The Complete Handbook of Mattocks & Pickaxes
A professional's guide to selecting, using, and maintaining the right tool for breaking, digging, and prying.
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
From choosing the right head weight to re-handling in the field, get the complete professional guide to these essential tools.
About this book
The mattock and the pickaxe are basic tools, but they are by no means simple. The difference between a comfortable, efficient day of trenching and a frustrating, exhausting struggle often comes down to the nuances of tool selection, head geometry, and swing mechanics. This handbook strips away the marketing gloss to deliver a clear, practical manual for the professional and serious enthusiast, covering every aspect of these fundamental tools.
Reader Reviews
Nancy King
★★★★★This is the book I wish existed when I started my landscaping business. The chapter on understanding the difference between the cutting motion of a pick and the prying force of a mattock finally explained why some jobs felt impossible. It's clear, practical, and the section on handle wedges alone saved me hours of frustration. No nonsense, just good information.
Kenneth Wilson
★★★★★As a long-time collector of vintage edge tools, I was skeptical, but this handbook surprised me. The framing copy promised a professional angle and it delivers. The explanation of steel types and how they affect edge-holding over sharpening was incredibly useful, and the chapter on the rental market as a business opportunity is something I hadn't considered. It’s a worthy addition to any serious workshop or library.
Kenneth Sanchez
★★★★★Overall, a solid reference. The maintenance chapter is excellent, and I appreciate the focus on swing mechanics to save your back. I deducted one star because I felt the section on modern handle materials could have gone deeper into the failure modes of fiberglass vs. wood. It touches on it, but if you're a professional using these daily, you need more data. Still, it's a handbook I'll keep in the truck.
Carol Roberts
★★★★★There is very good detailed information here, possibly too detailed for what I needed. I am just a hobbyist, and the chapters on business opportunities were not relevant to me. The core chapters on usage and maintenance were clear and the pictures in my head of the correct swing mechanics were helpful. The book is comprehensive, but it feels more like a college textbook for pros than a quick weekend guide.
Angela King
★★★★★This finally explains the difference between all those head shapes on the shelf! I own three pickaxes now, and after reading the chapter on ground-penetrating versus rock-splitting picks, I finally bought the right one for my property. The descriptions are concrete, no fluff or hype. An eminently practical manual. The pricing and brand chapter also gave me confidence I wasn't overpaying at the supply store. It’s a must-have.