Does Anyone Favor the Extendable Indexable Pry Bar?

[winlinmac]

Lots of tools owners seem to like the solid piece version of Indexable Pry Bars. However, I also see lots of positive reviews on the Extendable Indexable Pry Bar, but according to a thread on Garage Journal many years back, some did not favor the extendable portion. Perhaps, some aspects of the design / integrity have changed over the years; are they any better now than they were in the past?

I was thinking of replacing my two-piece Made in China Gearwrench version with this one. Ironically, the COO is determining the rigidity in the steel it seems,

GearWrench 82220 18-Inch to 29-Inch Extendable Indexable Pry Bar

 

[winlinmac]

No One?

 

[kythri]

Try giving folks in the morning a little while to respond.

 

[winlinmac]

Haha, thanks, their coffee machines aren't brewing anything just yet.

Try giving folks in the morning a little while to respond.

 

[vjquan]

Anything extendable isn't going to be as strong as its solid counterpart. You're talking about a hollow shaft vs. a solid one as well as the joint in between. Most prying situations will probably be okay, but if you're going to push it to its limit, a solid one piece is preferred.

 

[Journaler]

I saw a marketing video for one of those, and it comes in handy for removing trim, etc.

Wouldn't be my first choice if I was remodeling a house, or nudging heavy machinery though.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, the only solid pieces I'm seeing which are budget-friendly is the Gearwrench type, but they are Made in China. Does the quality hold up to the same scale as one Made in Taiwan. The various grades of steel concern me. I would like to have one indexable Pry Bar, which is versatile, isn't expensive, and can be used in a variety of tasks (automotive, around the home, DIY, etc). Which size is worth owning?

I wasn't aware the extendable ones have a hollow shafts (that's crazy indeed, haha)

Anything extendable isn't going to be as strong as its solid counterpart. You're talking about a hollow shaft vs. a solid one as well as the joint in between. Most prying situations will probably be okay, but if you're going to push it to its limit, a solid one piece is preferred.

 

[JZHeyde]

I have a couple of that type. I like it for light to medium jobs. The indexing and extending come in very handy for persuading various items to move where they need to be. I find myself grabbing it somewhat often. I think you need to keep in mind the limitations of any tool and this is no different.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, can you please list some situations in which the extendable indexable pry bar be useful? I have the 2-piece 8" and 16" Indexable Set, might return it (Not extendable and made in China and don't see the use of smaller pry bars when my Mayhew Dominator series may suffice) Thanks again, much appreciated

I have a couple of that type. I like it for light to medium jobs. The indexing and extending come in very handy for persuading various items to move where they need to be. I find myself grabbing it somewhat often. I think you need to keep in mind the limitations of any tool and this is no different.

 

[thesilverone]

OP SEARCH

 

[winlinmac]

Lol,
I did search, search results did not really shed new light. The extendable ones are just not preferred due to its hollow shaft

The ones with a solid core are good and adequate for virtually all tasks depending on what size you choose of course.

With solid cores being more expensive, which size is in the sweet spot?

By the way, the crescent one is a demo bar, not versatile and cannot be used in automotive tasks

OP SEARCH

 

[winlinmac]

Based on all the feedback here as well as other relevant threads on the forums, it appears Indexable pry bars haven't fully matured yet.

 

[vjquan]

With solid cores being more expensive, which size is in the sweet spot?

This is all going to be subjective depending on your needs and what you plan on doing based on what you've done in the past and/or plan on doing in the future. If these cannot be answered, then you probably don't need one. If you're a tool collector and just want to have one, something in the middle would be a good starting point.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Man I wish threads still had tags sometimes.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks for the feedback [emoji3]


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[53chevy5]

I have the gearwrench extendable and I love it. I was worried about the indexable part also but after owning one I'm not worried anymore

 

[Mastermind]

I have the matco indexable with solid shaft in 36 and 24 inch length. Love them. Been wanting the smaller ones, saw them at napa today under the Carlisle name...

 

[winlinmac]

Is the Matco Indexable with Solid Shaft a Gearwrench Rebrand?
I'd be interested in buying the 24-inch length and build a set from there down the line as necessary. I might need one for prying out a seal or two from the transmission. Amazon and Sears are both hovering around the 24-inch mark (middle size) [Solid Shaft]

I have the matco indexable with solid shaft in 36 and 24 inch length. Love them. Been wanting the smaller ones, saw them at napa today under the Carlisle name...

 

[geartow]

The extending indexable head prybar is the bar of choice at work . I drive heavy wrecker,great for pulling drivelines and axles.I did bend a hollow handle using it as a lifting pin for a semi

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, keep those pass / fail stories coming. It wasn't too long ago when Indexable as well as Extendable Indexable Pry Bars were introduced to the market. Sure, they have improved a long way since, hopefully someone can figure out how to improve the hollow shaft in the extending indexable pry bars.

The extending indexable head prybar is the bar of choice at work . I drive heavy wrecker,great for pulling drivelines and axles.I did bend a hollow handle using it as a lifting pin for a semi