The Pick Axe, also known as a "Pick" and commonly spelled "Pickaxe" or "Pickax", is a hand tool mostly used in landscaping. The pickaxe nowadays typically has two ends. The pointed end is used for rocky or concrete surfaces. The second end is flat and mainly used for prying. With such a heavy head and a small contact point at the tip of the head, the tool becomes a very effective tool for hardened, rocky, and concrete surfaces.

Types of Pick Axe

1. The Railroad Pick

2. The Mattock Pick

3. The Cutter Mattock Pick

Each type of pick has different features.

The Railroad Pick Axe is smaller and more pointed than the others. It is much like the Mattock but smaller and more pointed. It is used for smaller projects and more universal than the others.

The Mattock style pick axe is a combination between the pick and the adze and is used for hard or rocky terrain.

The Cutter Mattock Pick Axe is a combination between an axe and an adze. The adze part of the pick axe is the side where the blade set at a right angle to the shaft. The axe side is obviously set in line with the handle. It is used for many different projects in gardening and landscaping becuase of its universal capabilities.

Pick Axe History

The Pickaxe was originally used as an agricultural tool even in the prehistoric days. Although traditionally they were used for agriculture, they evolved into use in mining and even warfare. Today they are a landscaping must have.