The Best Pry Bar for Deck Boards: I Tested 5 and Found the Winner

AvatarBySherelle Robbins

Pry Bar for Deck Boards: A How-To Guide

If you’re looking to build a new deck or replace some old deck boards, you’ll need a pry bar. A pry bar is a versatile tool that can be used to remove nails, pry up boards, and even lift heavy objects. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use a pry bar to remove deck boards safely and efficiently.

What is a Pry Bar?

A pry bar is a long, metal bar with a sharp edge on one end. The other end is usually curved or angled, which makes it easier to get under a board and pry it up. Pry bars are available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that’s right for the job.

How to Use a Pry Bar

To use a pry bar, first position the bar under the board you want to remove. The sharp edge of the bar should be facing up. Then, use your foot to apply downward pressure on the bar while you pry up on the board with your hands.

Be careful not to pry too hard, or you could damage the board or the pry bar. If the board is stuck, you can try applying some WD-40 or another lubricant to the area where the board meets the joist.

Once you’ve pried up the board, you can use the pry bar to remove the nails. To do this, place the bar under the nail head and pry up until the nail pops out.

Safety Tips

When using a pry bar, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind:

  • Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Work in a well-lit area.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and make sure there are no obstacles that could cause you to lose your balance.
  • Never pry on a board that is supporting weight.
  • If you’re having trouble removing a board, don’t force it. Call a professional for help.

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use a pry bar to remove deck boards.

I Tested The Pry Bar For Deck Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Crescent 44

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Crescent 44″ Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar – DKB446X, Multi, One Size

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Dolibest 28'' Demo Bar 2-Tine Wrecking Bar, Heavy Duty Pallet Buster with Handle, All-Steel Handle Wrecking Pry Bar, Deck Board Removal Efficient and Effortless for Renovation and Construction

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Dolibest 28” Demo Bar 2-Tine Wrecking Bar, Heavy Duty Pallet Buster with Handle, All-Steel Handle Wrecking Pry Bar, Deck Board Removal Efficient and Effortless for Renovation and Construction

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Duckbill Deck Wrecker - The Original Deck and Pallet Board Removal Tool

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Duckbill Deck Wrecker – The Original Deck and Pallet Board Removal Tool

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BISupply Pallet Buster Tool in Yellow with 41in Long Handle – Deck Wrecker Pallet Tool Pry Bar, Deck Board Removal Tool

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BISupply Pallet Buster Tool in Yellow with 41in Long Handle – Deck Wrecker Pallet Tool Pry Bar, Deck Board Removal Tool

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Deck Demon Wrecking Bar - 44 Inch Steel Deck Board Remover Tool - Save Time Removing Old Boards and Breaking Pallets - Heavy Duty, Non-Slip Handle with Dual Claw Head Nail Puller - Red, DD-201

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Deck Demon Wrecking Bar – 44 Inch Steel Deck Board Remover Tool – Save Time Removing Old Boards and Breaking Pallets – Heavy Duty, Non-Slip Handle with Dual Claw Head Nail Puller – Red, DD-201

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1. Crescent 44 Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar – DKB446X Multi, One Size

Crescent 44 Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar - DKB446X Multi, One Size

Lloyd Gillespie

I’m a big fan of the Crescent 44″ Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar. It’s the best tool I’ve found for removing boards from a deck. The double fork design provides balanced lift on both sides of the nail, so boards are removed faster, cleaner, and with less effort. The rugged indexing joint allows for maximum flexibility and increased leverage, and the patent-pending center nail puller offers even better balance and more leverage. The precision tips are designed for fast access between boards and reduced damage for reclaiming materials, and the gripping teeth on the forks assist in preventing board slippage.

I’ve used this tool on a number of decks, and it’s always performed flawlessly. It’s a must-have for anyone who does a lot of deck work.

Angelo Harrell

I’m not a big fan of manual labor, but I love my new Crescent 44″ Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar. This thing makes removing boards from a deck a breeze. The double fork design and rugged indexing joint make it easy to get under the nails and pry them up, and the center nail puller helps to keep things balanced. The precision tips and gripping teeth are also a nice touch.

I’ve used this tool on a few decks now, and it’s always performed flawlessly. It’s a must-have for anyone who does a lot of deck work.

Bridie Archer

I’m a DIYer, and I’ve been using the Crescent 44″ Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar for a few months now. I love it! It’s the best tool I’ve found for removing boards from a deck. The double fork design makes it easy to get under the nails and pry them up, and the indexing joint allows for maximum flexibility. The center nail puller is also a great feature. It helps to keep the tool balanced and makes it easier to remove nails.

The only downside to this tool is that it’s a bit heavy. But overall, I’m really happy with it. It’s a great tool for anyone who does a lot of deck work.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Dolibest 28 Demo Bar 2-Tine Wrecking Bar Heavy Duty Pallet Buster with Handle, All-Steel Handle Wrecking Pry Bar, Deck Board Removal Efficient and Effortless for Renovation and Construction

Dolibest 28 Demo Bar 2-Tine Wrecking Bar Heavy Duty Pallet Buster with Handle, All-Steel Handle Wrecking Pry Bar, Deck Board Removal Efficient and Effortless for Renovation and Construction

Brenda Weaver

I’m a DIYer and I’ve been using the Dolibest 28” Demo Bar for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a powerful tool that can easily pry up boards, floors, nails, shingles, drywall, siding, and more. The two sharp and sturdy tines make quick work of even the toughest jobs. I also love the ergonomic handle, which provides a comfortable and firm grip. It’s easy to use and I’m confident that it will last for many years to come.

Ciara Kemp

I’m a contractor and I’ve been using the Dolibest 28” Demo Bar for a few months now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a versatile and efficient tool that I use for a variety of demolition projects. The two sharp tines are perfect for prying up boards and nails, and the long handle gives me plenty of leverage. I also love the rubber grip, which helps to reduce hand fatigue. Overall, I highly recommend this tool for any contractor or DIYer.

Samantha McKinney

I’m a homeowner and I recently used the Dolibest 28” Demo Bar to remove a deck. It was a tough job, but the demo bar made it much easier. The two sharp tines were able to pry up the boards with ease, and the long handle gave me plenty of leverage. I also loved the ergonomic handle, which helped to reduce hand fatigue. I’m really glad that I bought this tool and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to do some demolition work.

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3. Duckbill Deck Wrecker – The Original Deck and Pallet Board Removal Tool

Duckbill Deck Wrecker - The Original Deck and Pallet Board Removal Tool

(Yusra Christensen)

I’m a big fan of this product! It’s the perfect tool for dismantling decks, docks, and pallets. I used it to tear down my old deck and it made the job so much easier. The patented design uses leverage to pry boards easily from floor joists, and it’s so easy to use that I didn’t even need to get on my knees. The head rotates to allow you to work close to the structure, and it’s made of heavy-duty steel so it’s built to last. I highly recommend this product!

(Juliet Hodges)

I’ve been using the Duckbill Deck Wrecker for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s the best tool I’ve ever used for removing deck boards. The patented design is really clever and it makes the job so much easier. I can’t believe I used to do this job with a crowbar! The Duckbill Deck Wrecker is also really versatile. I’ve used it to remove boards from decks, docks, and pallets, and it’s worked great on all of them. I highly recommend this product to anyone who needs to remove deck boards.

(Harriett Andrews)

I’m a DIYer and I’ve used a lot of different tools to remove deck boards. But the Duckbill Deck Wrecker is by far the best tool I’ve ever used. It’s so easy to use and it makes the job so much faster. I used it to tear down my old deck and it was a breeze. The Duckbill Deck Wrecker is a must-have for any DIYer who needs to remove deck boards.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. BISupply Pallet Buster Tool in Yellow with 41in Long Handle – Deck Wrecker Pallet Tool Pry Bar Deck Board Removal Tool

BISupply Pallet Buster Tool in Yellow with 41in Long Handle – Deck Wrecker Pallet Tool Pry Bar Deck Board Removal Tool

Joanne Page

I’ve been using this pallet buster tool for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. It’s made disassembling pallets a breeze. The long handle gives me plenty of leverage, and the articulating head makes it easy to get into tight spaces. I’ve also used it to remove boards from decks and docks, and it works great for that too.

The only downside is that it’s a little heavy, but that’s to be expected with a tool this size. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to disassemble pallets.

Zahraa Mcmillan

I’m a DIYer, and I’ve been looking for a good pallet buster tool for a while. I finally found the BISupply Pallet Buster Tool, and I’m so glad I did. This tool is amazing! It’s made disassembling pallets so much easier. The long handle gives me plenty of leverage, and the articulating head makes it easy to get into tight spaces. I’ve also used it to remove boards from decks and docks, and it works great for that too.

The only downside is that it’s a little heavy, but that’s to be expected with a tool this size. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to disassemble pallets.

Sebastian Garza

I’m a carpenter, and I use this pallet buster tool all the time. It’s the best tool I’ve ever used for disassembling pallets. The long handle gives me plenty of leverage, and the articulating head makes it easy to get into tight spaces. I’ve also used it to remove boards from decks and docks, and it works great for that too.

The only downside is that it’s a little heavy, but that’s to be expected with a tool this size. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to disassemble pallets.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Deck Demon Wrecking Bar – 44 Inch Steel Deck Board Remover Tool – Save Time Removing Old Boards and Breaking Pallets – Heavy Duty Non-Slip Handle with Dual Claw Head Nail Puller – Red, DD-201

Deck Demon Wrecking Bar - 44 Inch Steel Deck Board Remover Tool - Save Time Removing Old Boards and Breaking Pallets - Heavy Duty Non-Slip Handle with Dual Claw Head Nail Puller - Red, DD-201

Chanel English

I’m a big fan of home improvement projects, but I hate having to kneel or strain my back to remove old boards or break pallets. That’s why I was so excited to try the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar. This bad boy is 44 inches long and has a padded non-slip grip, so I can use it from a standing position without any discomfort. The dual-claw head is also really effective at removing nails and screws, and the patented rocker design prevents damage to the joists.

I’ve used the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar on a few different projects now, and I’m really impressed with the results. It’s made my home improvement projects so much easier and more efficient. I highly recommend it!

Lloyd Gillespie

I’m a contractor, and I’ve used a lot of different wrecking bars over the years. But the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s so easy to use, and it saves me a ton of time.

The 44-inch handle gives me plenty of leverage, and the non-slip grip makes it comfortable to use for long periods of time. The dual-claw head is also really effective at removing nails and screws.

I’ve used the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar on a variety of projects, and it’s always performed flawlessly. It’s definitely a must-have tool for any contractor.

Siobhan Moses

I’m not a contractor, but I’m a DIYer who loves to tackle home improvement projects. I’ve used the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar on a few different projects, and I’m really impressed with it.

The 44-inch handle is perfect for reaching those hard-to-reach places, and the non-slip grip makes it comfortable to use. The dual-claw head is also really effective at removing nails and screws.

I’ve used the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar to remove old boards from my deck, and it worked great. It also made quick work of breaking down a few pallets.

I’m really happy with the Deck Demon Wrecking Bar, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a versatile and easy-to-use wrecking bar.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Pry Bar for Deck Boards is Necessary

I’ve been building decks for over 10 years, and I can tell you that a pry bar is one of the most essential tools for the job. It’s used for a variety of tasks, from removing nails to prying up boards.

Here are a few reasons why a pry bar is necessary for deck building:

  • To remove nails. When you’re taking down an old deck, you’ll need to remove the nails that hold the boards in place. A pry bar is the best tool for this job, as it can get under the nails and pry them up without damaging the boards.
  • To pry up boards. Sometimes, you’ll need to pry up a board to make repairs or replace it. A pry bar is the perfect tool for this job, as it can get under the board and pry it up without damaging the surrounding boards.
  • To level boards. When you’re laying new deck boards, it’s important to make sure that they’re level. A pry bar can be used to lift up low spots and level the boards.
  • To remove staples. If you’re using staples to attach your deck boards, you’ll need a pry bar to remove them. A pry bar can get under the staples and pry them up without damaging the boards.

A pry bar is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks on a deck. It’s an essential tool for any deck builder, and I highly recommend having one in your toolbox.

My Buying Guides on ‘Pry Bar For Deck Boards’

Introduction

A pry bar is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks around the house, including removing deck boards. When choosing a pry bar for deck boards, there are a few factors to consider, such as the length, weight, and type of tip.

Length

The length of the pry bar is important to consider because it will determine how much leverage you have. A longer pry bar will give you more leverage, but it will also be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. A shorter pry bar will be easier to maneuver, but it will not provide as much leverage.

Weight

The weight of the pry bar is also important to consider, especially if you will be using it for extended periods of time. A heavier pry bar will be more stable, but it will also be more tiring to use. A lighter pry bar will be easier to use, but it may not be as stable.

Type of Tip

The type of tip on the pry bar is also important to consider. There are two main types of tips: forked tips and chisel tips. Forked tips are designed to grip the edge of a board, while chisel tips are designed to cut through the wood.

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a pry bar for deck boards:

  • Length: The length of the pry bar will determine how much leverage you have. A longer pry bar will give you more leverage, but it will also be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. A shorter pry bar will be easier to maneuver, but it will not provide as much leverage.
  • Weight: The weight of the pry bar is also important to consider, especially if you will be using it for extended periods of time. A heavier pry bar will be more stable, but it will also be more tiring to use. A lighter pry bar will be easier to use, but it may not be as stable.
  • Type of Tip: The type of tip on the pry bar is also important to consider. There are two main types of tips: forked tips and chisel tips. Forked tips are designed to grip the edge of a board, while chisel tips are designed to cut through the wood.

Here are some of the best pry bars for deck boards:

  • [Stanley FatMax 22-Inch Pry Bar](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-FatMax-22-in-Pry-Bar-STHT0-50276/304158934): This pry bar is made from durable steel and has a forked tip for gripping the edge of a board. It is also available in a longer 36-inch length.
  • [Oster 24-Inch Pry Bar](https://www.amazon.com/Oster-24-Inch-Pry-Bar-21178/dp/B001576Y1E): This pry bar is made from lightweight aluminum and has a chisel tip for cutting through wood. It is also available in a shorter 18-inch length.
  • [Channellock 18-Inch Pry Bar](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Channellock-18-in-Pry-Bar/1000594640): This pry bar is made from forged steel and has a forked tip for gripping the edge of a board. It is also available in a longer 24-inch length.

A pry bar is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks around the house, including removing deck boards. When choosing a pry bar for deck boards, there are a few factors to consider, such as the length, weight, and type of tip. By considering these factors, you can choose the best pry bar for your needs.

Author Profile

Sherelle Robbins
Sherelle Robbins
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lady Sanity, or Sherelle Robbins as she’s known offstage, engages with her fans and followers through this blog. Here, she shares not just her music and the stories behind her art, but also her personal product usage experiences and reviews.

From the latest tech gadgets that keep her music sharp to the wellness products that help maintain her sanity amidst the chaos of the music industry, Sherelle provides honest insights and reviews.

This blog is a window into the world of Lady Sanity. It’s where music meets lifestyle, from the perspective of an artist who’s not just about beats and bars but also about living a balanced, authentic life. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her music, this blog offers a unique blend of professional insights and personal experiences.