What is a flat bar primarily used for?

A flat bar is primarily used for prying and spreading due to its design and structure. The flat end of the bar allows firefighters to effectively apply leverage when attempting to open doors, windows, or other barriers that may be obstructed during a rescue or firefighting operation. This leverage helps to separate or widen openings, making it easier to gain access to a structure or a trapped individual.

The flat bar's strength and flat surface make it less effective for cutting or slicing, which typically requires a sharp edge found in tools designed specifically for those purposes. While it can be used in some pulling and lifting scenarios, its main function revolves around its ability to pry and spread materials apart rather than simply lifting or pulling. Similarly, although a flat bar can be used to tap or hammer, it is not its primary application and other tools are more suited for those tasks. Thus, the flat bar's primary role as a prying and spreading tool is what sets it apart in emergency scenarios.