The mattock and pickaxe are striking tools used for breaking hard ground, cutting roots, and prying rock. They share a similar two-handed, long-handled design but differ in head geometry and intended use.
The mattock has a head with two distinct ends on a single mounting. Head weights range from 1.5 to 4 kg (3–9 lb).
A cutting mattock features an adze-like blade on one side (oriented parallel to the handle) and a chisel edge on the other. The adze blade is optimized for cutting through roots when clearing land or digging trenches. The chisel edge can be used for grubbing, prying rocks, or cutting through compacted soil.
A pick mattock has a pointed pick end on one side (oriented perpendicular to the handle) and a chisel or adze blade on the other. The pick end concentrates the force of the swing into a small point for breaking up hard or rocky ground.
A pickaxe has a double-pointed head with both ends shaped into sharp points. It is designed primarily for breaking rock, frozen ground, and heavily compacted soil. The pointed ends concentrate the swing force into a small area, creating fracture points in hard materials. Pickaxe handles are typically 80–100 cm (30–40 in) long and made of ash, hickory, or fiberglass.
Standard handle lengths range from 80 to 100 cm (30–40 in). Longer handles provide greater swing leverage but require more clearance. Shorter handles offer more control in confined spaces.
Mattocks and pickaxes are high-impact tools that require proper technique and caution. The user should maintain a secure two-handed grip, keep a clear swing radius around the tool, and wear eye protection against flying debris. The head should be checked regularly for looseness on the handle; a loose head can detach during a swing. Soaking a wooden handle in water can temporarily tighten a loose wooden head, but permanent repair requires re-wedging.