Your favorite mini prybars. Mahew, Tekton, Lisle...

[Ohio Andy]

My first set of mini prybars was the Tekton and I live then. Use then all the time

4-Piece Mini Pry Bar Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes 30-degree and 50-degree mini pry bars in both 5/32 and 1/4 inch shaft diameters and glass-reinforced handles. LRD90803.

www.tekton.com

Someone posted that they really like the Mahew version, which is twice the price.



Mayhew Tools 31093GN Mini Heavy Duty Pry Bar Set, 5" Straight and 5" Curved, Green, 2-Piece
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6FXW3LD?tag=atomicindus08-20

Lisle even makes one with a magnet on the end.

I like that the Tekton had two different widths and two different angles. The Lisle seems to be one size / angle.

You have a favorite set or any ability to compare to the Tekton?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought a pack of ten cheap ones off Amazon and gave several away as gifts to friends.

 

[mike93lx]

I have the tektons and struggle to think about what would make another worth 2x the cost.

 

[66HertzClone]

I bought these from Amazon and have been more than satisfied.

 

[Kaervak]

I like the Lang mini pry bars. I have a set at home and a set at work, very handy to have around.

Lang Tools 853-06-3ST-G Lang Tools 3-Piece Mini Pocket Pry Bar Sets | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Lang Tools 3-Piece Mini Pocket Pry Bar Sets with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Pry Bars at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[lardy1]

I have both Tekton and Mayhew as well as some generic stuff off Amazon. I actually use my skin wedge more than any of them. It's just so versatile and compact.

 

[MOS3522]

I have the Tekton and they work fine.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have Tekton, Mayhew, Lang, Lisle, Snap on, Mac and a no name one or two.
I think the handles on the Mayhew versions are too small. Nicely made though. I don't particular care for the slick handle on the Lisle versions. It really needs some graining on it similar to the MAC handle. I think the Lang made versions rebadged by many, are probably the best in the small pocket clip pry bar category. I really like my Tektons. They're not nearly as small as the pocket pry bars but, their larger handle makes a huge difference in their performance along with choices of blade thickness/angles.
While on the subject of small prybars, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Titan's small comfort grip pry bar. It's perfect when you need something larger than say a Tekton but, smaller than a full size pry bar. At $4.65 on Amazon, most if not all, peeps should own one

TITAN - 11512

Lastly, because it's always in my work shirt pocket, my freebie Alexander made magnetic pocket screwdriver still probably gets used more for tasks not involving screws than any of my pocket pry bars.

VIM is launching a line of pocket pry bars in bright colors soon......

 

[Ohio Andy]

I bought these from Amazon and have been more than satisfied.

I like that they have colors...

If you use the pocket clip, do the pry bar parts poke you?

 

[Ohio Andy]

The lang looks to be available in colors also but an extra $11 shipping for the small ones (I really liked the blue).

Lang Tools 853-06-3ST-B Lang Tools 3-Piece Mini Pocket Pry Bar Sets | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Lang Tools 3-Piece Mini Pocket Pry Bar Sets with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Pry Bars at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

The green cost less..

I'm just taking a look at the things you guys are suggesting. I'm really appreciating all of feedback.

I do have lots of larger sizes. If I go between like the pocket sizes and the big ones. It's mostly just these two Craftsmen but I don't have cost to use a lot, but I'm really using these pocket size ones or smaller ones a lot

 

[kudakev615]

im like most here that have almost every flavor of "mini" pry bars and they all have their uses, i tend to grab my tektons b/c i prefer the feel of the handles. but as far a "pocket" pry bar, hands down its the snap on. havent worn out/broken the clip in over a yr of use and its light enough to not really notice it in a pants or shirt pocket

 

[sparky 1971]

I have Lang and Tekton. While I prefer the Tekton, I usually find myself grabbing a screwdriver. Old habits are hard to break.

 

[KnurledNut]

An 8" mini pry bar is quite versatile, small enough for access, large enough to get some decent leverage. I like Snap-on's version. While the handle seems excessively large just looking at it, it works really well in application and gives a tremendous grip. I like it better than their old hard handle design.

If we are talking pocket prybars, I posted pictures here recently of the newly released 5" heavy duty green Mayhews and have been testing them out. They are a solid option. I do wish they offered a third shallow angle version though.

The Lisle with the striking cap is a little beast! The handle could easily be roughed up a bit if one needed more grip. It hasn't been a problem so far with my use. It's kind of generic looking, if that matters, but plenty functional and strong.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I like the Snap-on strictly because they have the pocket clips on them. Also most convenient to get warranties too but Matco and Mayhew and Lang and Lisle and Tekton are are good. I’m thinking of getting some Tekton ones for the house.

 

[Buster21]

I like the lang, I just got a set of the Mathew's and the handle just seems to small. Lisle is also a solid choice.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I have and like the Mayhew, they're currently outfitting my 'Mug Boss' on the bench, along with various writing/marking implements:

 

[oldwino]

I’d never seen a Mug Boss. Pretty cool

 

[cody1325]

Currently, I use Snap-On (coincidentally, the ONLY thing from them I bought new) as a part of my EDC. American-made, heavier-built than the Mac, better handle, and a strong clip. The Mac feels like something out of a precision screwdriiver set and has a terriible clip.

Second are my Ace Hardware (can't be beat for four bucks) and MIT (bought used for 50 cents) 2-in-1s.

Easy to lose though--which is why I'm definitely going to be trying more brands. I've lost my bent shaft Mac for good, and have misplaced the Power Blue Snap-On too many times to count (which is, in part, why I'm after whatever bright color the truck that stops near me has).

I Iike how the Tektons have a similar handle, are still American-made, and are a third the price of the Snap-On.

 

[CJM8515]

I have at last count: cheapie chinese ones, thinner mayhew, tekton, some thinner mac ones and the lisle 1/4 with striking cap. i also have the titan 7" and a channel lock 8". all of them have come in handy atone time or another

just yesterday i had to remove the circlips to get the bearings out of some atv front control arms. every single one i tried wouldnt work. i finally gave up and HAMMERED the lisle 1/4 in there and it worked. there is legit no other way to do it cause unlike piston circlips where the piston has a cut out for a tool-there was nothing. i broke a snap on pick trying to force it out.

the lisle held up great, slightly damaged after 16 clips but for 8 bucks i reground it.

and now i must buy the lang ones thanks to you guys..

 

[isb cornbinder]

I like the MAYHEW set I bought over 30 years ago. I made the locking cabinet

 

[Rinspeed]

Until reading this thread I didn't even know I needed mini prybars.

 

[mike93lx]

Until reading this thread I didn't even know I needed mini prybars.

I recently learned this as well and bought some from tekton.

Had a real aha! moment when I had to pull some underbody clips on a buddy's civic. Worked perfectly

 

[LB-1911]

Another option

Home of the Pocket Prybar: Home

Pocket Prybar Online Store

www.pocketprybars.com

Code PRY15

I just got my order in from www.pocketprybar.com

I placed an order for a 4 piece set for $8.95 and they showed up in a couple of days. They also sent me a pocket screwdriver with a magnet. These little prybars seem legit. They have a square shank which I prefer. The shank is the same thickness as the MAC pn2c. The handle is these are...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

I have the Mayhews. My only qualm about the Tekton set is that they don't have a straight one. That can be real handy.

Indeed, my brain still often says to grab a screwdriver. On the other hand, it's nice to have screwdrivers that aren't chewed up.

-Ryan

 

[Caa311]

Yall talked me into the mayhews. Haven't used them yet.

 

[CGarage]

You need a variety.

For small / tight fit applications, Mayhew.

For all else, the Tektons are great.

I own the Snap-Ons and it took way too long to receive due to massive backorders.

Would like to try the Mac set at some point.

 

[Willie Makeit]

not to be argumentative, but what are you guys using these on that one of the small "free-give-away-screwdrivers" cant be used on?

 

[Ohio Andy]

not to be argumentative, but what are you guys using these on that one of the small "free-give-away-screwdrivers" cant be used on?

My Tekton mini pry bars are wider than these small screwdriver. Actually I have two widths for those. Also, they are angled, which makes them easier to get to where I want sometimes. I recently used them to pry a wooden handle off a piece of metal, and a narrower pie bar would have damaged the wood and a much wider pry bar probably would not have fit.

Also note that at least the tekton pry bar is pretty sharp so it is able to get in pretty easily.

Based on recommendations here, I ordered a couple others to try. When I received them all, including the snap-on, I'll post at least some kind of comparison.

 

[CGarage]

not to be argumentative, but what are you guys using these on that one of the small "free-give-away-screwdrivers" cant be used on?

The ‘giveaway’ screwdrivers are usually made out of pot metal so soft that they bend if you look at them wrong.

 

[Willie Makeit]

The ‘giveaway’ screwdrivers are usually made out of pot metal so soft that they bend if you look at them wrong.

i have no issue with the few "giveaway" screwdriver i have being any softer than any other screwdriver, thus my question

 

[Ohio Andy]

The ‘giveaway’ screwdrivers are usually made out of pot metal so soft that they bend if you look at them wrong.

Why would they give away a screwdriver with such low quality? It's not really useful for anything?

 

[Willie Makeit]

Why would they give away a screwdriver with such low quality? It's not really useful for anything?

Kinda what i was thinking. I have several "giveaway" Snap On screw drivers, among others, and never experienced this "softness" he claims have seen. <shrug>

 

[cody1325]

Kinda what i was thinking. I have several "giveaway" Snap On screw drivers, among others, and never experienced this "softness" he claims have seen. <shrug>

I kind of think it depends on the age. Most of mine date to no later than the '80s. Seems that at least the shafts began to be sourced from China at one point (or so I read from a promo products company). My biggest problem is the reversible 2-in-1s. My old Alexander from the '80s has been used hard (Granddad kept it in his toolbox for years, I carried it for over a decade) and the shaft isn't the least bit loose. Those had steel sockets. My later Alexander (5-6 years old) has a Delrin socket for the bit. Most of that batch (four) is loose, and the bit falls out in your pocket.

Grabbed the worst of my Alexanders (slightly bent, lots of chrome missing) to undo an electrical connector. The narrow connector block screw tip on that one undid that brake light connector on the UTV effortlessly. Heck, these you can grab at any flea market for peanuts. I've got a huge collection of them.

 

[Ohio Andy]

So I purchased a few prybars. I took a picture of my smaller prybars largest (on the right) to smallest (on the left). I already owned the Craftsman and the Tekton.




The first (red) prybar is a Craftsman 43284 S P USA that I purchased years ago.

CHANNELLOCK 1/2 x 4-inch shaft Professional Pry Bar, 8-inch Overall Length, Made in USA, Molded 4-Sided Textured Grip (Made in USA) $12.62
The Channel Lock is the same (ish) size as the Craftsman with a slightly wider tip, a strike cap, and I prefer the textured handle on the Channel Lock. Both have bent blades (even if that is not obvious in the single picture).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4WLYNPS?tag=atomicindus08-20

Titan 11512 7-1/2-Inch Mini Screwdriver Pry Bar $4.65 (made in Taiwan).
Width: 7/16". The handle is very small and not comfortable in my hand. I prefer a larger handle for a prybar of this size. This prybar comes with a cap for the pointy end, which is not sharp so not sure it is needed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069TRV8U?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tekton Mini Pry Bar Set (4 pieces) $24 ($6 each)
Width 5/32" and ¼" with a round shaft. 30 and 50 degree bend. Shaft is 3” and handle is 3.6”
These handles are the same size as the Titan, but these are smaller over-all and I just like them better than the Titan Handles. Although the shafts are round (the others are square), the top and bottom are flat. These have been my primary users for smaller stuff. These have sharper points than the ones mentioned above. So far my favorites

4-Piece Mini Pry Bar Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes 30-degree and 50-degree mini pry bars in both 5/32 and 1/4 inch shaft diameters and glass-reinforced handles. LRD90803.

www.tekton.com

Lisle 35100 1/4" Pry Bar with Strike Cap $9.94 (made in China)
Nowhere is the name on the prybar, odd.
Width: ¼" Has a striking cap. Bought because someone said these take a beating. Lisle prefers the word “Tapped” this is 5” long. This is a very strong little pry bar. I bought it because someone here said that these were the only thing that was able to get something out after hitting it with a hammer. It feels (and looks) like the strongest of the small pry bars. If I know that I need to abuse something, this is the one I am grabbing if the Channel Lock or the Craftsman are too large.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF2NSVHD?tag=atomicindus08-20

Snap-On 5” Angle Tip Mini Pocket prybar (Pink) PBMB5PP $15.25 (Made in USA)
5" Straight Mini Pocket Prybar (Pink) PBMS5PP $15.25 (Made in USA)
Flat Tip Pocket Screwdriver with Magnet (Orange) SDD224O $15.55 (Made in USA)
The prybars are small and feel like they will do well in a pocket. For carrying I prefer these. I prefer the handles on the Tekton. These are very similar to the Tekton with the round shaft and the flat top and bottom.
I also purchased two screwdrivers (I only show the flat one). It clearly states “not a prybar/chisel/punch”. I have the one with a pretty strong magnet on the top of the handle. If I really need to use this as a screwdriver, well, it will not be my first choice because the pocket clip makes it not as easy to use as my other similarly sized screwdrivers. But this transports easily because of the pocket clip so you are more likely to carry it with you. The pocket clips are not a problem on the prybars because you are not usually twisting them multiple times like you do with ascrew.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pocket,-Chrome-(Flat-Tip)/Flat-Tip-Pocket-Screwdriver-with-Magnet-(Orange)/SDD224O





PQY Mini Pocket Pry Bar with Pocket Clip 4.4" $7.45 (for three)
Width: 1/8” This is the smallest, lightest, cheapest, and it feels cheap. On the other hand, it is so light you will carry it every where. It will get in places others won’t (very small) and it is so crazy cheap you just don’t really care if you break it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RBQLSQP?tag=atomicindus08-20 (Made in China)



And now for a summary table:

Make​	Model​	Prybar​	Handle​	Len​	Width​	Shaft​	Made​	Comment​
Craftsman​	43284​	3.5”​	4.5”​	8”​	7/16”​	Square​	USA​	Hard handle​
Channel Lock​	PR8C​	3.5”​	4.5”​	8”​	1/2”​	Square​	USA​	Softer handle with Strike Plate​
Titen​	11512​	4”​	3.25”​	7.5”​	7/16”​	Square​	Taiwan​	Small handle.​
Tekton​	LRD90803​	3”​	3.5”​	6.5”​	5/32 and ¼​	Round​	USA​	Nylon Handle​
Lisle​	35100​	2.5”​	2.75”​	5.25”​	¼"​	Square​	China​	Strike Plate and Pocket Clip​
Snap-On​	PBMB5PP​	2.25”​	2.75”​	5”​	3/16”​	Round​	USA​	Pocket Clip​
PQY​	Mini​	2 1/8”​	2 3/8”​	4.4”​	1/8”​	Round​	China​	Pocket Clip​

Hope this helps!

 

[CGarage]

Why would they give away a screwdriver with such low quality? It's not really useful for anything?

Actually, it is.
Normally a marketing gimmick and giveaway.
Hence, the poor quality.

 

[jeffmoss26]

It took the better part of a year to get my orange snap-on pocket prybars so naturally they get used the most!

 

[Ohio Andy]

It took the better part of a year to get my orange snap-on pocket prybars so naturally they get used the most!

I set out my Tekton and my snap-on so that they are immediately and easily available. I think they are the sizes. I will use the most the rest I I have to leave my bench and go to my tool chest to get

 

[Ohio Andy]

The Titan mini has a round handle so they roll... Not a bunch but they don't stay put. It was annoying me.

 

[Steve_P]

I have Lang, Mac, Mayhew, Tekton in smaller sizes. I'd give up the two Mayhew if I had to part with two as I almost never use them. The Mac are great for small plastic interior cover plates. I'd like a square handle on the Lang like the Mac and Tekton have. But otherwise I probably use the Lang more than Tekton.

 

[CFC2]

So I purchased a few prybars. I took a picture of my smaller prybars largest (on the right) to smallest (on the left). I already owned the Craftsman and the Tekton.




The first (red) prybar is a Craftsman 43284 S P USA that I purchased years ago.

CHANNELLOCK 1/2 x 4-inch shaft Professional Pry Bar, 8-inch Overall Length, Made in USA, Molded 4-Sided Textured Grip (Made in USA) $12.62
The Channel Lock is the same (ish) size as the Craftsman with a slightly wider tip, a strike cap, and I prefer the textured handle on the Channel Lock. Both have bent blades (even if that is not obvious in the single picture).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4WLYNPS?tag=atomicindus08-20

Titan 11512 7-1/2-Inch Mini Screwdriver Pry Bar $4.65 (made in Taiwan).
Width: 7/16". The handle is very small and not comfortable in my hand. I prefer a larger handle for a prybar of this size. This prybar comes with a cap for the pointy end, which is not sharp so not sure it is needed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069TRV8U?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tekton Mini Pry Bar Set (4 pieces) $24 ($6 each)
Width 5/32" and ¼" with a round shaft. 30 and 50 degree bend. Shaft is 3” and handle is 3.6”
These handles are the same size as the Titan, but these are smaller over-all and I just like them better than the Titan Handles. Although the shafts are round (the others are square), the top and bottom are flat. These have been my primary users for smaller stuff. These have sharper points than the ones mentioned above. So far my favorites

4-Piece Mini Pry Bar Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes 30-degree and 50-degree mini pry bars in both 5/32 and 1/4 inch shaft diameters and glass-reinforced handles. LRD90803.

www.tekton.com

Lisle 35100 1/4" Pry Bar with Strike Cap $9.94 (made in China)
Nowhere is the name on the prybar, odd.
Width: ¼" Has a striking cap. Bought because someone said these take a beating. Lisle prefers the word “Tapped” this is 5” long. This is a very strong little pry bar. I bought it because someone here said that these were the only thing that was able to get something out after hitting it with a hammer. It feels (and looks) like the strongest of the small pry bars. If I know that I need to abuse something, this is the one I am grabbing if the Channel Lock or the Craftsman are too large.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF2NSVHD?tag=atomicindus08-20

Snap-On 5” Angle Tip Mini Pocket prybar (Pink) PBMB5PP $15.25 (Made in USA)
5" Straight Mini Pocket Prybar (Pink) PBMS5PP $15.25 (Made in USA)
Flat Tip Pocket Screwdriver with Magnet (Orange) SDD224O $15.55 (Made in USA)
The prybars are small and feel like they will do well in a pocket. For carrying I prefer these. I prefer the handles on the Tekton. These are very similar to the Tekton with the round shaft and the flat top and bottom.
I also purchased two screwdrivers (I only show the flat one). It clearly states “not a prybar/chisel/punch”. I have the one with a pretty strong magnet on the top of the handle. If I really need to use this as a screwdriver, well, it will not be my first choice because the pocket clip makes it not as easy to use as my other similarly sized screwdrivers. But this transports easily because of the pocket clip so you are more likely to carry it with you. The pocket clips are not a problem on the prybars because you are not usually twisting them multiple times like you do with ascrew.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pocket,-Chrome-(Flat-Tip)/Flat-Tip-Pocket-Screwdriver-with-Magnet-(Orange)/SDD224O





PQY Mini Pocket Pry Bar with Pocket Clip 4.4" $7.45 (for three)
Width: 1/8” This is the smallest, lightest, cheapest, and it feels cheap. On the other hand, it is so light you will carry it every where. It will get in places others won’t (very small) and it is so crazy cheap you just don’t really care if you break it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RBQLSQP?tag=atomicindus08-20 (Made in China)



And now for a summary table:

Make​	Model​	Prybar​	Handle​	Len​	Width​	Shaft​	Made​	Comment​
Craftsman​	43284​	3.5”​	4.5”​	8”​	7/16”​	Square​	USA​	Hard handle​
Channel Lock​	PR8C​	3.5”​	4.5”​	8”​	1/2”​	Square​	USA​	Softer handle with Strike Plate​
Titen​	11512​	4”​	3.25”​	7.5”​	7/16”​	Square​	Taiwan​	Small handle.​
Tekton​	LRD90803​	3”​	3.5”​	6.5”​	5/32 and ¼​	Round​	USA​	Nylon Handle​
Lisle​	35100​	2.5”​	2.75”​	5.25”​	¼"​	Square​	China​	Strike Plate and Pocket Clip​
Snap-On​	PBMB5PP​	2.25”​	2.75”​	5”​	3/16”​	Round​	USA​	Pocket Clip​
PQY​	Mini​	2 1/8”​	2 3/8”​	4.4”​	1/8”​	Round​	China​	Pocket Clip​

Hope this helps!

Very nice post. Informative with nice layout.