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Pry Bar Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to needing to pry or separate two objects, as well as having to lever, lift or remove nails, the ideal tool to use is a well-made, high quality pry bar. These highly versatile tools are available in many designs, lengths and types, and with so many options, this guide will help in determining the best and safest pry bar option for any project.

What Are Pry Bars?

A pry bar is a hand tool usually made from forged alloy steel that features a claw, pointed, or flattened end. A pointed end is ideal for ‘mating or aligning holes’ making it easier to insert fasteners. A flat end allows the levering of objects, while a claw end makes creating leverage easier and, if it features a small crevice, can be used to remove nails.

Apart from the functionality of the ends, another design consideration is length. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the object to be lifted or pried, the longer the bar should be. In other words, match the length to the amount of leverage needed to lift the object(s).

Pry bars can be referred to by many different names. These include ‘jimmy’ bar, crowbar, wrecking bar, gooseneck, ‘cat’s paw’, pinch bar or iron crow.

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Anatomy of a Pry Bar

There are many variations in pry bar design. Below is a breakdown of the various components that make up the tool:

Pry Bar

Handle

May or may not be featured on a pry bar, provides a more comfortable grip on one end.

Shaft

Rounded shaft: easier to hold, use in tight spaces. Contoured shaft: increased leverage. Hexagonal shaft: better grip. I-beam shaft: lighter, very strong.

Heel

Can be flat or rounded. A flat heel can be used for striking; a rounded heel increases leverage by helping the claw rock back and forth.

Claw

Straight claw: forged in line with the pry bar. Bent claw: increases leverage, decrease tool damage. Beveled claw: for getting beneath or between items. Flat claw: used in tight spaces. Adjustable claw: angle of claw can be adjusted and locked in place. Claws may also include a nail slot for pulling nails.

 

Types of Pry Bars

There are many types of pry bars available. Below we will quickly review some of the most commonly available and used variations.

Pry Bar

Wonder Bar (Nail Puller): features a flat shaft, a right-angle claw and one offset claw. Wonder bars are used when control and accuracy are needed for pulling nails, lifting, scraping, prying, and/or levering. These are ideal for a variety of carpentry, maintenance, construction, and demolition tasks.

Pinch Bar: features a hexagonal or round shaft, one chisel end and a pointed tip end. This is the longest and second heaviest pry bar manufactured. The pinch bar can be used to align mating holes, such as boltholes, by prying the holes into alignment. Secondary use would be levering and lifting objects.

Rolling Head Pry Bar: features a round shaft, pointed tip, and bent claw. Typical uses include lifting and leveraging, simple prying, locating, and aligning applications.

Wrecking Bar: features a hexagonal shank, flat end claw and may also incorporate a gooseneck claw. This pry bar design is used in heavy-duty prying applications and demolition work.

Railroad Track Pry Bar: features a hexagonal shaft, a 45-degree claw end, and a pointed tip. As the name suggests, this pry bar is ideal for railway track maintenance.

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User Safety Tips

Before beginning your next project, consider the working environment and the safety of yourself and others.

  • Visually inspect the pry bar before use, looking for signs of damage such as bends or cracks.
  • Take note of the working environment and look for factors that may create risk for you or others, such as space limitations or hazards.
  • If possible use high quality work gloves free of moisture and dirt to ensure a firm and secure grip along the shaft
  • Always wear a hard hat and eye protection, especially when prying or pulling nails that may become projectiles.
  • Never place an object under the shaft of the pry bar for additional leverage. Doing so creates a pressure fulcrum that places stress on the shaft of the pry bar, resulting in increased danger.
  • Proper posture is critical for personal physical well-being, especially when lifting heavier objects. Ensure your position is balanced, stand facing the bar with your legs shoulder-width apart and slightly bent, do not position your body directly over the bar, and grip the pry bar tightly with both hands.
  • If you must bend to use the pry bar, ensure you bend at the knees while keeping your back straight to avoid injuring your back and hamstrings. If the item is too heavy or too large, make sure you ask for help before using the pry bar alone.
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Pry Bar Maintenance and Care

Like all hand tools, user safety and tool service life are closely linked to proper maintenance and care. Below are several useful tips.

  1. Filing the claw(s) regularly will help keep them sharp and ready for the next use. Be careful not to remove too much material or protective finish.
  2. Applying a non-corrosive oil will protect the bar from harsh weather and workplace elements. It's ideal to apply a high-quality protectant after filing or when the bar has become dirty.
  3. NEVER strain the shaft by applying excessive force such as applying cheater pipes or bars. Remember the rule: the heavier the object to be lifted, the longer the bar needs to be.
  4. Dry the bars after getting them wet and store them in a dry space to ward against corrosion.

A high-quality pry bar will bend slowly when it is stressed beyond its intended capacity. A poor-quality bar will snap unexpectedly creating a dangerous situation.

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