Moulding bars are specifically designed to remove moulding, tiling, flooring, and window and door frames without damaging the surface of materials which will be replaced or reclaimed, or the surfaces beneath.They can also be used for many of the same tasks as other bars, including most light lifting, levering and nail pulling.
Moulding bars may also be referred to as mould bars or panel bars (panelling being another term for moulding).
Above all, the design of a moulding bar is optimised to remove moulding. Its low profile (very thin) claws allow ease of penetration beneath moulding, which is usually tightly fastened to the surface beneath, while highly polished tips reduce friction, reducing the risk of damage to surfaces in contact with the claw.
The wide claw of a moulding bar distributes force over a larger surface area, preventing heel damage to the material below, and claw damage to the material being lifted. It also provides a more stable base, which prevents rocking, allowing the bar to be used with greater care and precision.
Moulding bars are available in lengths of 200-250mm (8-10in), and in a relatively large range of weights, from 90-350g (3-16oz). For comparison, the lightest moulding bar available weighs the same as a badminton racket…
…while the heaviest weighs the same as an ordinary tin of baked beans.
This relatively large range of weights depends on the material the moulding bar is made of and any extra parts.The lightest moulding bar available is made of high carbon steel, and the heaviest of spring steel. While tools made of spring steel are usually lighter, the spring steel moulding bar incorporates a non-slip rubber sleeve, adding to the overall weight.
Which size moulding bar should you choose?
This depends on the task at hand! By following Archimedes’ law of the lever, we know that a longer moulding bar should be used to lift and pry larger, heavier objects, whereas a shorter one will give more control and should be used to lift and pry lighter objects, especially where precision and care are required.
