Who's KF???? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


I don't really know what Rockwell hardness most pry-bar makers shoot for. I assume like knives, it depends on a number of factors: size, intended use, type of steel used, etc.

Some cheap junk might not even be tested or aimed for any optimal hardness (????).

But, out of curiosity, I did a quick search for keywords "Prybar" & "Hardness". I came up with "one" answer. But, again, I assume Rockwell hardness varies with maker and other factors.

Shark is a brand that makes some pry-bars. I have about 3 of Shark's prybars. All of the ones I have from them are probably about 7" - 10" oal (smaller). The Shark pry-bars I have are more nail pullers and specialty shaped. One trim panel pry-bar has been a particularly useful and heavily used renovation tool for me.
Looks like this:



Shark mentioned Rockwell hardness of 50 - 52. Which sounds reasonably hard for a prybar and sufficiently tough to me as well (????).

I assume this might apply to these smaller ones. And I am guessing many of the larger ones might be a little under 50. But, I am pulling guesses out of my butt. Maybe they are the same (???). My knowledge of metallurgy isn't that diversified. Potentially a lot of calculations to consider based on size, torque, steel properties, etc.

so... for whatever that info is worth to you.

But, you are right about problems associated with them being too soft. I have bent a couple of 3' and 4' crow bars in the past. I assume they were cheaper steel (?????). Once bent, they are hard to ever get straight again and they seem to somehow be more prone to bending again after once bending (???)

I have never seemed to get near close to bending either of my Gorilla bars. I have an 18" and a 24".


Of course, the longer the bar, the easier to bend. So, not fair to compare a 48" bar to an 18" bar that is just as thick.

I have a big 6' bar about 1" diameter. I am not sure if you call it a breaker bar or what. But, I have used it to break up concrete. It is very heavy and works like a manual jack hammer. Looks something like this:



The tip holds up VERY well against the extreme impact forces if straight down. But, mine has a little narrower tip profile than the one pictured and the tip will bend a little if torqued on. Still amazingly tough for a massive chunk of steel that probably cost about $30. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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