A number of manufacturers produce a smaller, ‘mini’ version of a wrecking bar, intended for very light tasks.
Though even smaller bars may be available as ‘novelty’ tools, designed for opening bottles and mobile phone casings, the mini wrecking bar is the smallest true bar available. (See: Miscellaneous and novelty crowbars for more information on some of the ‘novelty’ types of bar available. For fun only!)
Mini wrecking bars usually feature a bent claw and a straight claw, each with a nail slot. The straight claw may also incorporate a nail puller.
The shaft of a mini wrecking bar is invariably flat and thin, for lightness and penetration into tight spaces, such as beneath the lids of paint cans.
Mini wrecking bars come in one size of 190mm (7.5in) long – slightly shorter than a biro – and weigh just 77g, fractionally lighter than a bar of soap.
What is a mini wrecking bar used for?
Mini wrecking bars should only be used for very light tasks, such as:
Pulling small nails or pins
Removing floor staples
Prying up small strips of wood
Opening cans, bottles and jars
What are mini wrecking bars made of?
Mini wrecking bars are manufactured from a steel alloy containing a percentage of aluminium.
It is important to note that these bars are not designed for longevity or durability, and should only be used for light tasks; this is reflected in the alloy. Aluminium has a very low tensile strength, meaning it will not resist bending or twisting if a high degree of force is applied to the shaft.
The benefit of an alloy containing aluminium in such a small bar is its light weight; aluminium is one of the lightest alloying elements available.
Additionally, aluminium naturally resists corrosion. This is very useful in a bar which will be used to open cans, bottles or jars containing liquids, and means that it requires less maintenance and care than other bars.
