A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Crowbars or Pry Bars

Guide to Different Types of Crowbars or Pry Bars

Crowbars are such a versatile tool that you can find them being used almost everywhere. You can see them used for lifting, opening containers, leveraging material, and much more. From modern home improvements to simple security and bashing, pry bars are everywhere around us. Pry bar is another name for the crowbar.

However, if you’re a DIY enthusiast or have an interest in crowbars for any reason to use them for various tasks, it is important to note that there are different types of crowbars available in the market. Which one will suit you, and which ones should you have? Here’s a quick guide:

1. A Conventional Crowbar

A standard crowbar is often known as a wrecking bar. If you don’t want to get into the jumble of different types, this is the best one to buy. It is versatile and comes in curved or flat ends for prying and lifting. That’s the only distinction you will need. You can use them for almost any kind of task. Think of them as the jack of all trades.

2. A Flat Pry Bar

Flat pry bars have a thin and elongated shape and don’t usually have a curve; they are more straight or flat. You can use them for prying, primarily. They are used for carpentry, cabinets, and other essentials for trimming and moulding glued materials.

3. Rolling Head Pry Bar

If you often have a situation where you want to use a pry bar but can’t seem to find the right angle, then rolling head pry bar is the ace. It has a head that can rotate or roll. As such, you can use it in different directions and angles easily. That’s the unique point about it. There are also indexing bars available with a similar purpose.

4. Cat’s Paw Pry Bar

You might know these as another common type that has a V-shaped notch at the end for gripping nails and other items and often also have that V-shaped notch sharpened. This is to undo the fasteners like nails and screws, which are commonly used in woodwork and construction.

5. Gooseneck Crowbar

A gooseneck crowbar is better for prying and lifting heavy objects. They are also used in demolition work because of the extra leverage they provide. The Gooseneck crowbar received its name for the shape that resembles a goose’s neck.

6. Digging Bar

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty design that is highly durable, then earth bars, tampers, or digging bars are what you’re looking for. They also have chisel-like ends but have such a robust performance that they are quite heavy hitters.

8. Pinch Point Crowbar

And finally, you have a pinch-point crowbar which has a pointed end. It is great for splitting or breaking material but also assists with prying. If you need to access tight spaces or need to provide focused force, they are great for the task.

Now, you know about eight different kinds of crowbars and when to buy them. They also come in different materials and sizes. So that will play a good role, as well.