Best tool EVER!!!

[JohnHL]

I broke off half of the curved end on my 16" flat bar attempting to bust the bead on an old truck tire/wheel on one occasion when I didn't have access to the proper tools.

They are not unbreakable.

John

 

[gjgalligan]

I was at GM for 43 yrs, about 34 years of that time I was a Millwright. I have used that tool even before starting at GM at age 18.
I never heard it called a "flat bar" until this thread. Always been a pry bar to me.

 

[anoblefox]

At 70 years old I often get asked for advice from teenagers asking questions about tools for working on their vehicles, (cars, trucks, motorcycles, RTV's etc). I always tell them that the most important tool to use is the one sitting on top of their shoulders!

 

[Rustyt1953]

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8APUM-b4-ns[/ame]

 

[TX-Dennis]

Mine looks just like your picture. It used to be painted blue, but now most of that is gone. Useful for everything from flooring to fencing to tearing out pretty much anything.

And now I've learned a new use for it.

 

[chief38]

I probably have close to a dozen or so crow bars, pry bars, flat bars and nail removing bars. I use them all from time to time, but don't have just one favorite tool. I've got about a half dozen I'd give that title to. My floor model drill press, Milwaukee Electric 90 degree right angle drill, a few Snap-on Ratchets in 1/4 & 3/8", a set of vintage Yankee screwdrivers & a few vintage hammers. Oh, let's not forget my Simpson 260 VOM meter.

 

[wood714]

I bought one several years ago to pry the 2x6 deck boards off my dads boat dock.

Never used one before that, but I was able to remove all the old boards, and install new ones before they got home from church.

It would have taken all day had it not been for the flat bar.

He didn't know I was going to do it, he was most surprised. I was even more most surprised I didn't drop the bar or any other tools in the lake while doing it.

 

[Moo Moo]

This was recently on Adam Savage's YouTube Channel.

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi8r6iRZygs[/ame]

 

[Breakaway500]

My favorite tool is the oxy/acetelyne torch.With it I can create or destroy most anything.

 

[RM Vivas]

Axe and Halligan

Married irons for the win! Ask me how I know...

 

[RM Vivas]

I'd say married irons are number one for demo and getting into places where you're not supposed to be.

If you want some good ideas on tools to get in where you're not supposed to be, follow the link in Savages' Halligan video to the FDNY Forcible Entry manual. Good stuff in there.

For a one size fits all sort of approach to a variety of tasks that involve destroying things, a FULL SIZE Stanley f-u-b-a-r has a lot going for it.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I have one similar to the OP's. They call it a Wunderbar. Very handy tool.

 

[ladder13]

Used by digging crews to loosen hard packed dirt, rocks, concrete, etc, hence a digging bar.

 

[Farmer17]

My do everything tool is a knife. The guys who only use Benchmade and Randall would cringe if they saw how I used my knives. I use them for scraping, chiseling, hammering, prying, digging, sawing, can opening, and occasionally …cutting. It's amazing how good some of the cheap knives are nowadays. I have a 10 inch blade uncle Henry Bowie knife that's pretty good for back scratching, but it's best to leave the sheath on.

 

[John Patrick]

My vote goes to the rebound slide spring tool. No more bleeding or crawling on hands and knees.

 

[WR Moore]

I've found the Wonder Bar to be the best wheel bearing seal puller I've ever tried. One of these days I might get around to buying yet another and rounding the end somewhat. I'll dedicate that one to seal removal.

 

[Rustyt1953]

 

[yeti]

Only one crow vocalizing in that bar? Nope, no way.

I also have a Wunderbar and it has served with distinction. Extremely handy through the years.

Going with my Sawzall (corded) as my fav tool choice though. I seem to go get it for all kinds of must destroy tasks. Makes short work of most.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Here ya go.....
https://truckcompanyops.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FDNY-Forcible-Entry.pdf

 

[K Frame Keith]

I don't know about best tool ever but very useful to the carpenter and builder. Durable? Absolutely! I count four in my tool chest and they're all hand me downs from my Dad. He was in contracting years before I was. Definitely on my top 10 list. P.S. it's a flat bar. A crow bar looks like a cane, about three feet long and round or hexagon shank. Also a durable, useful tool.