Digging Bars

About Digging Bars

Digging bars are heavy-duty hand tools designed for breaking up compacted soil, clay, rocky ground, and hard surfaces where standard spades won't suffice. Also known as breaker bars or pry bars, these robust steel tools feature long shafts with specialised ends – typically chisel points, wedge points, or tamper heads – enabling tradespeople and landscapers to tackle the toughest ground conditions. Whether you're setting fence posts, breaking through concrete, removing tree stumps, or preparing foundations, a quality digging bar is indispensable for demanding groundwork.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks digging bars from trusted brands including Roughneck, Faithfull, Draper, and Spear & Jackson. Our range includes chisel point designs for precise breaking, bent chisel models for improved leverage, slate bars for roofing work, telegraph digger bars for utility installation, and combination tools featuring both chisel and tamper ends. Constructed from hardened and tempered steel, these professional-grade tools are built to withstand years of demanding site work, with lengths typically ranging from 1.2 metres to 1.8 metres for maximum leverage.

Applications

Digging bars are essential tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Fencing Contractors: Breaking ground and setting fence posts in difficult soil conditions
• Landscapers and Groundworkers: Removing tree stumps, breaking compacted soil, and site preparation
• Builders and Construction Workers: Breaking concrete, demolition work, and removing old foundations
• Utility Workers: Installing telegraph poles, street furniture, and underground services
• Agricultural Workers: Post hole digging, drainage work, and breaking hard ground
• Roofers: Using slate bars for tile removal and installation
• Civil Engineers: Site preparation, foundation work, and ground investigation
• DIY Enthusiasts: Garden projects, fence installation, and general groundwork tasks

Choosing The Right Digging Bars

Length and Weight: Standard digging bars range from 1.2m to 1.8m. Longer bars provide greater leverage for heavy-duty breaking but require more working space. Consider bars of 1.5m to 1.7m for versatile general use, whilst heavier models (5-8kg) suit concrete breaking and very hard ground.

End Configuration: Chisel point bars excel at breaking and prying, whilst combination tools with both chisel and tamper ends offer versatility for digging and backfilling. Bent chisel designs provide improved leverage and ergonomics for extended use.

Build Quality: Select bars manufactured from hardened and tempered steel for superior durability. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade tools from brands like Roughneck and Faithfull that withstand demanding site conditions. Look for octagonal or hexagonal shafts that prevent rolling when placed on sloped ground.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate PPE including steel toe-capped safety boots, work gloves, and safety glasses to protect against flying debris. Before commencing any digging work, check for underground services such as gas pipes, electrical cables, and water mains using a cable detection device. Maintain a secure grip and stable footing, particularly on uneven ground, and use proper manual handling techniques given the tool's weight and length. Inspect your digging bar regularly for cracks, chips, or deformation, as damaged tools can fail unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a digging bar and a crowbar?

Digging bars are typically longer (1.2m-1.8m) and heavier, specifically designed for ground-breaking work. Crowbars are generally shorter and lighter, primarily used for prying and demolition rather than breaking hard ground. Digging bars often feature specialised ends like tamper heads not found on standard crowbars.

What length digging bar should I choose?

For general groundwork and fencing, a 1.5m to 1.7m bar offers excellent balance between leverage and manoeuvrability. Longer 1.8m bars provide maximum breaking force for very hard ground but can be unwieldy in confined spaces. Shorter 1.2m bars suit lighter duties or restricted areas.

Can digging bars break concrete effectively?

Yes, heavy-duty digging bars with chisel points effectively break up concrete paths, small foundations, and paving slabs, particularly cracked or deteriorating concrete. For large areas of thick, reinforced concrete, powered breakers are more efficient, but digging bars excel at finishing work and smaller concrete removal tasks.