Boltless Shelving: Questions and Answers
Looking for boltless shelving for your business or warehouse and not sure where to start? Here are some common questions and their answers about topics related to boltless shelving to help you better understand the equipment.
What is boltless shelving and how is it used?
Boltless shelving is industrial shelving that can be configured in a variety of different setups based on the parts you have on hand. It is easy to assemble and requires no bolts or screws. See more here.
Where is boltless shelving used?
Boltless shelving is commonly used in warehouse and commercial facilities where shelving is needed for storage of products, tools, or any kind of dry goods. It's ideal for where storage is needed and shelving needs to assembled quickly and easily and may need to be reconfigured quickly as storage demands grow or change. Boltless shelving is highly configurable and easy to move or redeploy. Some people use it in supply rooms, or on a warehouse floor, or even in an office facility or garage.
Where can I buy boltless shelving in the USA?
Boltless shelving is available from a variety of industrial supplies and warehouse product stores such as this website: WarehouseIQ Store.
How do you assemble boltless shelving?
Boltless shelving requires little in the way of tools and can generally be assembled by hand in minutes. See our guide to boltless shelving assembly.
What are some of the techncial terms that I might encounter when buying boltless shelving?
You will likely come across new technical terms that are associated with boltless shelving if you plan to buy or install the metal shelves. Terms like:
- Upright post
- Beam
- Rivet
- Particle board
- Shelf clips
- Shelf supports
- Double Rivet beam (see below)
Here is a glossary that defines those terms.
What is a double rivet beam?
A "double rivet beam" in the context of a boltless shelving system refers to a type of beam used to create shelves without the need for nuts, bolts, or clips.
Boltless shelving is a type of shelving system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it ideal for both personal and commercial use. The components simply snap or fit together, typically using a system of rivets and slots.
In a "double rivet" configuration, the beam would have two sets of rivets which insert into corresponding slots on the vertical posts of the shelving unit, creating a secure and stable connection. These double rivet beams can provide additional weight capacity and stability to the shelf compared to single rivet beams. They are generally used on the left and right sides of each shelf level, and typically used in conjunction with single rivet beams that span the shelf's depth.
What is an upright post in the context of boltless shelves?
An upright post (also referred to as an upright frame or simply as a post) is a vertical component that serves as the structural support of the boltless shelving unit.
The upright post typically has multiple slots or holes punched into it at regular intervals. These slots are designed to accept the rivets located on the ends of the shelf beams. When the rivets are inserted into the slots, they lock into place, creating a secure joint without the need for additional hardware like nuts or bolts.
Upright posts can come in various heights to accommodate different shelving configurations, and are usually made from durable materials such as steel to provide strong support for the shelves and the items stored on them. The posts are crucial to the stability and load-bearing capacity of boltless shelving systems.
What is a double rivet channel beam in the context of a boltless shelf?
In the context of boltless shelving, a double rivet channel beam refers to a type of shelving beam with two sets of rivets that connect to the upright posts of the shelving unit. "Channel" indicates the shape of the beam, usually a "U" or "C" shape when viewed in cross-section, providing strength and stability to the structure.
These double rivet beams slot into the upright posts of the shelf at two points, providing a strong, secure connection that can support significant weight. They are typically used on the perimeter of each shelf level, specifically on the left and right sides, and enhance the stability of the shelving unit.
The term "channel" often indicates that the beam has a shape that allows decking materials (like particle board, metal, or wire) to sit within the channel, creating the shelf surface.
When it comes to boltless shelving, commonly known as rivet shelving, people often have several questions. Here are some of the most common questions about boltless shelving:
How does boltless shelving differ from traditional shelving?
Traditional shelving often requires tools and fasteners to assemble, whereas boltless shelving is designed for quick and easy assembly without the need for special tools. Boltless shelving also tends to be more versatile, allowing for adjustable shelf heights and configurations.
What are the weight capacities of boltless shelving?
The weight capacity of boltless shelving can vary depending on the specific design, materials used, and configuration. Generally, boltless shelving can handle significant weight loads, ranging from a few hundred pounds per shelf to several thousand pounds per unit.
Can boltless shelving be customized?
Yes, boltless shelving is often customizable. Many manufacturers offer various sizes, configurations, and accessories to meet different storage needs. You can typically choose the number of shelves, shelf depths, and heights to create a shelving system that suits your specific requirements.
What are the typical applications of boltless shelving?
Boltless shelving is versatile and finds applications in various environments. It is commonly used in warehouses, garages, retail stores, offices, and other places that require efficient storage and organization of items such as boxes, tools, equipment, inventory, and archives.
Is boltless shelving easy to assemble and disassemble?
Yes, one of the advantages of boltless shelving is its ease of assembly and disassembly. The absence of bolts and tools simplifies the process. The shelves and beams typically fit together securely, allowing for quick setup and reconfiguration as needed.
Can boltless shelving be adjusted?
Yes, most boltless shelving systems offer adjustable shelf heights. This flexibility allows you to adapt the shelving to accommodate items of different sizes and optimize vertical space utilization.
Is boltless shelving sturdy and durable?
Boltless shelving is designed to provide strength and stability. The materials used, such as heavy-duty steel or other sturdy metals, contribute to its durability. However, the overall sturdiness and load capacity will vary depending on the specific brand, design, and construction.
Can boltless shelving be expanded?
Yes, many boltless shelving systems are expandable. You can often add additional shelves or units to extend your storage capacity as your needs grow or change. Some manufacturers offer compatible accessories that allow for the expansion and customization of the shelving system.