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How to Fix Plastic Pallet Collars onto Plastic Pallets?

plastic pallet collar

Main Components of a Plastic Pallet Collar System

You’ll fix faster if you first see how the parts interact. Below is the quick map of the plastic pallet collar interface—what sits where, and why it locks solid.

Locking lips (base edge)
Run along the collar’s underside and contact the pallet rim; provide a light snap-fit to resist vibration and lateral slip.

locking lips

Corner hinges (vertical joints)
Located at the four corners; keep panels at 90° under load and transfer torsion into the pallet deck without racking.

corner hinges

Alignment ribs (inner base line)
Molded ribs guide auto-centering on the rim; speed up placement and keep repeatability across cycles.

alignment ribs

Locking pins / clips (optional at corners)
Add positive retention for rough handling routes; recommended for long hauls or high-rack use.

locking pins clips

Each HDPE pallet collar is injection-molded with ±0.3 mm tolerance, ensuring consistent geometry. This precision keeps the snap-fit secure through temperature changes and repeated reuse.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Plastic Pallet Collar onto a Plastic Pallet

The connection between a collar and a pallet works best when each step is done in sequence. A precise fit not only keeps your load stable but also prevents wear on both parts over repeated use.

1. Align the Collar and Pallet Edges

Place the collar directly above the pallet so the edges line up with the outer rim. You’ll notice four corners with hinges—keep them facing outward. When positioning, start by pressing down one side first, allowing the hinges to hook onto the pallet edge. This action works like a guiding rail, helping the collar slide smoothly into place and align accurately. Proper alignment ensures that the locking lips sit flush against the pallet deck, creating a flat, even base for stacking.

2. Engage the Locking Lips

Press down gently but firmly until you feel a slight “click.” This snap-fit connection occurs when the lips grip the pallet rim. It forms the first level of mechanical retention, absorbing vibration and keeping the collar from sliding sideways during handling or on conveyors.

3. Stack Additional Collars

When adding a second or third collar, align the locking clips on the upper collar with the slots on the collar below. Press down firmly so each clip fits into the slot—this quick-lock mechanism connects the two collars instantly and keeps them from separating under load.

To ensure accuracy, start by lowering one side first and let it slide along the lower rim like a guide rail, then press the opposite side until all corners click into place. 

4. Secure the Corners

Once the collar sits flush, add stacking corners or locking pins if your load will travel long distances or be handled by automated equipment. These are optional accessories supplied by manufacturers like Enlightening to strengthen the vertical connection between collars.

Stacking corners act as top caps that align and lock multiple collars together, while locking pins are inserted through corner joints to hold layers tightly in place. When secured on all four corners, the structure resists vibration, twisting, and impact during export or warehouse rotation, ensuring the entire unit remains stable.

5. Check for Fit and Stability

Next, look along the rim to confirm the collar is evenly seated. Shake it slightly—there should be no lateral movement. A correct installation distributes the load across the full rim, avoiding stress points and extending both the collar’s and the pallet’s lifespan.

If you notice any visible wobble, realign the collar with the pallet and check whether the clips or slots along the base edge are damaged or misaligned before re-installing.

6. Optional: Add a Lid or Divider

For dust-sensitive or fragile goods, add a pallet lid or internal divider before loading. The lid presses gently on the collar’s top edges, locking the system into one rigid unit and protecting the contents from external dust or moisture.

Typical plastic lids are made of PP and available in two standard sizes—1200 × 800 mm (for 1208 collars) and 1200 × 1000 mm (for 1210 collars). At Enlightening Pallet, these lids are designed exclusively for three-runner (chuan-type) pallets, as their underside structure provides a stable interface for stacking and prevents lid deformation under load.

Internal dividers, made from PP, EVA, or EPE, can be customized to any grid pattern. They keep components separated, prevent abrasion during transit, and are particularly useful for delicate or multi-component assemblies.

By following these steps, you form a single, vibration-proof load unit. You can also watch our workers’ installation video for a clearer demonstration of the process.

Different logistics conditions, however, require different pallet bases to support these collars efficiently—something we’ll explore next.

Recommended Plastic Pallets for Different Uses of Plastic Pallet Collars

Selecting the right pallet structure determines how stable and durable your plastic pallet collar system performs in daily operations. Below is a professional reference for pairing four common pallet designs—solid or grid decks in 3-runner and 9-leg structures—with suitable industries and applications.

Pallet TypeTypical IndustriesBest Application ScenarioKey Advantages When Used with Plastic Pallet Collars
Solid 3-Runner PalletHeavy manufacturing, machinery, automotive componentsLong-term warehouse storage and high-rack stacking of heavy goodsHigh strength and rigidity distribute weight evenly; smooth surface ensures full collar contact and long service life.
Grid 3-Runner PalletAutomated warehousing, logistics centers, cold-chain distributionConveyor systems and automated handling where airflow and lighter weight are requiredReduced weight with strong beam support; vented top prevents condensation under collars.
Solid 9-Leg PalletFood processing, pharmaceuticals, clean packaging plantsHygienic transport of sealed or contamination-sensitive productsFully closed top easy to sanitize; nestable base reduces return cost while maintaining clean operation.
Grid 9-Leg PalletTextile, electronics, consumer goods, short-haul logisticsFrequent manual or short-distance handling of lightweight goodsLightweight and economical; mesh deck provides grip and quick drying after wash-down.


Among these options, solid-deck pallets are preferred in hygiene-sensitive sectors, while grid-deck pallets excel in high-turnover, ventilation-required, or space-saving operations. Enlightening Pallet manufactures all four types in durable HDPE or PP with optional anti-slip surfaces and custom branding, ensuring perfect alignment and stable integration with every collar pallet system.

Additional Recommendation: Using Insert-Hole Solid Pallets with Collars

For industries that demand extra fixation or precision positioning—such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics assembly, and clean packaging—Enlightening recommends using solid-deck pallets with insert holes, as shown above.
These holes allow direct placement of locking pins, alignment guides, or internal dividers, keeping the collar perfectly aligned and preventing internal movement during transport. When combined with plastic pallet collars, this pallet type ensures a cleaner, tighter, and more secure containment system—especially for high-value or contamination-sensitive goods.

How Does Enlightening Pallet Guarantee Secure Fit and Long-Term Durability?

With over two decades of HDPE injection-molding experience and more than 60 production lines, Enlightening Pallet stands among the leading pallet collar manufacturers in China. Every collar and pallet component is engineered under ISO 8611 dynamic load testing standards, ensuring uniform strength and accuracy across batches. By using 100 % virgin HDPE, our collars maintain dimensional stability and snap-fit precision under temperatures from –40 °C to +60 °C, even after thousands of reuse cycles.

Each system—pallet, collar, and lid—is produced as a modular logistics unit that can be traced, stacked, and customized for specific industrial needs. OEM / ODM options include stacking corners, lids, dividers, and anti-slip accessories, allowing seamless integration into automated or hygiene-critical supply chains.
For a deeper look into collar design and testing standards, visit our detailed Plastic Pallet Collars Guide to explore how every HDPE pallet collar is built for long-term operational reliability.

About the Author

Enlightening Plast is a leading factory-direct manufacturer of plastic pallets, pallet boxes, and industrial storage products. With 20+ years of experience and a 75,000 m² production base equipped with injection molding and welding systems, we serve global B2B clients with innovative, recyclable solutions. Our in-house team creates all blog content based on real factory insights and application expertise.

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