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Pickaxes, also referred to as mattocks, are useful tools to have if you’re an avid gardener or perform yard work. While a pickaxe and mattock have slightly different blades, both can help you break up matted soil or dig a hole for a new plant, improving efficiency and keeping your hands from getting tired. To learn what pickaxe model to buy for your gardening needs, read my guide below. You can also find more shopping tips in my buying guide for tools.
Top 5 Pickaxes
- Best Grip: Hooyman Pick Mattock With Heavy-Duty Forged Construction
- Best Options: Truper 31614 Pick Mattock
- Most Versatile: TABOR TOOLS Pick Mattock With Fiberglass Handle
- Best for Digging: FITOOL Forged Adze Pick
- Most Heavy-Duty: Nupla Pick Mattock
Best Grip
Hooyman Pick Mattock With Heavy-Duty Forged Construction
- $17.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 36-inch fiberglass handle with rubberized grip
- 5-pound head
- Handle is epoxy sealed to the head
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said this pick is well-built, making it durable enough to perform heavy-duty tasks, like digging up compact soil or pulling up roots. Some customers said they liked how heavy the pickaxe was because it helped them break up soil, while others said it was too heavy for them to handle.
Best Options
Truper 31614 Pick Mattock
- $48.41
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 36-inch wood handle or fiberglass handle with rubberized grip
- 2.5- or 5-pound head
- Good for picking and cutting
What Customers Are Saying
I found that customers who like this product praised this well-balanced pickaxe and liked how the handle was light and the head was heavy, allowing them to break through soil without any trouble. However, some customers said that they received a used tool, as if the company had shipped them a tool that a previous customer had returned.
Most Versatile
TABOR TOOLS Pick Mattock With Fiberglass Handle
- $20.49
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 15-inch or 35-inch fiberglass handle with rubberized grip
- 1-pound head and handle
- Good for breaking, loosening, cutting, cultivating, and picking
What Customers Are Saying
In my research, I found that satisfied customers said this tool was great for smaller projects, like getting on your hands and knees to prepare a flower bed. However, several customers had issues with the head sliding down the handle.
Best for Digging
FITOOL Forged Adze Pick
- $16.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 15-inch fiberglass handle with rubberized grip
- 1.4-pound head and handle
- Good for rooting, weeding, and breaking up soil
What Customers Are Saying
Customers used this product for a wide range of gardening tasks, most of which were related to digging, and I found that they appreciated it for its light weight and ease of use. However, some customer reviews I read said they were missing the piece that secured the head to the handle and experienced the head sliding down the pick during use.
Most Heavy Duty
Nupla Pick Mattock
- $84.82
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 36-inch fiberglass handle
- 5-pound head
- Best for breaking up thick soil
What Customers Are Saying
I noticed that several customers commented on how this tool did a great job of pulling out roots and breaking up compact soil. However, some customers had issues with delivery, with one customer only receiving the handle and not receiving the head.
Buying Guide
Before buying a pickaxe, compare important factors like weight, handle length, and handle material. Read my buying guide below for more info on choosing the best pickaxe.
Weight
Pickaxes are usually advertised based on the weight of the blade. Common pickaxe weights are two pounds and five pounds. Five-pound pickaxes will be more difficult to swing, but the force created will be greater than that of a two-pound pickaxe. Note: a pickaxe handle will add a few more pounds to the entire weight of the tool.
Handle length
Depending on what you’re using your pickaxe for, you’ll likely purchase a two-handed or one-handed model. Two-handed pickaxes are 34 to 36 inches long and are best for heavy-duty tasks like breaking up soil. You can use a two-handed pickaxe by standing up and swinging it over your head and down into the ground. One-handed pickaxes are 16 inches long and are great for digging small holes or pulling out rocks from the soil while on your hands and knees.
Handle material
Pickaxe handles are typically made out of hardwood or fiberglass. Historically, pickaxe handles made out of hardwood could be sanded down to create a custom grip. However, wood handles are susceptible to expansion and contraction during weather changes and can rot or splinter.
Fiberglass handles require little to no maintenance because they aren’t susceptible to expansion, contraction, rot, or splinter. A common feature of fiberglass handles is a rubber grip to prevent slipping. However, fiberglass handles can become brittle if exposed to too much sunlight, which limits where you can store them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pickaxe and a mattock?
The terms pickaxe and mattock are used interchangeably, which is why we included both in this review, but they’re technically two separate tools. A mattock has a broad blade on one end of the head and a pick or axe on the other, which makes it good for digging, prying, and chopping. A pickaxe has a pick on one side and a chisel on the other, making it good for prying.
What are some common uses for a pickaxe?
Pickaxes are commonly used in landscaping and farming. If you’re trying to break up matted soil or dig a hole for a new plant, a pickaxe may be a good tool to use.
How should I clean my pickaxe?
Here’s a step-by-step process to follow after using your tool:
- Use a stiff brush to wipe away any dirt from the blade.
- Dry the blade off with a microfiber towel if it’s wet or damp.
- To prevent the blade from rusting, apply a thin layer of oil before putting it away.
- If your pickaxe has a wooden handle, apply oil to the handle to prevent rotting or warping.
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