How to Inspect Forklift Forks and Know When to Replace Them

Waiting too long to replace worn-out forklift forks will eventually lead to a dropped load and damaged product, and that’s the best-case scenario. A snapped or bent fork can also cause deadly accidents.

That’s why it’s an OSHA requirement to inspect forks daily or after each shift if the forklift gets used 24/7. This requirement applies to all types of powered industrial lift trucks including: forklifts, powered pallet jacks and narrow aisle forklifts such as reach trucks.

Regular fork inspections ensure forklift forks get replaced before they create a hazard. Here’s what your team needs to know about how to inspect forklift forks and know when to replace them.

How to Inspect Forklift Forks

Forklift forks don’t last forever. Even though they’re made of metal, they can bend, crack or simply wear down. Accidents, improper chain adjustments and lifting loads beyond the truck’s rated capacity can shorten the life of your forks.

The important thing is to identify signs of wear and replace the forks before they fail. Here are five things every forklift operator or owner should look for:

1. Bent shanks or blades: If the shank or blade is bent more than 93 degrees, the fork(s) must be replaced. Bending the fork back into place is not a fix; it’s a dangerous cosmetic repair.
2. Bent or worn fork hooks: Use a caliper to check for wear and straightness. If the lip of the hook touches the back of the caliper, the fork(s) must be replaced.
3. Worn fork blades: A 10% reduction in thickness can reduce load capacity by 20 %. This small decrease can be hard to notice over time. Use forklift calipers to measure the shaft. Then, compare that measurement to the thickness of the fork blade, heel, and hook.
4. Surface cracks: They typically appear in the heel area and around welds.
5. Uneven blade height: The tips of both forklift blades should be at (roughly) the same height. If the difference exceeds 3% of the blade length, it's time to replace the forks. For example, if the forklift blade is 48” long, the difference in height between the tips should not exceed 1.44”.

Forklift Fork Inspection Done Right

Prevent accidents and avoid OSHA fines by ensuring operators know how to inspect your trucks. If you’re not sure whether your team is on top of things:

• We offer on-site forklift certification and refresher training.
• If you have a forklift service contract with us, every planned maintenance visit includes a thorough inspection - including the forks.
• We offer forklift inspections. A technician comes to your facility and inspects your forklift fleet. 

Buy Forklift Forks Near Seattle or the Tri-Cities

Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling have high-quality replacement forks for nearly any application, lifting capacity, make or model, including:

• Carpet forks
• ITA hook-style forks
• Lumber forks
• Shaft-mounted forks

Questions? Our friendly and experienced parts team is happy to help. Contact us online or by phone:

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Related Reading:
Request a Forklift Part
Forklift Parts in Washington: 6 Reasons To Buy From Local Dealers
Forklift Modifications and OSHA: What You Need to Know
The Best Forklift Replacement Parts to Keep On Hand