Picks and mattocks are designed to strike soil and earthly materials. Ideal for digging, trenching and breaking ground for site preparation.

Most forged bars are intended to dig, pitch, pry or pull and are not designed to be struck by a striking tool.

Mauls are designed to cut and hit wood. Never use to strike concrete, metal or equally hard materials.

The best way to maintain sharpness is to use a flat-file, followed by a whetstone.

Maintain the convex face and chamfer as it originally appears.

Prevent rust by wiping or spraying metal parts with light oil during long periods of storage.

To replace a wooden handle with a rasp or sandpaper.  Store the handle overnight in a warm, dry room to ensure dryness.  Handle should be driven tight in head, then drive the wood wedge as far as possible.