What is a devil’s claw (pry bar)?
A devil’s claw is a heavy forged or steel pry bar with forked claws at one or both ends, used for pulling nails and levering timber apart. The name reflects its demonic, claw-like shape: the tool “grips” between board and nail head so that the long handle can deliver enormous leverage.
Variants
Several types exist:
- Classic devil’s claw — straight rod with a split claw at both ends
- Wonder bar — flat, wide version with sharpened claws
- Pied-de-biche — French term for a shorter angled version
- Wrecking bar — larger, heavier version up to 90 cm
- Nail puller — small handy version for lighter work
Application
The devil’s claw is indispensable for:
- Demolition — prying up floorboards, panelling and ceilings
- Renovation — removing old mouldings and fascia boards
- Carpentry — taking out failed beam sections
- Restoration — careful dismantling while preserving the original
- Pallet reuse — releasing boards without damaging the nails
How to use it
- Slip the claw around the nail head or under the board edge
- Drive the claw further under the nail with a hammer if needed
- Use the long handle as a lever
- Pull or push — the split claw grips and extracts even rusty nails
- Always work away from the body in case of recoil
Points of attention
- Hardness — a good devil’s claw is made of hardened steel and will not bend
- Claw geometry — a sharp claw grips better than a rounded one
- Length — a longer bar gives more leverage but less control
- Safety glasses — protect against flying nails and timber splinters
Related terms
- Wrecking bar
- Claw hammer
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Utility knife
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