P-NUT PAL packing fill dispenser

[Tonearm]

Has anyone tried a "P-NUT PAL"? I'm thinking of switching from the overhead hanging hopper that I have now. The idea is to keep a trash can full of peanuts and use the vacuum to suck 'em up and drop them into packages.

PROS:
1. much easier and faster refill of packing fill
2. much easier cleanup of spilled packing fill
3. no hanging dispenser taking up space

CONS:
1. possibly slower overall dispensing of packing fill
2. second trash can requirement
3. slight increase in noise, but the unit is supposed to be very quiet
4. the unit requires some storage space for itself

What do you think?

[dpd1]

I think that would empty quickly. Have you considered just not using p-nuts? Most people hate them. I know I do. Giant pain in the butt to unpack. I use bubble and paper for all my stuff. I get compliments on our packing all the time. I also reuse a lot of the paper that comes in stuff sent to me. Saves money... Less garbage. I made a rack that holds all the various wrapping material rolls. Real easy to use. Takes a few seconds to change rolls. No cleanup.

[jrockfl]

@Tonearm, I just googled P-NUT PAL and it is $688 plus shipping? Way too much for me!

We just scoop them out of the bag. We use biodegradable pnuts from our local supplier.

@dpd1
Do you have a rack that holds bubble wrap? Do you have a picture? I bought a dual one from uline but it has to be mounted to the wall and with our current setup, it is too far away.

[dpd1]

I don't have a pic handy, but search for 'furniture grade PVC'. There's companies that sell the pipe in different colors, along with all sorts of connectors, wheels and so on. You can make all kinds of things with that stuff. Just pick a pipe size that will handle the weight. I make products myself, so I have a hard time paying guys like Uline a ton of money for such basic devices. Unfortunately, anything remotely considered a commercial product... they really try to jack up the price. Some of the commercial shelving and other stuff out there, is ridiculously expensive.

[mattb]

I will second not using p-nuts. We switched to recycled craft paper that is bunched up in a machine before packing. It performs better in so many ways over p-nuts.

[jwolthuis]

+2 Have you considered just not using p-nuts?

Kraft paper, foam, and bubble wrap, most of which we recycle from our suppliers shipments to us.

[Tonearm]

I just googled P-NUT PAL and it is $688 plus shipping? Way too much for me!

I got it for less than half that buying from the manufacturer "shadeintl".

I've thought about not using p-nuts but I can't imagine that any of the alternatives are as lightweight and effective. P-nuts get into the nooks and crannies in a box so nicely and fill space in any shape. They're also super lightweight which is key. Are the alternatives as cheap as p-nuts? I can't recycle them into use as our suppliers use all manner of weird stuff I don't want to use.