Whether one is a DIY hobbyist or a woodwork fanatic, they know the importance of the best pry bar buying.
Prybars come in handy whenever one needs to pry up the floor register, uncapping paint cans, pulling out nails, molding, or when one is locked out of their home, and need to open a stuck window.
A prybar is quite valuable, considering that it makes work safe and more painless and has numerous applications. Regardless of their intended use, they must purchase the best quality prybar in the market that will serve them for a while.
It might be a great idea to review some of the best prybars in the market before purchasing one.
Vaughan B215
Best Overall Pry Bar
The pry bar allows for more comfortable twist prying, and it has sharp blades and beveled nail slots that enable easier insertion.
With this buyer’s guide, check out the top-rated pry bars on the market.
| Best Overall Pry Bar | Vaughan B215 |
| Best Extendable Pry Bar | GearWrench 82220 |
| Best Pry Bar For Flooring | Stanley 55-525 |
| Best Pry Bar For Trim | Crescent DB18X 18” |
| Best Pry Bar in Japanese Style | Estwing PC360G 14″ |
| Best Utility Pry Bar | Tekton 3320 18″ |
| Best Demolition Wrecking Bar | Fiskars 751410-1001 30″ |
| Best 5-in-1 Demolition Bar | Stanley FatMax FuBar III 55-120 |
Reasons Why DIYers Need Pry Bars
1. To Create A Cleaner Paint Job
Man is to error, and one can’t rule out that they can make mistakes while painting.
Most painters have to trim their work before painting or tape inbuilt cabinetry. Tapping isn’t always foolproof, and on most occasions, some paint can sip through and mess up the entire job.
Most experienced painters have learned to use pry bars to prevent the mess by pressing the bar’s flat end onto the tape; then, they pull the bar together with the tape. The applied pressure ensures that the tape is secured, and one ends up with a perfect paint job.
2. Hanging Heavy Doors
It’s always tedious to lift a door and align it with its hinges while setting it at the correct height.
Most pry bars help carpenters with the heavy lifting, and all one has to do is slip the flat end of the pry bar beneath the door, then lift it till it attains the correct position.
3. When Adjusting or Removing Carpets
Most carpets have tack strips that often end up scratching the hands when one removes or installs a new carpet.
Pry bars come in hand when installing or removing worn-out carpets. A DIYer inserts the pry bar’s flat surface underneath the strip, then using a mallet, they can lightly tap the pry bar.
Once the strip is off, the DIYer can use the nail pulling clips to remove nails left on the subfloor.
4. When Removing Tile Flooring
Shorter pry bars are ideal for removing ceramic or floor tiles when one intends to do some small home repairs. When one removes ceramic tiles, it would be in their best interest to grind or chip through the grout then wedge the pry bar underneath the tile.
5. When Peeling Paint
Scraping off the paint can be a tedious job, but this should be the case when one has a pry bar. One only has to hold the pry bar at a 40-degree angle from the surface, then scrape the paint away from the wood grain to prevent gouging the surface.
6. Removing Molding
It would be in their best interest to first remove the base molding for those planning to renovate old floors. Such a move prevents the renovator from damaging the molding, and one ends up with perfect results.
A pry bar can be quite useful when removing molding, and as such, professional painters recommend its use during the process.
Best Pry Bars in the Market
1. Vaughan B215 — Best Overall Pry Bar
The Vaughan B215 pry bar is an essential tool for woodwork hobbyists considering that they can use them for DIY tasks such as picking nails, scraping paint, molding, and prying.
The 15 inches offer maximum prying strength and durability.
The pry bar allows for more comfortable twist prying, and it has sharp blades and beveled nail slots that enable easier insertion.
Considering that the pry bar is spring-tempered and heat-treated to the right amount of toughness, it’s safe to say that Vaughan B215 is one of the best in the market.
Also, it weighs approximately 680g, and it’s 15 inches long.
Technical specs
✓ “Shepherd’s crook” Rocker Head Design
✓ Length — 15″
✓ Weight — 1.5 pounds
Pros
- It comes with the “Shepherd’s crook” rocker head making it ideal for picking nails, scraping paint, molding, and prying.
- It has nail slots.
- It’s quite economical.
Cons
- Some users complain of stamping defects on some occasions.
2. GearWrench 82220 — Best Extendable Pry Bar
The GearWrench 33″ pry bar is another outstanding tool that one can use for several applications.
Its design transformed how pry bars are used, and it comes in extendable and standard handles.
The compact design allows the user to operate in fixed spaces, and it’s designed for use in moving engines, aligning steel structures, heavy industrial work, repositioning equipment, and demotion.
The head portion allows a 180-degree rotation through fourteen locked positions for leverage and unparalleled access.
The grooved profile offers extra traction for heavy industrial work.
Also, the short length is ideal for use in industrial applications and medium-duty automotive applications.
Longer distances are suitable for heavy-duty applications, demolitions, aligning components, and repositioning engines.
Quick FactGearWrench exceeds ANSI and ASME requirements on strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty jobs.
Technical specs
✓ 14 Head Locking Positions
✓ Length — 21″-33″
✓ Weight — 2.5 pounds
Pros
- It comes with a rust-resistant coat.
- It has an adjustable 14 position head.
- The size can be adjusted.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a striking plate, and some users find it discouraging.
3. Stanley 55-525 — Best Pry Bar For Flooring
Stanley 55-525 15-inch pry bar is designed for nail removal, lifting, and prying.
Considering that it’s 15 inches long, the pry bar provides leverage and extra reach for the user.
What’s more, the tight bend allows the user to position themself properly.
The arch at the center of the bar gives the user more swinging action when pulling nails, and the long tongue enables a better grip when one needs to access the tough to reach spots.
The tool can also act as a panel lift — all the user has to do is place the pry beneath the panel then press downwards using their feet.
The small radius of the bend angles makes it easier for users to position themselves, and most of the pry bars are brightly colored, meaning that the user can easily spot them.
Technical specs
✓ Arched Center For Greater Prying Leverage
✓ Length — 16″
✓ Weigth — 1.8 pounds
Pros
- It’s cheaper.
- The pry bars are relatively lightweight.
- It has a tight bend that allows users to position themselves correctly.
Cons
- It can be laborious to work with at times.
4. Crescent DB18X 18” — Best Pry Bar For Trim
The Crescent 18″ Indexing Flat Pry Bar has a head that can lock in over ten different positions.
It can index for over 180 degrees for maximum utility and more comfortable access by the user.
It has a reinforced wedge at the indexing head’s posterior that offers a rigid striking platform for penetration and loosening.
Quick FactCrescent Indexing Flat Pry Bar is available in 16 inches and 24-inch lengths.
The best part about the Crescent 18” Indexing Flat Pry Bar is that it has a crowbar and a nail puller.
The molding bars and pry bar are ideal for pulling nails while causing minimum damage.
The pry bars design also comes with two material grips that provide extra safety when transporting or using at the site, and it also offers control and comfort to the user.
Technical specs
✓ Head Locks in 16 Positions
✓ Length — 18″
✓ Weight — 1 pound
Pros
- It has a reinforced wedge at the posterior of the indexing head that offers a rigid striking platform.
- The design also comes with two material grips that provide extra safety.
Cons
- Some users consider it short; thus, it isn’t ideal for tough jobs.
- The thickness is questionable.
5. Estwing PC360G 14″ — Best Pry Bar in Japanese Style
The Estwing Pro Claw Nail Puller is a popular pry bar, created in Japanese style.
It’s made from high-quality tool steel. There are high chances that it lasts longer than ordinary pry bars.
The nail pulling claws are sharp and precise, and any user can be assured that it will quickly remove headless and embedded nails without damaging the surface.
The head is designed to be rounded, and this gives the user more leverage.
The thin claws allow one to access tough spots, and the best part is that when removing nails, one can position the Estwing Pro Claw Nail Puller at an angle and complete the task efficiently.
It’s highly recommended that one uses glasses to protect their eyes from dust and flying particles when using the pry bar.
Technical specs
✓ Forged Steel Construction
✓ Length — 14″
✓ Weight — 1.1 pounds
Pros
- Given the design, it lasts longer than other pry bars.
- Claw design allows removing headless nails.
- The head is designed to be rounded, and this gives the user more leverage.
Cons
- Some users consider it short, it’s not ideal for tough jobs.
6. Tekton 3320 18″ —Best Utility Pry Bar
For woodwork enthusiasts interested in trimming, demolishing, framing, or roofing their homes, Tekton 3320 can be the ideal pry bar for such tasks.
Professionals consider the tool to be ideal nail pulling and versatile and all-purpose for home projects.
The pry bar has a flattened end surface that gives the user extra reach and a hooked rocker at the end that provides added leverage, especially in constrained spots.
It’s also important to note that the pry bar has thin and sharp tips to gain access to crevices and tight spots.
The user can access worn shingles, loose moldings, wrecked wall studs, and can raise damaged deck boards.
The best part about the Tekton 3320 pry bar is that it has nail slots at the middle and end that allow the user to remove nails placed at different angles or positions, making work easier for woodwork enthusiasts.
The nail slots can grip and slide beneath staples, tacks, brads, or nails.
Technical specs
✓ 3 Nail Prying and Pulling Slots
✓ Length — 18″
✓ Weight — 1.23 pounds
Pros
- It’s made using a corrosive-resistant material, making it long-lasting.
- It comes with three beveled nail slots, making it easier for pulling nails.
- It is 18 inches long, providing leverage in confined areas.
Cons
- It’s quite costly when compared to the quality of the material used.
- The pry bar can easily bend when one is working.
7. Fiskars 751410-1001 30″ — Best Demolition Wrecking Bar
For all DIY hobbyists and woodwork fanatics, the Fiskars 751410-1001 Pro Isocore Demolition Wrecking Bar comes in handy considering that one can use it for chiseling worn-out tiles, pulling out nails, and bending boards.
That’s not all; the pry bar is made using a shock control mechanism that can absorb all vibrations and shocks; thus, it reduces its effects on the user’s body.
Its wedged edge intensifies the striking length, which helps the user achieve more from every swing they take.
It’s also important to note that the pry bar is 30 inches long, helping the user reach faraway places and provides more leverage.
Lastly, the struck head offers the user an impact surface that they can target.
Technical specs
✓ Patented IsoCore Shock Control System
✓ Length — 29.62″
✓ Weight — 5.59 pounds
Pros
- Shock Control System that absorbs strike shock and vibration.
- Its wedged edge intensifies the striking length, and this helps the user to achieve more from every swing they take.
Cons
- There are quality control issues.
8. Stanley FatMax FuBar III 55-120 — Best 5-in-1 Demolition Bar
The Stanley FatMax FuBar III, 55-120 5-in-1 Demolition Tool, is another excellent tool for woodwork fanatics considering that it’s made from high-quality steel forged to last longer.
It has a utility bar that allows for high demolition works and a 5 in 1 tool useful for striking tasks, board bending, splitting, and prying.
The best part about the pry bar is that it comes with exceptionally textured material grip panels attached to the handle to provide the user with a firm grip.
The tool comes with a slotted claw end that users can use as a gas valve wrench when turning gas valves.
It’s coated with an evident powder, and the material prevents chipping, given that the pry bar is used in highly intensive jobs.
The nail slot found on the claws can be utilized for prying and pulling nails, while the two-tiered jaws can be used for decking and dimensional lumbering.
Technical specs
✓ One-piece Forged Steel Bar
✓ Length — 32.44″
✓ Weight — 8.8 pounds
Pros
- Has a utility bar that allows for high demolition works.
- Comes with a slotted claw end that users can use as a gas valve wrench when turning gas valves.
- Coated with a highly visible powder, and the material prevents chipping given that the pry bar is used in highly intensive jobs.
Cons
- Considering that it’s 5 in 1, some users find it to be too enormous.
- The ends are too thick.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Pry Bar — Buyer’s Guide
Buyers often intend to use minimum energy and time when prying heavy objects and moving logs.
For this reason, it’s appropriate to find a tool that can withstand heavy work and last a while so that the pry bar offers service to the buyer.
It’s hard to find unbiased reviews about pry bars’ efficiency in the market, considering that manufacturers are always creating new tools, each claiming that theirs is the best.
Here is a list of features that buyers should look for to help them discover essential aspects that are ideal for the task.
1. Availability of Pry Bar Claws
Most of the above pry bars have a sharp claw with a v notch used to remove nails, open stuck windows, and perform other similar tasks.
Quality pry bars often have sharp claws that allow users to wedge or dig up items.
It’s sad that some woodwork enthusiasts go for the cheaper option instead of identifying a pry bar that they can utilize maximumly.
It’s essential to focus on specific needs and, in particular, whether one needs to remove nails before getting a pry bar.
2. Handles
It’s always essential to go for ergonomic handles.
Most pry bar users prefer comfortable tools and an ergonomic handle works the magic when one uses it for an extended period.
It’s essential to inspect whether the pry bar has rubber holdings that will make it easy and convenient to use.
3. Power and Comfort
Users need to consider the power in a pry bar and how comfortable they are when using them.
It’s essential to identify light, pain-free, and powerful pry bars to reduce fatigue when working.
The comfort aspect is essential in reducing impact shocks and pain when working.
One should consider the essential aspects in a pry bar are the material used in constructing the handle, the claw style, and body construction.
The distribution of weight also plays a vital role in the pry bars’ performance.
When the tool is balanced correctly, a user can maximize the pressure impact and achieve better results.
4. The Quality of The Pry Bar
It’s essential to inspect the pry bar quality before purchasing one.
High-quality pry bars can withstand pressure, and most buyers wouldn’t want their newly bought tool to deform, bend, or break upon applying some pressure.
It’s essential to identify pry bars manufactured from steel alloys.
5. Fixed or Adjustable Pry Bars
There are fixed and adjustable pry bars in the market.
Adjustable pry bars were recently innovated, and the best part about them is that they can operate at different lengths giving the user much-needed convenience.
It’s always advisable to purchase an adjustable pry bar instead of a set of pry bars, each ideal for a particular height.
When a user needs some leverage, they can extend the shaft. However, all that glitters isn’t gold, and on the downside, the adjustable pry bars can be expensive, and some are heavy.
For buyers looking for lighter pry bars, the fixed ones could come in handy.
How to Determine the Right Pry Bar Handle
The type of face and style of claws are essential aspects that one should consider before purchasing a pry bar, but it’s also essential to consider the handle’s material.
Fixed and short pry bars might offer the user more control than adjustable or longer pry bars, although both sets require different amounts of force.
Longer handles often give the user more leverage, they use less effort, and they are ideal for tough jobs.
Generally, one should pick short-handled pry bars for precision tasks such as removing nails or molding.
On the contrary, long-handled pry bars are ideal for framing tasks, prying up the floor register, and uncapping paint cans.
Conclusion
Pry bars are essential tools among DIYers and woodwork fanatics based on this review.
Pry bars have tons of applications, although one must make an informed decision before purchasing one.
Tubular steel pry bars are steadier and more robust, while the right-sized pry bar will reduce aftershocks, and they are generally advantageous.
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a pry bar.
Still, by considering these factors and pry bars, one can be assured of excellent service since they will certainly last a while before replacing them.
Good luck!
Be sure to check out our other guides on top screw extractors and bolt cutters.
About the author
Eugene M. Carter is a hobbyist and DIY enthusiast.
He always chooses carefully tools for various DIY and automotive projects. Eugene started this website to share with you his experience and help pick the right tools that are worth your time and money.
References
1. Vaughan Pry Bars Catalog. Vaughan & Bushnell Mfg. Co.
2. Estwing Pry Bars Catalog. Estwingtools.
3. GearWrench Indexing Pry Bars Catalog. Apex Tool Group, LLC.
4. Crescent Demolition Indexing Tools. Apex Tool Group, LLC.
5. Stanley Wrecking Bars. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
6. Tekton Flat Pry Bars. Tekton, Inc.
7. Fiskars Sledge Hammers & Wrecking Bars. Fiskars Group.
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