Drop the Welding Torch & Order Your Rack Repair Kit | Apex Safety Spotlight

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Welded Rack Repairs vs Rack Repair Kit – Why It’s a No Contest Battle

Pallet Rack Repair - Apex Companies

Pallet rack damage that is determined significant enough to compromise the integrity of the system requires repair… that is something we can all agree upon. We should also agree that when it comes to the actual pallet rack repair there is one definitive solution… and that’s a custom bolt-on repair kit. While it may seem faster, cheaper, and easier to simply weld the tear and move on, there are several important reasons why that is the wrong way to proceed.

Welded Pallet Rack Repair Cautions:

  • Rack manufacturer will not guarantee load ratings
  • Rack capacity impact/decreased
  • Structural engineers won’t certify
  • Difficult to fully penetrate steel with weld

A welded pallet rack repair, even by an expert welder is a risk that is simply not worth taking. Once the rack has been modified, it is no longer guaranteed by the manufacturer for the load ratings previously specified. Why is that? Simply put, it is very difficult to fully penetrate the weld and even if you do, repairing the steel through welding decreases the capacity of the rack.

Pallet Rack Repair - Apex Companies

Pallet Rack Repair - Apex Warehouse Systems

But don’t take our word for it. The Apex PRO’s rack inspection team recently brought along an independent structural engineer who specializes in welds to a number of scheduled pallet rack inspections. Despite the fact that many of the welded repairs we encountered were completed by skilled welders who legitimately did good work, the expert’s opinion was that 99% of the existing welds were insufficient and would have to be replaced with bolt-on repair kits to be totally safe. And that there is the goal.

Unless the pallet rack repair is deemed totally safe, all liability in the case of a system failure shifts from the rack manufacturer to the facility. There is simply no good reason to risk the safety of your system, your employees, your equipment, and your business when a customized, easy to obtain solution is available.

Apex offers two ways to help using our Rack Repair Mobile App. With the mobile app, the specs needed for your customized repair kit are captured and can be easily ordered for an efficient, totally safe repair solution. Or you can just call the Apex PROs to complete your inspection and quickly order your custom-fit repair kit. Here’s more on both options…


Apex Rack Repair Mobile AppApex Rack Repair Mobile App provides Do It Yourself capability to conduct a complete pallet rack inspection. The app prompts you for key specs and photos as you identify system damage on columns, struts, baseplates, anchors, and beams. You can also take notes about wire decking, supports, load deflection, proper flue space, and more.

If all that sounds like something you’d prefer to Leave it to the PROs … Apex still has you covered. Apex PROs will come to you and complete your pallet rack inspection using the Rack Repair Mobile App.

Our Promise – Whether DIY with the app or a PRO inspection you’ll receive a comprehensive report with an independent solution recommending steps for system repairs and maintenance.

Safe, “healthy” rack is a key component in warehouse optimization. The Apex Rack Repair Mobile App is here to help. Download the FREE app today, call our expert team, or visit our website for more information.