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FEFCO 0952

U-Shaped Pad with Finger Holes

Available in a wide range of custom configurations & material selection.
Order 1 sample. Or order 100K+ units. Or anything in between.
Affordable delivery across North America.
Design support, warehousing, testing, assembly available.
Widest machinery capability in America via 30+ specialist partner plants.

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Product details

Top highlights

Die-cut finger holes allow easy removal from tight-fitting master cartons
Folds 90 degrees into a U-shape to act as a lid, divider, or false bottom
Requires custom die-cutting due to the circular cutouts

About this product

A tight-fitting corrugated insert pad features two die-cut finger holes in the center panel, folding into a U-shape to act as an internal lid, a false bottom, or a layer divider inside a master carton.

The defining feature is the extraction grip. When an insert needs to fit tightly against the outer box walls to prevent shifting, normal pads become difficult to remove. The finger holes break the friction seal, making it easy for an assembly worker or an end customer to pull the pad out without damaging the board edges.

Common uses

Retail unboxing platforms
Heavy industrial parts dividers
Kitting trays with tight clearances
Subscription box layer separation

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Size and quantity

Detailed dimensions

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Pad length

Pad width

Folded leg depth

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Materials and print

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Shipping or storage context

Custom changes or unusual needs

How will this pad be used inside the main box?

What type of items will sit above or below the pad?

Do the finger holes need to be placed in a specific spot?

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Internal lidding and tight-clearance dividers

Tight-fitting internal lids

Placed over a packed layer, the folded legs act as standoffs. The finger holes allow the recipient to lift the lid straight up without wedging their hands down the sides of the box.

False bottoms and presentation platforms

Inserted legs-down, the pad elevates the product. The holes give retail staff or consumers an obvious grip to lift the platform and access accessories stored underneath.

Heavy-part layer separation

Separating dense industrial components where lifting a flat board without holes is difficult. The grip allows workers to pull the divider vertically without tilting or spilling the layer above.

Recessed component trays

Acting as a shelf that sits halfway down a box, holding lightweight accessories while keeping the main product below safe and separated.

Retail unboxing, kitting, and subscription fulfillment

Retail unboxing

The finger holes act as an intuitive visual cue to pull. This prevents the consumer from tearing the box or struggling with a vacuum seal when unpacking premium goods.

Industrial kitting and assembly

When workers need to rapidly place and remove dividers in deep master cartons, the grip holes reduce hand fatigue and speed up the packing line.

Subscription box fulfillment

Packing lines that need to rapidly drop in a divider and ensure the end-customer can easily pull it out to reveal the next layer without frustration.

When to review other insert styles

Loose fits and utility packing

If the insert does not fit tightly against the outer walls, or if the end user does not need to remove it frequently, a standard 0929 C-pad is a practical alternative. It skips the custom die-cutting process entirely and runs on simple straight-cut machinery.

Capping shallow trays

If the pad is capping a shallow tray where the outer edges are fully exposed and easy to grab, the 0951 slip-fit lid provides precise thickness compensation without the need for internal extraction holes.

Close variants and lookalike dielines

The closest library neighbors include 0955, 0953, 0937. Use this as a variant check if a buyer brings an old code, sample, or dieline that looks close. The deciding details are usually the lock, slot, closure, wall build, part count, or fold sequence.

Board thickness, hole sizing, and production path

Board thickness versus extraction comfort

Heavy double-wall board provides excellent vertical column strength if the flutes align with the folded legs. However, thick board can make the finger holes uncomfortable to pull against high friction. The hole radius often needs to increase for heavier grades.

Production path and custom cutting

Because of the circular cutouts, this pad requires custom die-cutting rather than simple straight cuts. This makes it a stronger fit for repeat packing programs or premium unboxing where extraction speed matters, rather than quick, low-volume utility runs.

Flute direction for load bearing

If the pad is used as a false bottom to support heavy items, the flute direction should run parallel to the folded legs to maximize vertical crush resistance.

Hole placement and product clearance

The exact position of the finger holes must account for the product underneath. If the item below is fragile or prone to scratching, the holes should be offset to sit over empty void space.

Adjusting leg depth and hole placement

Hole spacing and radius

The distance between the two holes and their exact radius can be adjusted to fit different hand sizes, lifting angles, or product clearances underneath the pad.

Leg depth

The side flaps can be lengthened to create a deeper void space or shortened to act as a shallow lidding cap.

Offset hole positioning

While typically centered, the finger holes can be moved off-center if the product underneath has an uneven profile, ensuring the user's fingers do not press into delicate components.

Board and packing details

Pallet density and flat shipping

Because the pad ships completely flat, it offers excellent pallet density, minimizing inbound freight space before assembly.

Additional notes

Stripping the hole waste

During production, the small circular cutouts must be cleanly ejected. The chosen board grade and hole size must strip reliably on the die-cutter without leaving hanging scrap.

FAQs

Shipping and Route

Can this pad be shipped on its own?

No. It is an internal component that relies entirely on a sealed master carton to hold its shape and protect the product during transit.

Assembly

Does this pad require glue or tape to assemble?

No. The side legs fold 90 degrees by hand, and the pad holds its position through friction against the walls of the master box.

Production Path

Why does this pad require custom die-cutting?

While a standard U-channel can be scored and cut in straight lines on basic machinery, the internal circular finger holes require a custom die board to punch out and strip the waste circles cleanly.

Product Fit

How do I know if the finger holes are the right size?

The default radius works for standard single-wall board. If you specify a heavy double-wall grade, we suggest testing a digital prototype to ensure the thicker edge does not pinch the user's fingers during extraction.

Can the pad support heavy weight from above?

Yes, if the flutes run vertically down the folded legs, the pad transfers top-load weight to the base of the master carton. The exact crush limit depends on the board grade and leg height.

Quantity and Delivery

Does the pad arrive flat?

Yes. It ships flat on a pallet, offering maximum storage density before it is folded and inserted on the packing line.

Inserts and Product Fit

Will the finger holes expose the product underneath?

The holes do create a small opening in the protective layer. If dust protection or scratch prevention is critical, the holes can be offset to sit over empty void space rather than directly over the product.

Packing Labor

Does this insert slow down the packing line?

Folding the two legs takes only seconds, but the real time savings happen during unpacking or kitting. The finger holes allow workers or customers to rapidly pull the pad out of a tight box without struggling against friction.