JR8675309
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2019
Posts: 807
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Post by JR8675309 on Apr 19, 2022 14:24:28 GMT -5
Rockhounds! I've found size, shape and weight weigh into my choices for a pick and a mattock. I have a mattock with a 2 1/2 lb head on a 3 ft fiberglass handle from a big box hardware store. I have been considering cutting the handle to shorten it some. I have a HF mattock with a short handle. I feel like Goldilocks. That led me to think about an estwing paleo pick. "They say the balance is nice". So I'd like to know what other folks are using to pick and dig. I'd also like to know if you have the estwing paleo pick. I have an estwing 14 oz pick, a gad and the mattocks listed above. Thanks for your input!
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Post by greig on Apr 19, 2022 16:02:43 GMT -5
What is the need that you are trying to fulfill? I have various picks for different uses. Typically, the longer handle is better but more difficult to carry.
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aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on Apr 19, 2022 16:20:58 GMT -5
I use a Paleo pick it's on the heavier side I still pack it in with my 2lb and 4lb hammers and gads along with my mini shovel and various rock hammers. I also like ww2 era army picks they are maybe 2lb head and a 20in handle or so. I like a longer handle on my hammers, you can always choke up. But a longer handle on picks isn't as advantages, especially if picking on a hill side. The shorter handle stays out of the way when your picking Infront of you. Due to the slope of the work is closer to you than you might think.
JaGates
Edit. I'm 6ft 2 240 my dad is 71 And doesn't like to swing the Paleo as much he is still pretty able bodied but complains it is hard on elbows and shoulders. Just fyi. He's 140# 5 ft 10
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,492
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Post by Sabre52 on Apr 19, 2022 20:15:03 GMT -5
I too like the fiberglass handled pick mattock from Home Depot. Tried a cheaper one and bent it all up prying out big veins if agate. Smaller stuff I've always used Estwing. I love one I have with a slightly longer handle but don't know of they still make those. I wore a couple of those down to a nubbin digging at the Baker eggs beds many years ago, that ash eats rock picks up! Now I always keep a couple regular Estwing rock picks on hand. Never forget my gem scoop either. Keeps me from putting my hands in bushes with rattlers and also saves a lot of bending over.
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Post by vegasjames on Apr 19, 2022 20:24:55 GMT -5
I just got the small pick at Harbor Freight that I do most my digging with, and I keep a hammer with me as well. If I come across something that needs something heavier then I have a full size pick in the truck and a pry bar that I can use.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,153
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Post by rockbrain on Apr 20, 2022 20:20:09 GMT -5
I think I might know but can someone define what a gad is? An RTH and a google search didn't enlighten me.
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,240
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Post by quartzilla on Apr 20, 2022 21:12:58 GMT -5
The paleo pick is my most used digging tool. So nice I have 2 of them. They are weighted and balanced perfectly for me. Digging, prying, scraping (like a hoe), they do it all.
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,240
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Post by quartzilla on Apr 20, 2022 21:16:34 GMT -5
I think I might know but can someone define what a gad is? An RTH and a google search didn't enlighten me. a gad is basically a chisel that come to a point at the end. Where as a chisel would be used as a wedge to exploit a existing crack or crevice by spreading it further apart the gad creates the crack or crevice from unmarred rock. Very handy item for tough rock. |
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Post by Son Of Beach on Apr 20, 2022 21:19:46 GMT -5
Thanks Perk, I was lost as well.
I'm kind of shocked at how many tools you need, I just pick them off the beach  |
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aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on Apr 21, 2022 10:09:10 GMT -5
Well a gad specifically is a four sided point at like 30degrees or something not 100percet on the angle but I think I read there is an optimal angle of the slope to the point. A bullet point that's round in every direction is great for boring into the rock but the 4 90degree edges of the gad promote cleavage  . Honestly next best thing to feathers and shims with out the need of the initial hole. If I'm mistaken ide like to be corrected but to the best of my knowledge I gave it to you strait. Johnny aGates. |
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Post by perkins17 on Apr 21, 2022 12:09:07 GMT -5
Thanks Perk, I was lost as well.
I'm kind of shocked at how many tools you need, I just pick them off the beach Someone called?  I'm glad someone cleared that up too. Add gads to the list of about 10 billion dollars worth of equipment I need to get! |
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JR8675309
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2019
Posts: 807
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Post by JR8675309 on Apr 21, 2022 21:59:02 GMT -5
I use a Paleo pick it's on the heavier side I still pack it in with my 2lb and 4lb hammers and gads along with my mini shovel and various rock hammers. I also like ww2 era army picks they are maybe 2lb head and a 20in handle or so. I like a longer handle on my hammers, you can always choke up. But a longer handle on picks isn't as advantages, especially if picking on a hill side. The shorter handle stays out of the way when your picking Infront of you. Due to the slope of the work is closer to you than you might think. JaGates Edit. I'm 6ft 2 240 my dad is 71 And doesn't like to swing the Paleo as much he is still pretty able bodied but complains it is hard on elbows and shoulders. Just fyi. He's 140# 5 ft 10 How heavy is the paleo pick? The length of handle seems right to me at 24", but definitive weight specs are somewhat elusive. |
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aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on Apr 22, 2022 12:23:54 GMT -5
I will weigh it tonight. I'll have a good estimate it's not too chewed up.
Johnny aGates
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JR8675309
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2019
Posts: 807
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Post by JR8675309 on Apr 22, 2022 12:58:29 GMT -5
I will weigh it tonight. I'll have a good estimate it's not too chewed up. Johnny aGates I really appreciate it! |
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aGates
has rocks in the head
Building a silver studio
Member since January 2021
Posts: 518
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Post by aGates on May 1, 2022 22:32:00 GMT -5
JR8675309 here you go the estwing Paleo pick weighs 4.5 lbs.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,816 
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Post by Mark K on May 2, 2022 16:44:51 GMT -5
I use multiple, depends on the requirements.
Also, the full size will get a trouble maker's attention when you drop the handle against the ground and let the head fall free and now have a pick handle in your hand.
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JR8675309
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2019
Posts: 807
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Post by JR8675309 on May 3, 2022 7:38:35 GMT -5
JR8675309 here you go the estwing Paleo pick weighs 4.5 lbs. Thanks aGates! It's on the radar for potential purchase. I am going to weigh the one I have for comparison, but I like the idea of a 24" handle over longer. Though each tool has a use In most cases. |
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JR8675309
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2019
Posts: 807
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Post by JR8675309 on May 3, 2022 7:40:58 GMT -5
I use multiple, depends on the requirements. Also, the full size will get a trouble maker's attention when you drop the handle against the ground and let the head fall free and now have a pick handle in your hand. I agree, the implement does depend on the job. My goal is something in the 24" range for a handle that has a little better balance. Yes indeed, as far as safety, I started carrying bear spray when I am way off the beaten path solo. |
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Post by Mel on May 13, 2022 15:16:52 GMT -5
I just use an Estwing pointed tip rock hammer (one face is pointed, one face is flat). I don't dig much though, most of my finds come off the riverbank or the internet.
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. Honestly next best thing to feathers and shims with out the need of the initial hole. If I'm mistaken ide like to be corrected but to the best of my knowledge I gave it to you strait. Johnny aGates. 
I'm glad someone cleared that up too. Add gads to the list of about 10 billion dollars worth of equipment I need to get! 
