I knew, before I broke it, that the nail would resist and that the handle would be strained, but stupidly went ahead anyway! The old handle is ash, which I don’t think is as strong as hickory. Generally, as good practice, one should assess the limitations of one’s tools (it’s a perpetual source of frustration to find one’s own limitations!) so I know it should be used only for light or short wire nails. I had a pry bar only 3 yards behind me. Still, I didn’t knock out my teeth.