Pry Bars

About Pry Bars

Pry bars are essential levering tools designed for demolition, material separation, and nail extraction tasks across construction, carpentry, and general maintenance work. Available in various sizes and configurations, these versatile hand tools feature hardened steel construction with angled ends that provide mechanical advantage for prying, lifting, and pulling applications. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks over 50 pry bar options from professional brands including Sealey, Draper, Faithfull, Milwaukee, and Bahco, catering to both tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts.

From precision nail pullers and moulding bars for delicate trim work to heavy-duty wrecking bars for demolition projects, the range at MyToolShed includes specialist designs such as skirting pullers, heel bars, and roofing batten lifters. Many models feature soft-grip handles for improved comfort during extended use, whilst professional-grade options offer superior leverage and durability for demanding job sites.

Applications

Pry bars serve multiple trades and applications, including:

• Carpentry and joinery: removing architrave, skirting boards, and decorative mouldings without damage
• Construction and demolition: dismantling timber frameworks, lifting floorboards, and separating materials
• Roofing: lifting battens and removing old roofing materials
• Property maintenance: general repair work, removing fixtures, and accessing concealed areas
• Flooring installation: lifting boards and removing old flooring materials
• Decking projects: board removal and adjustment without splitting timber
• Kitchen and bathroom fitting: carefully removing units and trim work

Choosing The Right Pry Bars

When selecting pry bars from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these essential factors:

Length and leverage: Shorter bars (150-300mm) offer precision for delicate work, whilst longer models (450-900mm) provide greater leverage for heavy-duty applications. Multi-piece sets offer versatility across different tasks.

End configuration: Flat ends suit general prying, whilst nail slots and forked designs facilitate nail removal. Specialist profiles like crowfoot ends enable work in confined spaces without marking surfaces.

Handle design: Soft-grip handles reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use and improve control. Some professionals prefer all-steel construction for maximum durability in harsh demolition environments.

Material quality: Look for drop-forged or heat-treated steel construction from established brands like Bahco, Facom, and DeWalt for professional-grade strength and longevity. Chrome plating provides corrosion resistance for tools stored in damp conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Pry bars are typically lighter, shorter, and designed for precision work like removing trim and pulling nails. Crowbars are heavier, longer tools intended for heavy demolition and leverage applications. Pry bars often feature flat, tapered ends, whilst crowbars have curved claw ends for greater pulling force.

Can pry bars damage the materials I'm working with?

Quality pry bars with properly designed profiles minimise surface damage when used correctly. For delicate work on finished surfaces, use specialist moulding bars or place protective material between the tool and surface. Flat-ended models with wider contact areas distribute pressure more evenly than pointed designs.

Do I need multiple pry bars or just one?

Professional tradespeople typically keep several sizes for different applications. A versatile starting point includes a medium-length general-purpose pry bar (300-400mm) and a smaller trim puller. Multi-piece sets from brands like Draper offer excellent value for those requiring comprehensive coverage across various projects.