Many warehouse managers eventually run into the question of Interlake “old style” versus “new style” pallet rack systems, especially when expanding existing storage or replacing damaged components. Interlake has been one of the most widely used warehouse pallet racking systems in North America for decades, but the company made several design changes over the years that created differences in how uprights and beams connect. Those changes can make compatibility confusing when working with older rack installations.
A bit about the original design… The original “OLD STYLE” pin design of standard Teardrop style Beams has remained unchanged for decades. The pins were roundish (if not completely round) in shape and were positioned into the larger opening of the inverted teardrop holes on the Uprights. They were then simply pushed down and locked into the smaller portion of the teardrop hole. This simple design, quick installation and safe operation is what has made Teardrop style Racking so widely popular.
INTERLAKE NEW STYLE RACKING
In the late 1990’s, Interlake Mecalux Pallet Rack Systems introduced a new design they termed “NEW STYLE INTERLAKE”. This new design is not considered Teardrop Racking, instead an Interlake proprietary design. What Interlake did was reinvent the locking pins on the Beams to look less rounded and more like an upside down hook. While these hooks might appear to lack the strength of the traditional rounded design, they carry equal strength. These NEW STYLE components were no longer compatible with existing older Teardrop components. As a result, new (“New Style”) Interlake Beams and Uprights would need to be purchased when adding onto existing or replacing.
Now for the confusing part… NEW STYLE Beams were interchangeable with OLD STYLE Teardrop Uprights but OLD STYLE Beams were not interchangeable with NEW STYLE Uprights.
SHAVED PIN BEAM
Fortunately, what Interlake competitors came up with was what is called a “Shaved Pin Beam”. These Beams are compatible with either new or old style Uprights, eliminating all confusion between the two styles. What they did was simply “shave” the rounded connector pin to allow for universal placement into the NEW STYLE Uprights.
This “Interake new style” of Pallet Rack is no longer being manufactured but a substantial amount of it exists today, primarily on the used market.
If you are not sure what type of Pallet Rack Beam you have, we have created a handy PALLET RACK IDENTIFICATION GUIDE. It is designed to help you identify what brand and style of Racking you have. Most historical styles are listed.
Contact the Pallet Rack professionals at Midwest Material Handling, LLC with any questions or for both new and used Racking options!
We’ve bought used racks in the past and this confuses us every time, thanks for posting.