Mattock vs. Pickaxe — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on February 25, 2024
A mattock is a versatile digging tool with a broad end for digging and a pointed end for chopping, while a pickaxe, designed for breaking up hard surfaces, has pointed ends on both sides of its head.
Difference Between Mattock and Pickaxe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A mattock features a head that combines an adze and a pick or axe blade, making it suitable for both digging soil and cutting through roots. Conversely, a pickaxe is primarily used for breaking up rocky surfaces and hard ground, with its pointed tips focusing on penetration and breaking rather than cutting or scooping.
The mattock's design allows for chopping and digging without changing tools, ideal for gardening and landscaping. The pickaxe, with its dual pointed ends, excels in tasks requiring the breaking of hard materials like concrete or compact soil, emphasizing its use in construction and mining.
A mattock's adze side can be used to hoe soil and carve out planting beds, the pickaxe's sharp points are more effective for creating initial breaks in surfaces that other tools can then exploit for removal or further breaking.
The versatility of a mattock makes it a preferred tool for gardeners and landscapers, who need to perform a variety of tasks with a single tool. In contrast, the specialization of a pickaxe makes it indispensable for those working in environments where the ground is too hard for other tools to penetrate.
Both tools require significant physical effort, but the mattock's broader head offers a bit more efficiency in scooping or cutting, reducing the need for additional tools. The pickaxe, while demanding more precision and force in striking, provides unmatched efficacy in breaking through the toughest terrains.
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Comparison Chart
Head Design
Adze and axe/pick blade
Pointed ends on both sides
Primary Use
Digging and chopping
Breaking hard surfaces
Versatility
High (suitable for multiple tasks)
Lower (specialized for breaking surfaces)
Ergonomics
Balanced for digging and cutting
Designed for maximum impact
Ideal for
Gardening, landscaping
Mining, construction
Compare with Definitions
Mattock
A hand tool for digging and chopping.
He used a mattock to prepare the ground for planting.
Pickaxe
A tool with a long handle and a head with two pointed ends.
He broke the compacted earth with a pickaxe.
Mattock
Versatile in gardening.
Her mattock was her go-to tool for all her gardening needs.
Pickaxe
Can penetrate tough materials.
With a pickaxe, they penetrated the layers of ice.
Mattock
Features an adze for scooping.
The adze of the mattock made it easy to remove loose soil.
Pickaxe
Requires swinging to use effectively.
Effective use of a pickaxe requires good technique and strength.
Mattock
Requires physical effort.
Using a mattock all day gave him a good workout.
Pickaxe
Designed for breaking hard ground.
The old road was removed using pickaxes and jackhammers.
Mattock
Includes a pick or axe blade.
With the mattock's axe blade, he cut through thick roots effortlessly.
Pickaxe
Common in construction and mining.
Pickaxes are essential tools on the construction site.
Mattock
A digging tool with a flat blade set at right angles to the handle.
Pickaxe
A heavy iron tool with a wooden handle and a curved head that is pointed on both ends;
They used picks and sledges to break the rocks
Mattock
A mattock is a hand tool used for digging, prying, and chopping. Similar to the pickaxe, it has a long handle and a stout head which combines either a vertical axe blade with a horizontal adze (cutter mattock), or a pick and an adze (pick mattock).
Pickaxe
A pickaxe, pick-axe, or pick is a generally T-shaped hand tool used for prying. Its head is typically metal, attached perpendicularly to a longer handle, traditionally made of wood, occasionally metal, and increasingly fiberglass.
Mattock
To cut or dig with a mattock.
Pickaxe
Break or strike with a pickaxe.
Mattock
A kind of pick that is used for digging; has a flat baled set at right angles to the handle
Pickaxe
To use a pickaxe on.
Common Curiosities
Can a mattock be used for the same purposes as a pickaxe?
While both can be used for breaking up ground, the mattock is better suited for tasks requiring digging and chopping.
Is a pickaxe more effective than a mattock for breaking rocks?
Yes, the design of a pickaxe makes it more effective for breaking through rocks and hard surfaces.
Why might a gardener prefer a mattock over a pickaxe?
The mattock's versatility in digging and chopping makes it more suitable for a variety of gardening tasks.
Do mattocks and pickaxes require maintenance?
Yes, both should be kept clean and sharp for effectiveness and safety.
Are both tools suitable for home use?
Yes, but the choice depends on the specific tasks, with mattocks being more versatile for general garden work.
What is the main difference between a mattock and a pickaxe?
The mattock combines a digging and chopping blade, while a pickaxe has pointed ends for breaking hard surfaces.
Can the adze side of a mattock be used for hoeing?
Yes, the adze side can efficiently hoe soil and create planting beds.
How do the handles of these tools affect their use?
Longer handles provide more leverage and force, but the choice of handle length is often based on user comfort and the specific task.
How should one choose between a mattock and a pickaxe?
Consider the task at hand; use a mattock for versatility in digging and chopping, and a pickaxe for breaking hard ground.
Are there different sizes of mattocks and pickaxes?
Yes, they come in various sizes to suit different tasks and user preferences.
Can a pickaxe be used in gardening?
It can be used for specific tasks like breaking up hard soil, but it's less versatile than a mattock.
Is a pickaxe heavier than a mattock?
The weight can vary, but generally, both are designed to be manageable for their intended tasks.
What makes a mattock efficient for planting?
Its adze side allows for digging planting holes and the axe side can cut through roots or turf.
Why might a construction worker prefer a pickaxe?
For its ability to break through concrete, asphalt, and other hard materials.
Can either tool be used by beginners in gardening or construction?
Yes, but with proper guidance and safety precautions due to their physical demands and potential hazards.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
