Many descriptive names apply to prying tools. Familiar names include tool bar, pry bar, wrecking bar, cat’s paw, crowbar, jimmy, riggers, nose and heel bar. A common pry bar contains a chisel tip at one end and curved claw for pulling nails at the other; but styles vary according to job application.

These important tools provide leverage, making them essential in industrial, commercial and residential applications. When going to a prying tools website consider the following:

1. Buy prying tools with a straight toe, the same size as stock (diameter), or a flare toe, with width twice the stock size.

2. Choose light or heavy-duty use pry tools based on diameter, length and weight.

3. Select models using both ends, one for lifting the other for removing nails, scrapping or demolition or one end only with a handle.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find industrial prying tools for moving or lifting heavy material

Industrial prying tools vary according to application. Nose or pry bars move machinery, lift and pry. Some contain wheels for better lifting and moving.

I recommend: Call the number on the page at Eastern Rigging Supply for 54- to 72-inch nose bars, riggers and 5- to 7-foot pry bars with wheels. Contact Industrial Design Products for pry bars that lift up to 5,250 lbs. on wheels. To view three available ,click “Products” then “Special Purpose Equipment” and scroll to the pry bar section.

Buy from a prying tools distributor with larger inventory

Find a distributor of prying tools with long or short lengths for pulling nails, lifting, prying and scraping, among other job functions.

I recommend: Buy prying tools online at Toolbarn.com, including an I-beam pry bar and 30- and 36-inch round connecting bars to note a few. Select the type of bar you require and click “Add to Order” at W.W. Grainger, or click “Register” for new accounts only.

Work with a prying tools manufacturer for custom or in-stock products

These companies carry ready-made prying tools and make any special design you require.

I recommend: Buy prying tools from Urrea Professional Tools that include straight and head alignment bars up to 20 inches. Contact Lawndale Forge by form or phone for custom made prying tools or in-stock products. Get a quote request by filling out the form for your requirements at Rose Metal Industries.

Purchase prying tools from a nice online selection

These companies offer a prying tool for most any function. Get combos like pry bar/scraper sets, pry/wrecking bar and individual selections with short to long lengths.

I recommend: Find the pry tools your business requires at Northern Tool + Equipment, which offers pry tools combined into sets of various sizes for different jobs. Click the manufacturer of choice with many brand names, sizes and types at Alexandria General Supply; then order prying tools online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For best composition, especially for heavy jobs, buy prying tools made of forged high-carbon steel. These single piece pry tools give added strength over those with welded parts.
• •  Titanium prying tools cost more but provide special features like spark-resistance and light weight as well as being non-magnetic.