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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: Sometimes you simply need a small pry bar that can take getting hit by a hammer.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Zero set up, just remove the packaging.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The tool side of this is super simple, it is a pry bar, only smaller.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Well packaged on a card with shrink wrap, traditional Lisle packaging.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual and was the manual easy to understand?
A: A manual of sorts is included, a single paragraph on the back of the card explaining the tool can be struck with a hammer.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The strike cap is critical, more pry bars come with this nowadays but that wasn’t always the case. Technicians have been striking pry bars for a long time and not having a strike cap inevitably ends up in the handle getting damaged or sometimes completely breaking off.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: Lose the shirt pocket clip, I don’t see this as a tool that one would typically carry around all day. The clip makes handling the pry bar a little awkward, and it pops off very easily.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: Seal removal and light duty prying, it is only limited by the user’s creativity. It’s not a tool for every job but most technicians will find a use for this small pry bar.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've worked with?
A: I own many pry bars, none this size. I’m actually surprised by how often I use it now that I own one this size. It is going to save me from damaging many flat-bladed screwdrivers.
Q: Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool?
A: None, the tool is quite user-friendly and does exactly what it is designed to do.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: An eight. I think it is a great tool and has lots of practical purposes.
The 1/4" Pry Bar with Strike Cap, No. 35100, from Lisle Corporation is designed to remove seals, electrical connectors, O-rings, plastic caps, interior trim pieces, metal, and plastic retainers. The strike cap in the top of the handle can be tapped with a hammer, and the 1/4" square shaft pry bar has a pocket clip and measures 5" in length. In addition to these features, the tip design cradles the return spring to keep it from sliding off. The heat-treated material and extra-long shaft provides strength and stability, and an ergonomic handle gives users comfort as they work.
About the Author
Pete Rudloff
Owner, Pete's Garage, Inc.
Pete Rudloff is a nationally awarded technician, national automotive instructor/consultant, technical writer, software developer, automotive trade advocate, and owner of Pete’s Garage Inc. in Newark, Del. Rudloff has a national reputation as friend to the general auto repair shop and is known for fixing difficult to fix cars and facing challenging trade issues head-on. In 2016, Rudloff created FlexCheck Auto DVI in order to help independent auto repair shops nationwide increase their revenue.