Pocket Pry Tools / Mini Pry Tools / Pocket Screwdrivers

[CGarage]

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, circa 2020, I had placed an order with Snap-On for their much anticipated Mini Pry Bars- one straight, and one angled / curved.

The COVID pandemic impacted global supply chains around the world. While being touted as a “once in a generation opportunity to re-imagine” and reshape work / the world / society / the world as we once knew it, I waited month after month with no order delivery. And I was getting frustrated. After many months, I finally received ONE of my mini pry bars. Snap-On chose to cancel my order for the other pry bar (without my consent) after failing to deliver after more than 12 months! This surprised me!

As a result, I was forced to look elsewhere. Other Snap-On orders of mine had been delayed. And I wanted a full set of mini pry bars / pocket pry bars.

I called up Mac Tools. They wouldn’t take a phone order. They too, we’re out of stock. And still are, as I just checked (August 2024). ????????????????????

The search in the market continued, so I ordered the Mayhew set off of Amazon. I like them, the shafts are a little small at 1/8” OD, but there are advantages to this small form factor.

I ordered the Lisle, but not a fan of the handle/striking cap or pocket clip. But it is a well made tool and I like the company. I like the striking cap, but bad handle design and layout.

Enter Tekton. I don’t own much Tekton but have learned on here that they are well respected. I do own a set of their pry bars, made by Wilde, in the good old USA. When I saw the pack of 4 Tekton mini-pry bars pop up on Amazon, I clicked to order. They arrived, and I am quite happy and like them very much.

Pictures to follow.

What a crazy world!

Advice to all: Do not marry yourself to one brand!

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Advice to all: Do not marry yourself to one brand!

I’m with you there. I have full sets from Lang Mayhew and Tekton and I’m glad to have them all. All three are reasonably priced and don’t really overlap in size/shape.

 

[PowrKraftsman]

I agree. I only have one of the newer Tekton mini pry bars but it’s a solid tool and I like it a lot.

 

[Fedwrench]

One would think as expensive as the Snap on version is, they could bring them to market in ample supply
Although the Tekton mini pry bars are a little large to fit in a shirt pocket, they're solid tools at a decent price.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Mayhew and rarely use them as the proportions of the blades are wrong for me most of the time. I like the Mac set for general light duty with the shorter blades. Then I have Lang and Tekton for the in between jobs.

 

[Fedwrench]

Not to hijack the thread but, this is my favorite small pry bar: https://www.titan-us.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=11512&catlist=62&parent=26

It's not a pocket pry bar unless you're sticking it the cargo pocket on your work pants
You can get it on Amazon for a whopping $4.65.

 

[jeffmoss26]

it took months and months to get my orange pocket prybars - I love them and use them daily!

 

[CS454]

#1 x 3" flathead in side pocket best prybar. It's okay I promise

 

[mrjaw14]

Have you seen the Lisle 35100? that thing is tiny, beefy, and inexpensive. I have the snap-on, mac, mayhew, and no name from amazon as well, but I think the Lisle is my favorite.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Pocketprybars.com rocks. Very nice, sturdy pocket prybars for $1-2/piece

 

[FigN⋅m]

Have you seen the Lisle 35100? that thing is tiny, beefy, and inexpensive.

I like my prybars like I like my women...

 

[Callelle]

Snap Ons are my go-tos. I have the Lisle, Mac, and cheapo Amazon ones. Lisle handles are garbage, they're cheap slippery plastic, the clip ***** and can slice your finger open. Macs are okay, just a little skinny to really pry with. Amazon ones are trash, pencil thin, slippery plastic handle. Only upside for me is that it's Purple.

 

[FigN⋅m]

I found my Lisles got waaay nicer after the handles got a brake clean bath and the clips were pulled out.

The Tekton 50º 1/4 mini has also been putting in some real work. Highly recommend it!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Lang makes a nice set of 3. I bought the Lisle as well, but don't use it much. SK used to make one with a switchable blade, but it's a little on the thick side for light work. I have a snap on mini pry bar on my brakes cart, but keep a pocket screwdriver as my daily use tool.

 

[CGarage]

What pocket screwdriver are you using, 2nd gear?


I used my Tektons tonight on an upholstery project of all things….


They worked perfectly! I had to tuck some leather fabric back in place behind a delicate mahogany chair back panel. The gap to fit the fabric was only about 1/8”, so not much space. And needed real precision to avoid scratching or damaging the mahogany wood surface. Tekton to the rescue.

I really like them. Well done, Tekton. I will be giving your tools more of a look after this success!

 

[CGarage]

Lisle handles are garbage, they're cheap slippery plastic, the clip ***** and can slice your finger open.

Agree. I LIKE the striking cap, but the rest of the handle feels cheap and slippery and poor quality. I like the idea of the pocket clip as well, but the execution is flawed.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What pocket screwdriver are you using, 2nd gear?


I used my Tektons tonight on an upholstery project of all things….


They worked perfectly! I had to tuck some leather fabric back in place behind a delicate mahogany chair back panel. The gap to fit the fabric was only about 1/8”, so not much space. And needed real precision to avoid scratching or damaging the mahogany wood surface. Tekton to the rescue.

I really like them. Well done, Tekton. I will be giving your tools more of a look after this success!

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

$11.00, lifetime warranty. I keep 2 back-ups in case I damage one. I just use it too frequently to ever be without, it's in my pocket at work all day every day. I used to use the SK flipable blade model. 85112. The flat end it much thicker which is better in some situations. However it's much worse for dealing with o-rings and electrical connectors, thus the significantly daintier snap on.

Amazon.com

 

[CS454]

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

$11.00, lifetime warranty. I keep 2 back-ups in case I damage one. I just use it too frequently to ever be without, it's in my pocket at work all day every day. I used to use the SK flipable blade model. 85112. The flat end it much thicker which is better in some situations. However it's much worse for dealing with o-rings and electrical connectors, thus the significantly daintier snap on.

Amazon.com

These make badass de-pin tools in a pinch too LOL

 

[2ndGearRubber]

These make badass de-pin tools in a pinch too LOL

I do have a few sets of depin tools, but a lot of connectors can come apart with that and a 90 degree pick.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Enter Tekton. I don’t own much Tekton but have learned on here that they are well respected. I do own a set of their pry bars, made by Wilde, in the good old USA. When I saw the pack of 4 Tekton mini-pry bars pop up on Amazon, I clicked to order. They arrived, and I am quite happy and like them very much.

I purchased the set of 4 Mini Pry Bar Set 1/4 inch and 5/32 inch... Wow, wish I had purchased these long ago. Every now and then I have something and I think "well, I guess I need to use a screw driver for this" and nope, not anymore.

 

[CGarage]

Not to hijack the thread but, this is my favorite small pry bar: https://www.titan-us.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=11512&catlist=62&parent=26

It's not a pocket pry bar unless you're sticking it the cargo pocket on your work pants
You can get it on Amazon for a whopping $4.65.

Ordered

 

[CGarage]

I purchased the set of 4 Mini Pry Bar Set 1/4 inch and 5/32 inch... Wow, wish I had purchased these long ago. Every now and then I have something and I think "well, I guess I need to use a screw driver for this" and nope, not anymore.

Agree. These are a great buy. I use mine frequently now that I have them. I do not think they have been out for very long.

 

[KnurledNut]

My local O'rielly has had the Titan 11512 in stock for a while if anyone wants to lay hands on one before buying. Nice little tool, the handle is pretty small for its size. The tip is also big for its size.

 

[Ohio Andy]

My local O'rielly has had the Titan 11512 in stock for a while if anyone wants to lay hands on one before buying. Nice little tool, the handle is pretty small for its size. The tip is also big for its size.

They do roll a wee bit with the rounds handle

Post in thread 'Your favorite mini prybars. Mahew, Tekton, Lisle...' https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...ybars-mahew-tekton-lisle.537693/post-10852537

 

[KnurledNut]

Post in thread 'Your favorite mini prybars. Mahew, Tekton, Lisle...'

This is the master thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/pocket-prybars.493376/page-7

Its a hassle when members start a new one of the same topic. It becomes like an interstate with three lanes running the same direction at different speeds. Its also a huge headache for mods to merge threads, but can be done. I wish the three current threads could be merged because they all contain useful info.

Link to the third thread if one of the mods wants to tackle it:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...bars-mahew-tekton-lisle.537693/#post-10852537