Some tools are so simple, so effective, and so dependable that their design hasn’t required much change in over a century. The digging bar is one of those tools. Whether you know it as a pinch point bar, tamper bar, San Angelo bar, or just “the pry bar,” this heavy-duty, forged steel tool has been a staple on farms, construction sites, and even fire engines for generations.
A Brief History of the Digging Bar
The roots of the digging bar go back to a time before powered machinery, when muscle and steel were the only things standing between man and the stubborn earth. Long before post-hole augers, skid steers, or jackhammers, workers needed a way to break up compacted soil, pry rocks loose, and tamp earth firmly in place.
That’s where the digging bar came in.
Originally hand-forged by blacksmiths with lots of skill and patience. Over the decades, the design evolved slightly, but the core concept stayed the same:
–One end for breaking, prying, or cutting.
–The other end for tamping and compacting.
Tamper Bars & Pinch Point Bars: The Workhorses
Since the late 1960s, we at Council Tool have been forging two of the most time-tested designs: the Tamper Bar and the Pinch Point Bar. While similar in appearance, they serve slightly different purposes.
Tamper Bar
–One end tapered or pointed for breaking through hard soil or clay.
–Other end flat and wide, perfect for compacting soil around fence posts, footings, or landscaping projects.
Pinch Point Bar
–Narrow, wedge-shaped tip for slipping underneath heavy objects like rocks or roots.
-Designed to pry, lift, and move stubborn obstacles out of the way.
How They’re Used Today
Even in an era of machinery and power tools, there are still countless jobs where a digging bar is the best solution. Here are just a few modern uses:
–Fence Post Installation & Repair
–Rock & Root Removal
–Breaking Up Ice or Concrete
–Garden & Landscaping Work
Forged to Last at Council Tool
At Council Tool, we’ve been forging tools in the USA since 1886, with tamper and pinch point bars being part of the legacy. Each bar is carefully forged from high-quality American steel, rolled, heat-treated, and tempered to deliver continuous strength and durability.
We believe in tools that stand the test of time, just like the hardworking folks who use them. When you pick up a Council Tool tamper or pinch point bar, you’re holding more than just a tool. You’re holding over a century of craftsmanship and tradition.
Credit:
The Versatility of Digging Bars by J. Keeler Johnson – Hobby Farms
What to Know about Digging Bars by Harrison Kral – Family Handyman