With any home project, the taking apart aspect is often more fun than the putting together aspect — there’s nothing more enjoyable than ripping up boards and tearing down walls. Of course, sometimes you don’t want to totally destroy whatever you’re disassembling, and if you’re pulling wood, a pry bar is a great tool for that. They’re strong enough to make quick work of disassembly, without leaving any serious damage. A pry bar isn’t necessarily as handy as, say, a hammer or screwdriver. But for dedicated DIYers, the right pry bar can be a great addition to your kit.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pry bar
Prybars are small and relatively flat tools, and they’re suitable for more delicate work. For example, you can remove nails without leaving too much of a mark on the wood you’re working on. Pry bars can also be used for other purposes such as removing baseboards or molding. Pry bars often have two ends, including a nail puller, allowing you to do different kinds of tasks. Even though a pry bar is a specialized tool, it’s one with a lot of different uses.
How We Chose the Best Pry bar
We prioritized finding options in a variety of sizes to suit different jobs, including 8″ on the small end and 16″ on the larger end, plus a set that includes a 31″ pry bar. We looked at pry bars with different features, including adjustable pry bars and pry bar sets. Of course, reliability and durability are the most important factors, so we turned to trusted brands like Stanley and Tekton to find the best pry bars.
These are the ones to buy right now.
1. Crescent Adjustable Pry Bar
This pry bar from Crescent is adjustable, making it a versatile tool for handling different kinds of tasks. It comes in a few different sizes — this is the 18″ pry bar, but you can also choose from 16″, 24″ and even 30″. The adjusting claw head adds leverage, making it easier to pull nails out. The pry bar also has a striking end that you can use a hammer with.
Pros: Innovative design with adjustable head. Comes in a variety of sizes. Striking
Cons: Some options may be easier for removing nails.
2. TEKTON 3318 15-Inch Utility Pry Bar
The Tekton pry bar is 15″ long, making it a good option if you want something a little bigger than the 12″ Stanley. That said, you can also choose 7.5″ and 18″ Tekton pry bars from this listing. The pry bar is made from steel that’s forged and heat-treated, adding durability, while the red enamel coating makes it easier to find while also protecting it from corrosion. There are three nail slots in total, including two on the ends and one in the middle.
Pros: Has three nail slots. Good for projects like removing tack strips. Available in different sizes.
Cons: Paint can come off fairly easily.
3. STANLEY Pry Bar
Stanley is one of the most trusted tool brands, and they make a variety of great pry bars that are all affordable. Stanley calls these Wonderbars, and the convenient tool has nail slots at both ends of the tool. The bar is made from high-carbon steel, making it sturdy and rust-resistant. The two ends have different angles. This means you can work in different positions. The bright yellow tip doesn’t make it work any better, although it does look cool, with the added benefit of making the tool easier to find.
Pros: Both ends have nail slots. High-carbon steel build. Powder-coated finish to resist rust.
Cons: Some may prefer a tool with more features.
4. Mayhew 61366 Dominator Pry Bar Set, Curved, 5-Piece
This set from Mayhew is a good option if you’re looking for something to use in the auto shop, and they can also be used for certain home repairs. The sizes included are 8″, 12″, 17″, 25″ and 31″. The pry bars are made in the US. The end of the pry bar has a metal cap that makes it ideal for striking with a mallet.
Pros: Includes a set of five. Made in the US. Black oxide finish to help resist corrosion.
Cons: Tips could be sharper.
5. Titan 17007 3-Piece Stainless Steel Pry Bar Scraper Set
If you want a compact tool for handling smaller jobs, this set from Titan is a good one to get. There are three different pry bars included, the shortest being 5 1/2″ and the longest being 9 1/4″. They’re useful for prying and scraping, and they can be used to pull out nails. The compact size makes them great for more delicate jobs.
Pros: Comes in a set of three. Works for a variety of jobs such as nail pulling, prying and scraping. Thin design for reaching tight spaces.
Cons: May not be ideal for bigger jobs.