TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES
Bars are steel tools used to lift and move heavy objects
and to pry where leverage is needed. They can also be
used to remove nails and spikes, and to loosen hard soil
for digging. The most commonly used types of bars are
the wrecking bar, crowbar, pinch bar, and combination
pry bar. These bars range from 12 inches to 72 inches in
length, depending upon their design and the purpose for
which they are used.
should be used in a position where the weight of the
user’s body is exerted downward on the long section of
the lever. When possible use a block or other object as a
fulcrum behind the bar, near the spot where the bar’s
point is wedged under the object to be moved.
WRECKING BAR
The wrecking bar is used to pull large nails or spikes, to
open heavy crates, and to do wrecking work.
CROWBAR
PINCH BAR
The pinch bar is used for light ripping and prying jobs.
COMBINATION BAR
The crowbar is used for heavy prying and for moving
heavy timbers and other large objects short distances. It
can also be used for loosening rock formations, as a
lever for moving rails, and for breaking up hard earth
when digging. In moving heavy objects or prying, it
The combination pry bar is an all-purpose combination
pry and scrape bar for rugged heavy-duty service. It is
used to pry, pull, cut, scrape, lift, and pound nails. The
slim tapered blades are easily inserted for prying and
lifting. It also has beveled nail slots.
SAFETY
1.
Wrecking bars are exceptionally heavy, and care
not slip and cause personal injury.
must be taken to keep them from falling and striking
3.
someone.
Do not use bars for extra heavy work, since they will
bend and may cause injury.
2.
When using bars for prying, make sure the bar does
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