A crowbar, also known as a pry bar, wrecking bar, gorilla bar or pinch bar, is a metal bar tool with flatted points at each end, often with a small fissure. The function of this fissure is to help remove nails or prise two materials or objects apart. One end of the bar is curved into a hook shape, a first-class lever that is usually the end most commonly used. The straighter flat end is a second-class lever. (It is commonly believed this hooked end is where the tool gets its name from, as it resembles a crow's beak.)
Crowbars are usually made from medium carbon steel to offer sustained strength and durability and support heavy use. However, they can also be made from titanium, which creates a lighter tool. They are forged from long steel products, such as rods and rails, and commonly have either cylindrical or hexagonal shapes to their bodies.
A crowbar often conjures up the picture of an implement used to pry something open, but there are other ingenious ways to use this multifaceted tool. At this point, you may wonder: what other uses do I have for a crowbar?
What is a Crowbar Used for?
The simplicity of a crowbar allows it to be considered a very versatile tool boasting diverse uses and enabling a wide range of work to be performed across multiple industries and varied environments. The most common applications for crowbars are prising open nailed wooden crates. If you need to separate materials, such as boards or furniture, a crowbar can dismantle them precisely to minimise damage to the materials. Sometimes, it can be used to remove nails from wooden surfaces, dig up holes in the garden or serve as a makeshift hammer. With the right technique and crowbar, you will find crowbars an outstanding aid for achieving better results where brute strength is needed in indoor and outdoor settings.
Where are Crowbars Used?
Crowbars can be used in a vast multitude of projects that require a tool that can help exact leverage to separate materials, such as opening crates and pallet breaking in warehousing. They are also commonly used in renovation projects, used to remove panelling or lift flooring boards.
You might expect to see crowbars being used by any of the following industries:
- Builders
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Carpenters
- Mechanics
- Automotive Engineers
Use RS's Crowbar for Quick and Efficient Job Completion
Our range of crowbars for sale at RS features products from industry-leading brands, such as Bahco, GearWrench and RS PRO. With our tools available in various styles and sizes ranging from 200mm to 1,000mm or 8in to 48in, you are guaranteed to find one that fits your needs perfectly. Tested repeatedly against recognised international standards to ensure its performance, you can be confident that our heavy-duty empower you to handle any demanding job effortlessly and are made to last. Get the right tool to finish your job swiftly and more productively: shop a crowbar from RS today!