Hyde Tools 45600 9-1/2" Bent Pry Bar

Always put something between the bar and any surface you're keeping — a shim, a wide putty knife, a scrap of ply — so the leverage load spreads instead of denting or crushing. Score before you pry on any painted or caulked joint. Small bites, walk it along. Progressive prying at each fastener beats one heroic heave; the heave is what cracks trim and pops drywall. Seat the nail slot fully before pulling so it grips the shank. Wear eye protection when prying old fasteners — nails under tension release suddenly and hardened steel can spit a chip if you lever at a bad angle against masonry. Keep it as a bar, not a chisel — you don't strike this tool with a hammer to drive it; it's a lever and a hand scraper.