Which Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Breaker bar here

Looking at getting one of these Pittsburgh Harbour freight 1/2 breaker bars. I am an ITC member.
The all metal is $13.00.
The handle is $17.00.
Any recommendations on which is higher quality?

 

I usually click on the reviews and see what others have to say about it

 

my preference is the all metal version. i have versions of both.

ideally, you want an all metal version for more stubborn fasteners that require the lack of OSHA oversight. i dismantled an old jack with a 2-piece handle that i prefer for the task, as it gives me two different leverage options in a convenient package. i don't always need 5 ft, sometimes 3ft over the breaker bar is more than enough.

i find myself mostly reaching for the all metal version most due in part because when i need something loosened, i don't always know what i'm getting into. i have that version of the cushion-grip bar, and my non-OSHA extension won't fit over it. so due to that, i don't like the idea of trying to use the cushion-grip, then realizing i need MOAR POWAH, and have to go back to the tool box after i've shoe-horned myself into position to reach the stubborn fastener, and re-fit the socket to an entirely different tool for the same task.

using the all metal, i can give it a yank, and if it doesn't go, i'm leaving the bar and socket on the bolt, and only grabbing my anti-compliance tool.

 

lol, isn't that basically the same as asking the forum hive mind?

 

I thought about that after I pressed send lol. But it’s worth a shot

 

I use the metal one, it’s been solid. Plus at $13.00 I’m not gonna be too bummed if it breaks

 

So you mean you turned the Jack handle in that link into a breaker bar? Modified it and put a break bar head on it?

 

Im not a fan of the larger head on the bar thats all metal & reading reviews guys claim the one with the plastic handle is stronger, larger center pin, etc....
That bulky head & the tapered handle where the handle attaches to the pivot is a deal breaker for me,
Would drive me nuts & just not sexy.....
between the 2 I vote plastic handle one...
Im not a fan of the plastic handle either inregards to longevity, but even the handle is covered under their lifetime warranty, ive swapped out plenty of PS pro ratchets for rubber handles coming apart....
That being said the $40 Icon is best of both worlds....

Actually the more I look at them, need to go look at them in person....
Dont like how the all metal one gets a tapered & choked up where it enters the head...
Like the all metal handle though....

 

I think he means that he slides the jack handle over the breaker bar for more leverage, I do that on stubborn stuff.

 

I’ve had the one with the plastic handle now for a while. It’s done everything I’ve asked of it and survived several cheater pipe assists just fine.

it has a lifetime warranty so beat on it as the task requires.

I actually have one of the Quinn extendable ones I keep in the back seat under storage with the jack for easier tire changes if necessary.

 

i didn't modify anything. that jack handle is just an example-- slightly poorly though because that's a one-piece handle, and the one i use is a two-piece design.

jack handles are really just thick hollow tubes. if a situation arises where i need more leverage than the breaker bar allows, i slot the jack handle over the breaker bar to extend my leverage on the situation. it's a temporary solution to a temporary problem. the 'professional' solution is to purchase far larger breaker bars, but that's really not cost-effective for most real life situations, as only the tool truck brands carry those, and they're going to end up having comma's in the price tag.

the main reason i use a jack handle is because it's painted, so it looks semi-professional, and the two-piece design fits into my tool box, which is far nicer than trying to keep a rusty black iron pipe in the corner of the shop and remembering not to let anyone scrap it. and the slip joint between the sections is already built for jumping on, so i can better trust it to lay into than a home-brew multi-extension pipe setup.

the big advantage to any pipe extension is that one can use a much smaller breaker bar for a much larger job. less tools means faster work, or at least better clearance options depending on where/how you're working. certain area's can require different arrangements of tools to do the same task.

and to be clear, i don't have that specific all-metal breaker bar. the version i have is much closer in styling to the icon version. i don't even know what brand it is. it might even be this neico brand bar...

$20 Neiko 00211A 1/2"-Drive Extension Breaker Bar, 18"es Long, Made with CrV Steel

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-00200A-Extension-Chrome-Vanadium-Rotating/dp/B000N38FH4?th=1

the all-metal one you linked to, i've never purchased because the head style adds a significant spacing to the socket, which isn't preferable for a lot of situations for me.


i also have this version. i've been surprised that i haven't broken it yet. it's handy for not needing to reposition the tool once the bolt is broke free, and needs to be spun out. but has some clearance disadvantages with the extra ratcheting bulk, so doesn't get used all the time. the Amazon link should demonstrate a point though-- i understand wanting to get things locally, but that represents a cost as does getting it online. harbor freight is making efforts in building better quality tools. but they're still getting a lot of non-icon stuff from china, the same as the millions of amazon 'retailers'. but HF has a network of physical storefronts to finance. those amazon stores don't. there's a lot of preference and use to be weighed in all of this.

i have at least 5-8(i really don't remember anymore) breaker bars of various origins, so messing any of them up is inconsequential to me. if any break, i'll blame the last guy for putting it on to tight, and order a new replacement off amazon, while i grab another and complete the task at hand.

but i would never recommend constantly-using the amazon version without a backup plan for breaking it, which means the HF icon is fairly priced if compared to buying two of the amazon versions-- 1 to use, and 1 for backup. but HF is local, and easily warrantiable. the amazon stuff is on a one-way trip to the scrapyard.

 

What scares me is I feel spongy soft breaker bars are worthless, they need to be rigid for the extra tough situations...
Sponginess works against you...
Ive some act like a pogo stick when you lay into them...

 

What scares me is I feel spongy soft breaker bars are worthless, they need to be rigid for the extra tough situations...
Sponginess works against you...
Ive some act like a pogo stick when you lay into them...

 

Oh

oh ok that’s makes sense. Always good to have a backup.

 

Do you know if the icon breaker bars ever go on sale?

 

I don't...
Sign-up for HF emails, they always have 10-20% off coupon codes...