Crowbars and pry bars are two very similar tools which are both used for a variety of hand demolition purposes. There are clear similarities between them, and many people often use the two terms interchangeably. However, there are some major differences too, enough to class them as two completely separate tools.
Both crowbars and pry bars are used to pry things open. Whether it’s wooden boards, nailed surfaces or simply removing nails from a material, they’re pretty versatile. However, the nature of pry bars makes them better suited to more delicate jobs, as they tend to have a thinner head. Crowbars are usually much thicker and heavier, making them ideal for work that requires more force. You can find some of the best quality hand demolition tools online, simply click here to see more.
What is a Crowbar?
Crowbars are handheld tools which don’t require mains power or batteries. They’re constructed of metal, usually iron or steel, and are designed to pry things open. You can use a crowbar for a variety of different uses, but specifically, they’re used to take things like wooden crates apart.
Crowbars have two functional ends, both with different purposes. There’s the straight chisel end which is used to pry things apart. It often has nail removers too, which is helpful for taking nails out of materials before you pry them open. Then the opposite end generally has a gooseneck angle which is used to create leverage to take things apart.
Crowbars are typically constructed out of a solid, durable metal, which makes them quite heavy and able to provide a lot of force. Generally, high-carbon steel is used, and they’re often coated in a corrosion-resistant finish, so you can use them outdoors. The way that crowbars are made makes them suitable for a variety of different jobs, and you don’t need to worry about them becoming damaged when subjecting them to a lot of force.
Types of Crowbars and How to Use Them
The great thing about crowbars is that they’re highly durable, making them versatile. You can find different types of crowbars which have been specialised for certain jobs. It’s important to consider the features of your crowbar when choosing how you’ll use it.
For example, classic crowbars use the chisel end and gooseneck. They’re great for prying things open, including crates, wooden panels and more. The nail remover allows you to easily take things apart without damaging the material, but the tool can also be used to apply significant blunt force.
What Are Pry Bars
Like a crowbar, pry bars are designed to apply force and pry two materials apart. However, these tools tend to be thinner and less durable, making them better suited to more delicate jobs. For example, you might use a crowbar to smash through old wood panelling. A pry bar would be better suited if you want to keep the wood in one piece.
Because pry bars are typically used for gentler work, you can find them available in much smaller sizes compared to crowbars. From as long as your arm to small enough to fit in your pocket, there are lots of options available depending on how you intend to use them. Still, most pry bars have the same standard shape, with a chisel head and a gooseneck end. Most also include nail removers at both ends.
Types of Pry Bars and How to Use Them
Pry bars can be used in lots of different ways. You wouldn’t want to use one to smash through materials, but they’re still very versatile. You can use them to scrape off paint or remove nails from a surface. They’re also great at taking apart flat-pack furniture without causing any damage to the materials.
