Best 10 Breaker Bars [2021]
If you have ever worked in a car, you may encounter a situation where the bolt or nut will not loosen. Sometimes even the impact wrench does not work. If you plan to park your car in a comfortable garage, you need a good-quality tool that can quickly remove rusty nuts and bolts.
Using a standard set of socket wrenches, removing nuts from tires, or using frozen or rusted bolts can be frustrating and tedious. This task requires the use of a large tool, a breaker bar, which can generate enough torque to deflect unruly bolts. The breaker bar is fixed on the head by a long steel bar and a movable block. The head usually rotates 240 degrees. In order to enable the user to position the rod in the best position to achieve the leverage required to remove complex nuts or bolts.
The breaker bar is a very simple tool. These long non-ratcheting levers can apply more torque than standard ratchet wrenches without additional force.
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Best
Value
DURATECH 3-Piece Flex-handle Breaker Bar
4.7327 reviews
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Editors
Choice
Olsa Tools Extendable Breaker Bar
4.6299 reviews
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MAXPOWER 18-Inch Breaker Bar
4.6655 reviews
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Neiko 00206A 1/2″ Drive Breaker Bar
4.85,804 reviews
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GEARDRIVE Breaker Bar Set
4.6569 reviews
| DURATECH 3-Piece Flex-handle Breaker Bar | Olsa Tools Extendable Breaker Bar | MAXPOWER 18-Inch Breaker Bar | Neiko 00206A 1/2″ Drive Breaker Bar | GEARDRIVE Breaker Bar Set |
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Best |
Editors |
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4.7
327 reviews |
4.6
299 reviews |
4.6
655 reviews |
4.8
5,804 reviews |
4.6
569 reviews |
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Check price |
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Best 10 Breaker Bars
DURATECH 3-Piece Flex-handle Breaker Bar
Check the current price-
PROS
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Flexible design
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Energy-saving and easy to use
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3-pc kit
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CONS
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Slippery handle
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327 reviews
This heavy-duty breaker bar kit is made of high-quality high-strength alloy steel with corrosion-resistant forged and hardened chrome vanadium steel structure to achieve maximum strength and long life. The 180-degree rotating head design can achieve maximum versatility and can provide torque at multiple angles to achieve the largest range and optimized leverage in a small space.
The high-quality chrome vanadium material provides more torque to save strength, and the round handle is neatly shaped, comfortable to hold, and reduces fatigue. Tighten the hard nuts and bolts when loosening them so that you don’t have to worry about the connector falling off again.
When you need it in industrial construction or mechanical work (such as car and motorcycle maintenance or repair, etc.), you can use this kit as an additional lever to disconnect and loosen rusty, stubborn, or stuck bolts and nuts.
Olsa Tools Extendable Breaker Bar
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PROS
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Knurled handle that ensures a firm non-slip grip.
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Made of premium unbreakable steel
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Light and sturdy
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CONS
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Slightly expensive compared to its closest competitors
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299 reviews
This 24-inch professional telescopic breaker bar has a knurled handle, which provides a firm non-slip grip, allowing you to easily complete your work. The 1/2-inch “telescopic striker” has a telescopic shaft, which can be expanded to 16-24 inches of torque as needed to provide additional torque.
Use the latest professional retractable breaker handle anytime, anywhere, which is highly dynamic in various applications. Made of industrial chrome vanadium (Cr-V) steel, you can be sure that your 1/2-inch telescopic lever switch will be your reliable companion for the most difficult tasks. The perfect combination of workshop machine tools.
The easy-to-use telescopic breaker lever can be installed clockwise and counterclockwise for fastening. Clockwise torque measurement with 180-degree bending head. Rest assured that in the most difficult job, your 1/2 inch telescopic breaker bar will be your life partner.
MAXPOWER 18-Inch Breaker Bar
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PROS
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Fits perfectly in your hand
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Perfect for heavy-duty applications
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Spring-loaded ball bearing ensures sockets are securely held
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CONS
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Slippery handle due to lack of knurling
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655 reviews
Made of forged and hardened chrome vanadium steel, it has excellent strength and durability. With the flexible handles in three different designs, you always get the extra leverage needed to loosen jammed bolts and nuts.
24/7 service MAXPOWER has a national technical center and globally accredited certification laboratory in the hardware industry. Member of China Equipment Standards Committee. MAXPOWER products are sold to more than 80 countries and regions. The company focuses on the performance, durability, and ergonomics of your tools to meet the high expectations of professional users.
The 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch dual brake levers, the 360-degree rotating Cr-Mo drive head allow working at any angle. The 3/8-inch drive head can provide up to 202 Nm (149 lb-ft) of torque. Suitable for medium to precise work. The 1/2-inch drive head can provide up to 512 Nm of torque. Suitable for hard work. It is not recommended to use a barbell to increase strength.
Neiko 00206A 1/2″ Drive Breaker Bar
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PROS
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Long reach with a 24-inch handle
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Made of extremely durable drop-forged heat-treated chrome vanadium
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Highly affordable
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CONS
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Slippery handle due to lack of knurling
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5,804 reviews
The 180-degree flexible head is made of high-quality chrome steel, which can provide excellent performance and durability after hardening treatment, and can keep you working in various situations.
Never worry about unplugging the sockets anymore. The ball lock function ensures that your plug stays tight when loosening strong bolts and nuts.
The polished chrome shell provides a high-quality finish that is easy to clean with a microfiber cloth. Prevent oxidation and make your tool look new after every use. The slotted handle allows the tool to be held comfortably and safely.
Although it brings you huge torque to loosen these bolts and nuts, you never have to worry about damaging these nuts. The 1/2-inch driver head is bent 180 degrees by spring-loaded ball bearings to securely hold the plug.
GEARDRIVE Breaker Bar Set
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PROS
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180-degree flex head
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Secure ball detent
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A durable chrome-vanadium drive head
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CONS
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The handle is smooth but slippery
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569 reviews
The 3-piece breaker bar set includes a 1/2” drive 15” length breaker bar, a 3/8” drive 10” breaker bar, and a 1/4” drive 6” breaker bar. Thye heavy-duty impact rods are made of high-quality, high-strength chromium-vanadium alloys with corrosion-resistant chromium coatings for industrial, mechanical, or structural applications. Heat treatment can obtain maximum strength, and forging can prolong service life.
The 180-degree flexible head design can provide torque at multiple angles to maximize its effect in a narrow space and achieve the best leverage.
Get extra leverage to loosen rusty, stubborn, or stuck bolts and nuts. Stronger than conventional torque wrenches. Due to the torque limitation of the breaker bar it is not recommended to use auxiliary tools (such as extension cords) to exceed the torque and cause damage.
Capri Tools 1 in. Drive Breaker Bar
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PROS
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Rotates 230-degree for dynamic utilization in a variety of jobs
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Spring-loaded ball bearing ensures sockets are securely held
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Chrome Vanadium body and Chrome Molybdenum head for extra strength
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CONS
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Be ready to pay a premium price
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1,542 reviews
This powerful tool can be used as an extension to securely fix the socket wrench head with additional leverage to loosen frozen or stuck nuts and bolts. The plug is firmly secured by spring-loaded ball bearings. The head can rotate 230 degrees and provide you with dynamic options for various tasks.
Loosening stuck or jammed nuts and bolts requires extra effort. 40-inch extension rod, 50% longer than the standard rod, can provide you with extra leverage and make work easier
Performance Tool W32126 1/2-Inch Drive breaker bar
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PROS
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180-degree flexible head works at any angle
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Ideal to break and loosen rusted, stubborn, or stuck nuts and bolts
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Polished nickel chrome plated finish resists corrosion
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CONS
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This heavy-duty breaker bar comes at a premium price
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602 reviews
This Power Bar of Performance Tool allows you to loosen fasteners on all types of machines (including automobiles). The 1/2″ x 30″ long breaker pole is a great addition to any repair shop or garage. This automatic maintenance tool is made of chrome vanadium steel alloy, which is strong and durable, so it can be used for several years. The polished chrome-plated surface is resistant to corrosion.
The hexagonal eye can be used with an open-end wrench or adjustable wrench. It can be used independently as a manual ratchet. Oil-resistant black phosphate coating. Strong chrome vanadium structure.
Wilmar supplies products to major retailers and distributors in North America. By providing quality tools, quality services, innovative product packaging, and support, Wilmar has become one of the leading distributors of professional tools in North America.
EZ-FLO 45060 Breaker Bar
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PROS
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Constructed of steel with a chrome-plated finish
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Features a 180-degree swivel head for easy positioning
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Designed with a cushion grip handlebar to provide comfort during each use
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CONS
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The padded handle can snap out if too much force is applied
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112 reviews
The EZ-FLO impact rod is made of chrome-plated steel, which is corrosion resistant and can increase strength and durability. The boom is 17 inches long and the drive is 1/2 inch. Its angle is 180 degrees. The rotating head facilitates positioning before use. Padded handles provide comfort and help reduce blisters.
This 1/2” Drive 17” breaker pole uses a steel structure for higher strength. The coating has corrosion resistance. This heavy-duty breaker bar has a 180-degree rotating head and a padded handle for more convenience.
Craftsman 3 pc. Flex Handle Breaker Bar
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PROS
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Constructed of tough alloyed steel to stand up to any job
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Set is Full Polish for an easy cleanup
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Backed by the Craftsman Guarantee
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CONS
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Quality comes with a premium price
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904 reviews
With the Craftsman Breaker Bars Set, a powerful sealing effect is once again obtained. When tightening the motor mount or trying to loosen a stuck bolt, a set of bendable handles will increase your strength. Stop at an angle of 45° on each side. The sturdy alloy steel structure enables these impact arms to withstand any impact.
Craftsman is one of the most reputable and popular American brands and is widely recognized around the world for its quality tools.
TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive breaker bar
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PROS
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The long handle provides extended reach
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230-degree pivoting head lets you approach your work from any angle
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Sleek and simple handle design
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CONS
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Slippery handle due to lack of knurling
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885 reviews
The 1/2 inch x 24-inch Tekton striker has a long handle and a 230-degree rotating head, which provides leverage and flexibility to reach and destroy rusty or stuck nuts and bolts.
The slim and simple handle design provides comfort and control in various positions held with one hand or both hands. The sturdy chrome-plated surface is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
How to choose the right breaker bar (Shopping Guide)
If you scan our top 10 list, you may notice that many breaker bars are very similar. The size of the required drive and the length of the branch rod itself are key factors. You can apply torque, but sometimes you don’t need a long bar. When choosing the desired bar length, consider what it is you are trying to loosen.
The best quality breaker bars are made of chrome vanadium steel and have a chrome/mirror coating to resist corrosion. The spring-loaded breaker bar head holds the plug in place, while the rotating head makes certain tasks easier. Most of our recommendations will tick all these checkboxes, so when selecting products from the list, you will indeed stick to the price, length, and dynamics. Some companies provide warranties for their tools, which is essential for you to choose the right product.
Factors to consider when choosing the right breaker bar
The length determines how much torque the bar can produce. Usually, this is the first feature to consider when buying this tool. Although length may be the most important feature, there are other important factors to consider, including material, weight, head rotation, and comfort.
The basic principle is that longer bars will produce more torque. By generating greater torque, the breaker lever can loosen the lock nut better than the ratchet trigger handle that generates less torque. Lengths range from 18″ to 40″.
Although the bars appear to be longer, this is not always the case. A baffle that is too long may be difficult to use in a small space. It can also generate too much torque and generate such a force that it will break the bolt instead of loosening it. Due to this risk, it is recommended that you always wear safety glasses when using any size of the bars.
Most breaker bars are made of chrome vanadium steel. It is a medium-hard steel alloy, which means that it is ductile enough to withstand peeling while maintaining sufficient hardness to withstand bending under pressure. The weakness of most breakout bars is the head, which tends to break long before the bar. Although the heads of many breaker bars use the same grade of steel, the more expensive models use chromium molybdenum alloys. The chromium molybdenum steelhead is harder and stronger than vanadium, and it is not easy to bend or break under pressure.
The weight of the bar will affect its durability and ease of use. Although a lighter breaker bar is easier to transport, it may also be thinner. When a lot of force is required, this makes it easier to bend or even break. With this in mind, most breaker bars range in weight from 1.5 to 3 pounds, depending on their size, which makes them light enough but strong enough to withstand the forces they must bear.
The heads of many breaker rods are supported on hinges, which can make them rotate back and forth 240 degrees. This makes the operation easier because the operator can rotate the head towards the rod in the optimal entry position. The rotating head makes the bar more functional, and due to the connection between the head and the bar, a weak point will be created, which will break under high pressure, thus also affecting durability.
Although most bars vary in length, some models can be stretched. The length of these telescopic breaker bars is adjustable, usually 16-24 inches. In order to operate these levers, the user usually rotates the lever clockwise to slide it out or in. It is one of the most versatile tools, allowing users to extend it for larger work and retract it to a shorter length for precise work. Telescopic rods are comfortable and are usually not as strong as one-piece rods because they are easier to bend at the connection point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breaker bar?
Have you ever needed to dispose of old rusty and stubborn nuts or bolts that will not loosen? Sometimes, an impact wrench is not the best tool for the job. Instead, you will want to use tear-off strips. A breaker bar is a non-ratcheting lever, used with the power socket to remove jammed bolts and nuts. Generally, breaker bars are very long, so they can apply more torque under the same force as a standard socket wrench. Imagine the reverse side of a torque wrench. Since there is no ratchet on the shift lever, its main purpose is to loosen the nuts and bolts. And because it does not have a ratchet, it is more durable than a ratchet.
Is there more than one size breaker bar?
Yes, apart from the choice of length, the breaker bars have unit sizes of 3/4, 1/2 “, and 3/4″. The most common head sizes are 3/8 ” and 1/2 “.
Do I need multi-size breaker bars?
No, you can purchase plug adapters that shrink from a ½ “drive size to a smaller drive size, but be careful not to overpower the plug or hardware.
Can I use a breaker bar instead of a ratchet?
You can, but ratchets are much more convenient. Long breaker bars are designed to loosen a nut or bolt, not to remove it. Most people switch to a ratchet once the nut or bolt is loose. A torque wrench is designed to tighten your bolt to a specific torque setting. While you can use it as a breakout bar, it is not that effective. A breaker bar is generally made of chrome vanadium steel, which is a stronger steel construction than a ratchet. This makes it a stronger bar to use when releasing a bolt.
When should I use a breaker bar?
Whenever you are sure that a bolt or nut cannot be removed with a standard ratchet wrench, you should use a breaker bar. When you are sure that a considerable amount of torque is required to remove it, for example, a lug nut on a wheel, try using a breaker bar.
If you want to tighten bolts or nuts, you may not want to use them. A socket wrench is needed when tightening a bolt or nut and not a breaker bar. In other words, use only the breaker bar when loosening a bolt or a nut.
Conclusion
Hope this guide provides you with the information you need when buying a new breaker bar. Although there are hundreds of breaker bars on the market, the choice is yours to make depending on the type of job you want to do and the budget you have for the new tool. Remember the factors above to consider when buying a new breaker bar!
