We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Pinch Bar?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 29,384
Share

A pinch bar is a tool used for prying, moving, rolling, or lifting heavy objects. This tool, which is also known as a pinch point bar or pinch point crow bar, allows users to move a heavy object by hand instead of relying on a piece of heavy equipment. Pinch bars are frequently used in the automotive industry as well as for many building and construction applications. Many households may have a pinch bar in the tool shed for general lifting or prying purposes.

The average pinch bar is forged from steel or a steel alloy for strength and durability. It has a long, straight shank similar to a crow bar, and often features built-in grips along the shank for easier and safer use. One end of the bar is tapered to a point, while the other end has a curved blade that can be forced under a heavy object like a boulder or piece of furniture for prying or lifting. Some double-ended pinch bars are also available, and can have a goose-neck curve or chiseled point to make the tool more versatile.

The tapered end of the pinch bar acts as a fulcrum for lever-type motions. Users slide this tapered end under the object being moved, then apply force to the opposite end of the bar. This allows a person with a relatively small amount of physical strength to move an object that would otherwise require a piece of construction equipment, such as a crane. When additional force or assistance is required, users can place a roller bar under the tapered end of the bar to help this end of the bar move more easily.

One of the biggest advantages to the pinch bar tool is its ease of use. It often takes the place of much larger or more expensive pieces of equipment, and is safer in many ways than a more complex tool or machine. Pinch bars are small and portable enough for most users, and can easily be stored in most tool sheds or even in a tool box. Little to no training is required for using these bars, and they perform a wide variety of tasks with a high level of efficiency.

Despite their many advantages, it's important to understand that the pinch bar may not always be the best tool for every project. Some physical strength is required to move heavy objects with these bars, and those without sufficient strength may have trouble using the bar correctly. Depending on the situation, it may also be safer to use a crane or lift rather than a pinch bar. For instance, if an object is dangerously heavy or is at risk of falling on the workers once it is moved, it may be safer to use a large piece of equipment for better handling and control.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Melonlity — On Feb 10, 2014

Every household ought to have at least one of these somewhere. It's incredible how much a person can be lift if they have the right amount of leverage, isn't it?

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-pinch-bar.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.