Barium metal in rod form is highly reactive with air and moisture, requiring handling under inert conditions. It is primarily used in research and specialized industrial applications, not in bulk structural roles.

Key applications include serving as a reducing agent in metallurgy for producing rare and actinide metals, such as uranium and plutonium, by separating and extracting pure metals from their oxides. It is also used as an alloying additive in certain metal alloys, particularly with nickel, to improve mechanical properties, enhance corrosion resistance, and modify electron emission in cathode materials.

In vacuum technology, barium rods act as getters in vacuum tubes, absorbing residual gases like oxygen and nitrogen to maintain vacuum integrity. In pyrotechnics, the metal serves as a source of barium for reactive formulations, such as specialty igniters or delay compositions, contributing to green-colored flames typical of barium compounds.

Additionally, barium rods are employed in nuclear physics research due to their moderate neutron absorption properties. They can also provide high-purity barium vapor for scientific experiments, including atomic spectroscopy and vapor deposition processes. Overall use remains limited due to reactivity and the prevalence of safer barium compounds.