Bar - Crowbar

Description

A crowbar is a heavy-duty hand tool featuring a metal bar—typically made of hardened carbon steel—with a flattened, angled, or curved end used as a lever to pry objects apart, lift heavy items, or pull out nails.

Instructions

To use a crowbar safely and correctly, place the flat or curved end under or behind the object, use a solid fulcrum for leverage, and press down or pull steadily to pry materials or pull nails.

Pulling nails-

• Position the V-groove (claw) of the crowbar directly around the shaft and as close under the nail head as possible.
• Press down on the handle to let the claw bite into the wood and lift the nail upward.
• Insert a wooden packer or scrap block under the tool as the nail emerges to maintain pulling power for long nails.

Safety Steps

• Wear safety glasses and sturdy work gloves to protect against flying debris and sharp edges.
• Stand with your feet wide apart for balance, and keep your body clear of the crowbar's path in case it slips.
• Work slowly and avoid jerky or sudden movements.

Tips

• Pull, don't push: Pull the bar toward your body or push down using your body weight so you can easily stop yourself if the material gives way unexpectedly.
• Work the line: Pry a tiny bit at a time along the entire length of a board instead of trying to rip it off from a single spot to keep from cracking the timber.
• Perpendicular nail pulls: Slide the nail claw completely around the shank and pull straight up until the bar hits its limit, then slide a spacer block underneath to finish drawing long nails out straight.

Links

How to Use a Crowbar - Video

How to properly use a crowbar to pull nails out - Video