Unlike their evolved form of Kingler, a Krabby's joints are quite feeble; it is quite common for their large pincers to break off in battle. The pincers grow back quickly (although the Krabby is somewhat limited in their movement ability in the meantime) and many trainers even harvest them for sale.

It is not a Krabby's natural strength but the design of the pincer which gives them their effectiveness, and they work just as well when operated by a human or attached to machinery. Some are used to crush rocks into powders or break open pokemon like Clamperl or Geodude, while others are used to crush the necks of condemned criminals. Although this is often considered overkill, they are even used in the preparation of food, as nutcrackers, can openers, or simply in a role similar to silverware.

One of the first ritual prohibitions seen in the pokemon world was that of using these pincers on Krabby or Kingler meat, which was thought to anger the gods and disrespect the dead. It has made its way into many religions, but not all: the followers of Groudon and the Regi trio make a habit of eating Krabby whole as a show of contempt towards the sea.