The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The Fiskars Pickaxe is ideal for working on stony, hard soils or gravel. The chopping side is intended for chopping and cutting, while the pointed side can even be used to remove tree stumps and stones. The head and shaft of this hoe are inextricably linked so that the head does not suddenly come off.

The shaft is perfectly balanced so that the Blows let it be better controlled. The device head is provided with a rust-resistant coating, which significantly extends the service life of the device. The ergonomic anti-slip handle reduces vibrations so that joints and muscles are less painful after the work is done.

This inexpensive Pickaxe from the manufacturer Roughneck is particularly small, light and handy. It is a versatile multi-function tool that can be used wherever normal models are simply too big or too unwieldy.

In their reviews, Amazon customers praise the very good price-performance ratio as well as the robust material, which can be made sharp again with the help of a flex when it is heavily used. The fiberglass handle sits comfortably in the hand and has an anti-slip adhesive. Compared to wood, the material also has the advantage that it does not splinter.

This mini pickaxe has been praised by Amazon customers for its excellent price-performance ratio, and the handy tool can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. The special shape of the pickaxe makes it possible to work on both heavy, stony ground and soft ground.

You can use the device to loosen up stony loam soils (and then use a spade dig out) as well as work on hard-to-remove root stocks. The rubberized fiberglass handle sits comfortably in the hand and is also suitable for delicate female hands, as it does not require a lot of force to use.

Purchase criteria

Areas of application

The pickaxe choice depends on what you want to edit. Basically, both hard and soft soils can be worked with this tool, so that you can then pick up the earth with a shovel. Pickaxes are also used when building garden paths or making foundations. Even gravel and stones can be processed with this tool. The pointed end loosens hard surfaces, the flat one pushes loosened soil aside.

size

Pickaxes come with long handles and in micro and mini versions with short handles. The latter are often better to use in the garden, as they are lighter and more manageable. Large, heavy models, on the other hand, are more suitable for the construction site, although they are now more likely to be replaced by machines. For some uses, however, a large pickaxe is recommended when the work (e.g. B. the removal of root stocks) should be done gently for the garden.

weight

The pickaxe is a striking tool that requires a certain amount of physical strength to use. So that working with the device is not so difficult for you and your muscles do not tire too quickly, The lightest possible weight is advantageous - such a pickaxe should not weigh more than three kilograms to weigh. Then it can be used for a longer period of time without symptoms of fatigue and painful joints. Mini pickaxes are particularly light.

material

Traditionally, a pickaxe consists of a wooden handle - often beech or ash wood - and a forged steel head with two ends. Today the head is still made of steel, although it does not always have to be forged. However, forged steel has the advantage that it is more robust and durable than cast goods. Galvanized heads are well protected against rust. The stems are often made of rubberized or non-stick coated plastic or fiberglass.

execution

Original pickaxes have a pointed and a flat side, both of which should result in the smallest possible area. Depending on the size and length of the handle, these tools are intended for one-handed or two-handed use. In particular, the long-handled models with a handle length of up to two meters require the use of both hands. In addition to the traditional flat pickaxe, there are mixed forms on the market, for example a hoe and hammer.

frequently asked Questions

What forms of pickaxe are there?

Pickaxes come in different sizes and designs. For the garden you need both short-handled, handy devices that can be easily operated with one hand and that should be as light as possible. The shapes with a long wooden handle are also practical when tilling the soil, but require more physical strength.

Which are the simplest / most common models?

The most common is a pickaxe model, which is also known as a pickaxe or cross pickaxe. These devices have been used almost unchanged for hundreds of years. These hoes are handy and can be used in many ways. Nowadays, handles made of microfiberglass are often used instead of wooden ones, as these are more robust and less prone to splintering.

Does a pickaxe need to be sharpened?

Since the pickaxe is not a cutting tool, but a striking tool, a sharp blade is not essential for use - especially since the tip wears only a little. Therefore, manual sharpening is usually not necessary. You should take good care of the tool and regularly remove any dirt that has stuck to it.

Which companies offer pickaxes?

Almost all known and lesser-known manufacturers of gardening tools have pickaxes on offer. In addition to major brands such as Fiskars, Peddinghaus or Ribiland, manufacturers such as Ideal, KS Tools, Mercatools, Truper, Alyco and Silverline are also popular. In addition, many specialty stores (e.g. B. DIY stores) offer inexpensive own brands of good quality.

What does a pickaxe cost?

How much you need to spend on a pickaxe depends on a number of factors. Simple no-name products with a wooden handle are of course cheaper than high-quality branded products with a handle made of microfiber glass. Depending on the manufacturer, size and material, a standard pickaxe costs between approx. 15 and up to more than 100 euros.

What do you need a pickaxe for?

You need a pickaxe for tilling the soil, for example for garden beds that have been lying fallow for a long time. With this tool, the various, even hard, layers of soil can be loosened well, so that instead of digging up a bed you just have to chop through it. In addition, mountaineers need handy pickaxes as pimples, but different criteria are applied to these.

equipment

spade

Anyone who has to work heavy, stony soils benefits from a sharp spade. This can be used to dig up various substrates. The tool is also suitable for cutting off lawn corners or root stocks. The ideal complement to the pickaxe for any tillage.

shovel

Loosened soil or other material must then be moved. For picking up earth, sand, stones, etc. a robust and stable shovel is suitable. Here you have the choice between classic models, but you can also opt for a mixture of spade and shovel.

wheelbarrow

Garden wheelbarrows shouldn't be too heavy themselves, they should be easy to move. Nevertheless, a high capacity is necessary so that material such as cut and bulk material can be easily moved away. Wheels with pneumatic tires are easier to move than hard rubber versions.