pallet rack safety pin styles include snaps, clips, bolts, and screws. Each pallet rack manufacturer will suggest the correct safety pin for their racking, but the Apex Colorado team has provided an overview of the available options based on standard column punch and beam configurations.

Beam-to-Column Connectors

The term “safety pin” refers to a category of devices used to make the secure connection of the beam to the upright. These devices include clips, snaps, bolts, or screws. Pallet rack manufacturers will recommend the proper safety pin device for your application, but here is an overview of the options available based on typical column punch and beam designs.

Teardrop Pallet Rack

Standard Teardrop Safety Clip (pictured below) – This easy-to-use clip fastens by pressing the center toggle on the base through the front beam/upright rack connection, lightly pushing the clip down into place, and then through the connector at the top.

Teardrop Pull Pin Lock (see J-Hook below)

Rifle Slide Lock – This safety pin is locked/unlocked from the beam face. The lock secures the upright through the hole punches along the column side. 

Rifle Slide Lock

 

There are various types of connectors that are available based on the type of pallet rack. They include:

Speedrack Connections

• Speedrack Teardrop Clip – Used with teardrop selective pallet racks, the clip hooks on the upper portion of the beam end connector and attaches the beam and upright through a little hole in the beam.
• Horseshoe Clip with J-Hook – Speedrack original pallet rack uses a combination of two connectors to secure the beam to the upright. To install a horseshoe clip, push the pins through from the back of the column until the pins are visible in front. A J-hook is then installed from the front to finish the process.

 

3. Ridg-U-Rak Spring Clip

Ridg-U-Rak slotted and teardrop pallet rack systems use a pinch-pin style clip. The clip is installed by squeezing the sides together, and placing it inside the back of the upright. Once aligned with the beam connector, simply discharge the pins to lock into place. 

4. Sturdi-Bilt Wedge Lock

The wedge lock is a hook-like clip that is secured with a separate locking clip. 

 

5. Universal/Aftermarket Solutions

A few safety pin options can be used universally in many pallet rack systems. They include:

• J-Hook or bent nail – Comparable to hammering in a nail, the long end is embedded in the face of the beam connector or through the side holes so that the nail head stays in place as the pin is secured.
• ⅜” hardware – An alternative to a hook or clip you can secure beams using hardware bolts through the side of the column. However, clips and hooks are faster to install and remove for reprofiling.

6. Bolted Pallet Rack

A bolt serves as a safety measure; therefore, no independent pin is required. This applies to structural and some roll-formed rack systems, e.g., Unarco T-Bolt, Redirack, and Mecalux..

Pallet rack safety pins are a cost-effective and simple way to improve the safety of your storage systems. Apex Colorado believes in the importance of warehouse safety which is why we created the Apex Rack Repair & Safety Program. Our inspection services are available in two options: 1. DIY– Perform your own pallet rack inspection using the Apex Rack Repair App, or 2. Leave it to the PROs – the Apex Colorado trained, certified rack inspection team. Both options deliver a comprehensive damage assessment and non-biased repair or replacement solutions.

Whether your focused on pallet rack safety or overall warehouse safety, the Apex Colorado team has your needs covered. Call us now for prompt support and a quote or to schedule a pallet rack inspection.