Craftsman  5-1/2 in. Pry Bar

gave my son my 30 year old pry bar and this one replaced it

Didn't think I would ever need it. But I was wrong. use it with the first week. made in the USA too.

This is a wonderful little tool that comes in so handy around the shop that I can't believe I waited so long to get one.  Actually, it wasn't by choice though.  I had tried several times to buy one from my closet Sears store in Clarksville, IN.  They were always out of stock.

Finally I said something to the Department Manager and he said he's check into it.  The next week the bin was full, but unfortunately, it appeared that something had been spilled on them in the shipping box and they were covered in some brownish goo.  Some had already started to form rust in a few spots.  I don't know about you, but I like my tools to look NEW when I buy them.

Once again I passed on the purchase.

I decided that I would just order one online the next time I placed an order.  I really didn't want to pay for shipping on an item so small.

A few weeks ago we were out of town visiting some friends.  They lived near a Sears Store so I decided to run in and check out their tool department.  Hey, honey - they've got clean mini prybars.  I also picked up a couple of other items that my store doesn't normally stock.

Great little pry bar that is backed by the Craftsman name.  Does what it's supposed to do.

This is a fabulous little tool. I needed something exactly this size to release cable clips 1/4" away from a flat bracket. With 2 clamps right next to each other, which both had to be released in order to remove the cable, it took 5 minutes of cramped, sweaty work with a small screwdriver to get both released at the same time so the cable can be removed. With this thing, just slip it between the cable and bracket, lift slightly and pull the cable out.

Will it work for its designed purpose (pry bar)? Almost certainly, subject to the limitations of a pry tool this size. And if it does get overloaded, there is that lifetime warranty. I'm getting more of these for various tool kits, as a pry tool this time.

The only drawback was a sharp burr on the tips. A pass with a file took care of that. It would be easier to carry if it did not have the 'hooked' end, but that end does have its uses.

This little guy has come in handy when having to take trim off and not mark up the wood. The only complaint I have about it is it starts to bend when using a good amount of force on the flat part. But its not made to use for major prying.

This is the kind of tool I would acquire "after" getting the larger sized Craftsman flat-bar prying tool.

It excels at doing small/delicate jobs and easily fits in one's pocket.

It would also make an excellent small "gift" to some tool user/lover.

Very easy to customize either end with sandpaper, for bevel angle and sharpness.

This is the kind of tool I would acquire "after" getting the larger sized Craftsman flat-bar prying tool.

It excels at doing small/delicate jobs and easily fits in one's pocket.

It would also make an excellent small "gift" to some tool user/lover.

Very easy to customize either end with sandpaper, for bevel angle and sharpness.

Rusted, missing paint, globs of paint. and poorly edged.