Abstract: A protective sheath for forklift tangs to protect plastic pallets and other structures from impact damage from contact with tang ends. The sheath extends over the tang and carries a bumper at the distal end which abuts the distal end of a tang. The bumper is formed from resilient, energy absorbing material and includes at least two transverse walls generally parallel to the tang end, with a free air space between the members. An insert bonded to the tang that extends into a corresponding sheath recess limits slippage of a pallet on the sheath. A clamp surrounding the proximal end of the sheath and the tang, between two spaced sheath ridges, securely holds the sheath and bumper onto the tang.