A prybar is one of those tools that can use in any industry. When you think of a crowbar, you may think of demolition work. Although crowbars are very useful in demolition work, many industrial companies need crowbars to open a crate delivered via the loading dock. However, not all crowbars are the same. Especially for industrial applications, it’s essential to know what to look for when buying a crowbar.

Our goal is to help you buy a pry bar that will last a long time. If you buy something that isn’t strong enough or rusts quickly, you’ll have to shop again soon. Whatever makes you want to buy a pry bar, we advise you. Here are the most important things you should know before buying your crowbar.

What is a crowbar?

Different names can know a crowbar. Many people call crowbars breaker bars or wrecking bars. Regardless of what you call it, a crowbar is a metal bar with a flat end. Usually, one side has a curved end but still has a flat top. A flat pry bar has a flattening on both ends. The tool is usually made of steel. The bar can vary, but most are between 30 and 70 inches long. Depending on the application or task, length is one of the features you should consider.

What is a pry bar used for?

Pry bars are used for many different reasons and in different industries. Here are some common uses for a crowbar and the most common applications.

Construction

In construction, pulling nails is a common task – and is perfect for a pry bar, precisely one with a nail slot (i.e., a “cat’s paw” or claw bar). One of the simplest methods to remove a nail is to use a pry bar as a nail puller. The leverage of the pry bar allows you to pull the embedded nails out of the wood without damaging the wood itself. In addition to removing nails, you can use pry bars to remove molding from walls. Sometimes the moldings have a seamless appearance, and you need the pry bar to get under the moldings and pull them away from the wall.

Tile work

Tile installers often use a crowbar to pry tile off a bathroom floor or walls. A pry bar has a flat end that easily fits under these areas and allows for quick work. Generally, the pry bar is used a lot in demolition work.

Carpet removal

Carpet layers use their pry bar to remove nails, strips, and staples from the room they are working on. Carpet removal can be quick if you have the right tools, and a pry bar is appropriate.

Other

You’ll find that any maintenance contractor or worker will likely carry a crowbar as a hand tool for various purposes. Crowbars are commonly used in demolition projects as a wrecking ball because the crowbar has a range of valuable angles that you can use to get a project done – even in tight spaces. Whether you’re destroying something with the pointy end or using it as leverage to pull old cabinets out of the wall, pry open a door, or tear up an old pallet, it’s a unique tool to have on hand.

Breaking bar requirements and considerations

Choosing a crowbar doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Crowbars are almost always made of metal, so you don’t have to worry about choosing a suitable material. Here are the choices you require to make. 

Overall length

A crowbar comes in a variety of lengths. Generally, the longer pry bars are used for separating two very difficult or heavy items. If you only intend to remove a few moldings, you don’t need a long pry bar to do the job. For many carpenters and general contractors, it can be helpful to have greater than one pry bar on hand (and some have adjustable pry bar), defined in a pry bar set by length and type of use. Having several different lengths available can be helpful when working in tight spaces or with heavy objects.

Width

Make sure you can get the pry bar into the intended area to separate or pry apart the two objects. The width of the crowbar can make or break its use in certain situations. For example, if you are working on a tile project and want to pull huge tiles off the wall or floor, a thin tip on the pry bar may not be enough to get the job done. Instead, using a pry bar with a thicker or broader leading edge makes more sense, making the task much faster.

Price

Pry bars vary in price. If it’s a tool you or your employees will be working with daily, it’s worth buying a better quality pry bar and making sure you can use it for years.  A more expensive heavy-duty pry bar will usually last you quite a while. The last thing you want is a crowbar that breaks in the middle of a project. It’s much better to buy quality from the start because these things take quite a beating on the job.

Handle

Depending on how often you’ll be using the pry bars, you’ll want to choose a handle that’s easy to grip and work well with. Some pry bars have an ergonomic handle that makes them easier to use. Others have the actual bar that you need to hold onto.

Types

Crowbars are relatively basic, but many have interesting features – especially on either side of the flat end of the bar. Some have a rolling head, striking cap, hammer, nailhead, chisel, specially shaped bar, pry bar (i.e., angled tip), crowbar, or squeeze bar on one end.

How to use a crowbar?

The use of a crowbar depends on the task at hand. There are many ways to use your pry bar if you are in construction, and you will learn what works best for you. Everyone must learn how to remove a nail with a pry bar so you can learn the basic idea and how to use a pry bar. However, once you realize how helpful and valuable this tool can be, you will probably come up with ten different ways to use a pry bar. As with any other tool, protect your hands and eyes when using a crowbar.

Crowbar problems and resources

Damage happens but can often repair. Most of the time, the damage you notice on a pry bar is rust that develops over time. If you don’t store your pry bars properly, rust can form and eventually deteriorate. You may also break your pry bar if you use it for the wrong application. Fortunately, these tools aren’t some of the most expensive on the market, so replacing them shouldn’t be the end of the world. However, buying an excellent pry bar shouldn’t be a problem.

Where can you buy a crowbar?

You can buy a crowbar from many suppliers. To avoid scams and quality control issues, buy from a trusted dealer just like Tools & Accessories.

Here are some prybar tools

1. Clarke CHT920 4 Piece Pry Bar Set

Description

A useful set of four general purpose leverage bars for all types of building, engineering, and maintenance work. Off-set chisel-shaped tips probe easily into narrow gaps. 4-piece pry bar set. Sizes: 200, 300, 450, 600mm.

2.US Pro 4 Pc steel Heel & Toe Pry Bar Set

Description

US Pro 4 Pc steel Heel & Toe Pry Bar Set. Sizes: 150 x 8mm, 300 x 10mm, 400 x 14mm and 500 x 16mm. Tapered design for easy alignment.

3.US Pro Extra Long 900mm Angled Pry Bar

Description

US Pro Extra Long 900mm Angled Pry Bar

4.US PRO Professional 4pc Pry Bar Set

Description

These pry bars are perfect for aligning lifting or prying. Sizes: 200 x 12mm, 300 x 17mm, 450 x 20mm, 600 x 20mm. Hardened Black Finish. Orange Handles.

For useful pry bar tools, visit Tools & Accessories.

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