Pallet Rack Beams | New & Used in Ohio

Pallet rack beams are available in a wide range of lengths and load capacities to accommodate standard and custom pallet sizes. The most common beam size used in warehouses is 96 inches, which allows two standard pallets (48” x 40”) to be stored side by side. Beam style and compatibility depend on the rack system in use, with Teardrop and Keystone remaining the most common configurations found in warehouses today. If you are unsure which rack system your warehouse uses, see our pallet rack identification guide to compare common upright hole patterns and rack styles.

In-Stock Pallet Rack Beam Sizes

We stock a wide selection of pallet rack beams to support most warehouse applications. Lead time on these in-stock items is usually a day or two. We can many times accommodate same day pick-up!

Standard In-Stock Beam Lengths

48″, 60″, 72″, 96″, 108″, 120″, 144″, and 168″

Standard In-Stock Beam Heights

2.75″, 3.66″, 4″, 4.5″, 5″, 6″, and 6.5″

Typical Beam Capacities

Beam capacities range from approximately 2,100 lbs. up to 9,100 lbs. per pair, depending on beam length and profile height.

Pallet Rack Beam Capacities

Beam capacity is calculated by combining the overall length of the beam with its profile height (top to bottom). Each beam size carries a different load rating, and capacity can vary slightly by manufacturer due to differences in testing methods.

For example:

• A 96″ L x 4.0″ H beam typically has a rated capacity of 5,100–5,300 lbs. per pair

• Increasing the height to 96″ L x 4.5″ H increases capacity to approximately 6,100–6,300 lbs. per pair

• Shorter beams with taller profiles can support significantly higher loads

Beam capacities are always rated per pair, meaning the combined capacity of the two beams supporting a pallet level.

How Beams Connect to the Uprights

We are frequently asked how the pallet rack beams physically connect to the uprights and how strong is that connection? Beams connect to the uprights through welded on end connector plates which include connection points (often referred to as “fingers”). The number of connection points is directly related to the beam capacity.

• Beams under approximately 5,000 lbs. capacity commonly have three connectors

• Higher-capacity beams typically feature four or more connectors

While connector count can provide a general indication of capacity, actual load ratings should always be confirmed.

Safety Clips (Beam Locks)

All new pallet rack beams are supplied with safety clips, which vary in design by manufacturer. Common styles include spring-loaded clips, sliding pins, and locking clips.

Safety clips prevent beams from becoming dislodged from uprights if a pallet or forklift raises the underside of the beam. Safety clips should always be used in every pallet rack installation.

In applications where original safety clips are missing (common in used equipment applications), a properly secured nut and bolt can be used as an alternative. When installed correctly, a nut-and-bolt connection is one of the most secure beam retention methods available!

Teardrop & Keystone Pallet Rack Beams

Teardrop and Keystone are two of the most common pallet rack beam styles we see. The difference is in the connector design that attaches the beam to the upright frame. The hole design on the keystone upright is singular, both beams share the same connection hole. Teardrop style have two, separate dedicated holes for the beams to connect to.

When replacing beams or adding to an existing rack system, identifying the correct connection style is important because the beam must match the upright.

Teardrop Pallet Rack Beams

Teardrop pallet rack is the most common style we see. The beams use teardrop shaped connectors that lock into the openings in the upright frames. An easy way to identify it is by the inverted teardrop shape of the mounting holes. This design allows beams to be installed, adjusted or removed without tools. Teardrop rack is available in a wide range of sizes and is compatible with many types of wire decking and pallet rack accessories.

Keystone (Republic) Style Pallet Rack Beams

Keystone pallet rack beams were once a very common racking style and were widely manufactured by many different rack manufacturers. The style is often referred to as Republic rack because of its association with Republic Industries, an early contributor to the design.

Although Keystone rack has largely been replaced by Teardrop style systems, a substantial amount remains in use today, particularly in existing warehouses and the used pallet rack market. Keystone beams are not typically stocked as a quick ship item, but they can still be manufactured for specific applications.

The Keystone connection is easy to recognize. The beam connector uses a single notch that engages with the Keystone shaped opening punched into the upright column. Keystone uprights typically have holes spaced on 2 inch vertical centers.

Keystone beams are often identified by their yellow finish, with gray uprights being common. However, color is not a reliable way to determine compatibility. The connector style, upright dimensions and hole pattern should always be verified before ordering replacement beams.

Keystone beams are commonly identified by their yellow color, with uprights often finished in gray, though color alone is not a definitive identifier.

“Infinite Adjust” Pallet Rack Beams

Infinite Adjust beams are a less common pallet rack beam style designed without traditional hook-style connectors. Instead, these beams are bolted directly to upright columns using nuts and bolts.

The connection plates on Infinite Adjust beams are slotted, allowing vertical adjustment during installation. These beams are typically used in pitched or sloped applications, such as pallet flow or carton flow systems, where gravity-assisted movement is required.

Due to their specialized design, Infinite Adjust beams are not commonly sold new for standard pallet rack applications and are most often found on the used equipment market.

Interlake “Old Style” vs. “New Style” Teardrop Beams

Interlake introduced a proprietary beam-to-upright connection design in the late 1990s, commonly referred to as “New Style Interlake.” This design differs from the traditional Teardrop system that had been widely used for decades.

Old Style Teardrop

The original Teardrop design used rounded connector pins that locked into the inverted teardrop-shaped holes on the upright. This design was simple, strong, and widely compatible across manufacturers.

New Style Interlake

Interlake’s New Style design replaced rounded pins with hook-shaped connectors. While equally strong, this proprietary design was not compatible with older Teardrop components.

Compatibility rules (this is IMPORTANT):

• New Style beams WILL fit Old Style uprights

• Old Style beams WILL NOT fit New Style uprights

This compatibility difference has historically caused confusion when expanding or replacing existing rack systems.

Shaved Pin Teardrop Beams

To address compatibility issues between Old and New Style Interlake systems, manufacturers introduced what is known as a Shaved Pin Beam.

By slightly modifying the traditional rounded connector pin, these beams can be installed on both old style and new style uprights, eliminating compatibility concerns. While new style Interlake components are no longer manufactured, a significant amount remains in circulation on the used market, making Shaved Pin beams a practical solution.

Need Help Identifying Your Pallet Rack Beams?

If you are unsure which pallet rack beam style or system you have, we offer a pallet rack identification guide designed to help identify rack brands and configurations. Most historical pallet rack styles are included.

Our team is also available to assist with beam selection, capacity verification, system expansion, and replacement recommendations.

Pallet rack beams are one of three primary components used in pallet rack systems, working together with uprights and wire deck panels to support palletized loads.

New & Used Pallet Rack Beams in Ohio

Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used pallet rack beams for warehouses throughout Ohio and nationwide. All used beams are inspected and graded to ensure structural integrity and safe reuse.

We stock a large used pallet racking inventory at our Plain City, Central Ohio warehouse, allowing for same-day pickup on many items and reduced freight costs. LTL, flatbed, and full truckload shipping options are also available.