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Boltless Shelving 101: Types, Tips, Pros, and Cons | Golden Gate Rack

Manufacturing businesses are dealing with the issue of space. In big cities it costs a lot, therefore, business owners try to make the most of every inch of space available to them. They are continuously finding new ways, new accessories, and new storage systems to maximize storage capacity.

Boltless shelving is a cost-effective, easy to install, and easily accessible storage solution for warehouses and manufacturing businesses. It is becoming increasingly popular because of its versatility and ease of configuration.

In this blog, we have compiled important information about boltless shelving. This guide can help you decide whether this is the right storage accessory for your business or not. Let’s begin with the types of Boltless Shelving.


Types of Boltless Shelving

There are three main types of boltless shelving. All of them have their limitations and benefits.

1.      Long Span Shelving

Long span shelving also known as double riveted shelves is the most durable type of shelving. With its higher capacity and low cost, long-span shelving has fewer posts that allow more visibility. It has heavy shelves that can carry up to 2400 lbs. per shelf.

2.      Thin span shelves

Also known as single riveted shelving, thin span is a versatile storage solution that is ideal for mobile and work platform systems. It can work as metal shelving however it is a much more economical storage solution than metal shelving. 

Accessible from four sides, thin span shelves can be arranged to have a variety of depths and widths. Unlike long spans, this shelving system is light.

3.      Z Beam shelving

This style brings together the properties of long-span and thin-span shelving. The idea is to maximize efficiency and usage while ensuring strength and durability. It uses flexible contoured beams to use space more efficiently.

Tips for Using Boltless shelving efficiently

While boltless racks are highly popular for their functionality and durability, their maintenance is often overlooked, resulting in poor performance. With the help of a few measures, you can make the most out of this storage system.

1.      Lowest racks for heaviest items

To keep boltless shelving in its good condition, remember to put the heavier items on the lowest shelves. This way you can lower the Center of Gravity of the storage solution, and the load is grounded downwards without affecting the safety of items on the other rack. 

Putting a heavy load on top shelves can be risky because if a shelf were to bend downwards or even collapse, it will damage products on the subsequent shelves.

2.      Frequently used items for golden zone

The Golden zone is the area that is easily accessible without stretching too far or without bending over. This concept is implemented in marts where frequently required items are kept at eye level. It enhances the efficiency and performance of people working in that storage.

3.      The bottom shelf should not be higher than 70cm

Regardless of the shelves, you are using, it is important to properly structure a boltless shelving system. Placing a bottom shelf too high will make the shelving system unstable because the load is not evenly distributed. 

The Thumb rule is to not place the bottom shelf higher than 70cm otherwise you need a reinforcement bar to provide the required support.

4.      Use as per directions

Boltless shelving systems can function optimally, without needing the support of the wall, if you adhere to the instructions of use. While the configuration of this racking system is easy, make sure that the height does not go beyond 3 meters, and the Depth to Height ratio remains 1:7. We recommend using only 4 levels for durability and performance.

Remember that you cannot climb up the boltless racking system, under no circumstances. If you want to access higher racks, use a ladder or stool.


Pros and Cons of Boltless Shelving System

Versatile: Boltless shelving is the most versatile storage solution for warehouses. From small individual items to big cartons, you can use these shelves to store anything. Since you can configure the shelves yourself, there is more freedom of having the kind of rack you need for specific needs.

Durable yet cheap: normally people believe that anything cheap won't last long. However, in the case of boltless shelving, this is not true. This sturdy and reliable storage structure can carry up to 2400lbs of weight elegantly.

Oddly shaped items: Boltless shelving allows the biggest liberty of storing items i-e you can keep oddly shaped items quite easily. Your storage needs to change over time. This system allows you to store all kinds of items with the same ease because the structure allows great freedom in storing items.

Quicker Access: boltless shelves are open from the four sides. This allows workers to access shelves easily. Quick retrieval leads to enhanced productivity and efficiency. With other shelving systems, a worker must locate and access the right item, which consumes time. Boltless shelving offer visibility which means you can access and retrieve anything without the hassle.

Limitations of Boltless Rack System

Space wastage: if you are completely relying on boltless shelving systems, then a lot of storage space goes unused and unutilized. This space can otherwise be put to good use if you use pallet racks or other storage units. 

The fact that boltless shelves don't allow to benefit from the available storage space and the warehouse capacity is the biggest drawback of this storage unit.

Forklifts can’t operate: yet another drawback of using boltless shelving is that workers must handpick the required items. A forklift cannot move through or operate this storage system. Therefore, it is not the right solution for warehouses with high-volume operations.

Final word

Boltless shelving is a cost-effective and durable storage solution for warehouses and manufacturing businesses. It comes in different styles to cater to different warehousing needs. Although it has certain limitations of height vs. capacity and handpicking, it is the ideal solution for many businesses.

If you are looking for reliable storage solutions such as Pallet Racks, Boltless Shelving, or wire Crafter Hayward; Golden Gate Rack is the right place for you. Having provided durable storage solutions to a great number of businesses in Hayward and California, we believe we understand the storage needs of most of the businesses and we can address them effectively. To know more about our products or services, visit our website.

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