Which tool is primarily designed for ripping and prying?

The tool primarily designed for ripping and prying is the wrecking bar. This tool is specifically engineered to exert substantial leverage and can be used in various construction and demolition tasks. Its sturdy design and tapered ends allow it to effectively pry apart materials, rip down structures, and pull nails or other fasteners out of wood or other surfaces.

While a nail puller and a pry bar also serve prying functions, they are typically specialized for specific tasks, such as removing nails or providing leverage in tighter spaces, rather than the broader applications of a wrecking bar. A flathead screwdriver, on the other hand, is primarily used for driving screws and may have limited prying capability but lacks the strength and design features that make a wrecking bar effective for heavy-duty tasks like ripping or demolishing materials.