Many modern people who are not related to construction or working with stone may not know what a pickaxe is. The thing is that this item is gradually going out of use. A pickaxe is usually called a percussion hand tool designed to work with stone, rocks and hard ground. In addition, the pickaxe is great for construction work. With its help, you can easily destroy, for example, old masonry, break the foundation. This is possible due to the design features of the pickaxe, which allows you to deliver powerful and devastating blows. The base itself is made of durable metal alloys, so that the tool does not deform or break. A story about what a pickaxe is, a photo and a description are presented in this article.
Pickax device
The pick is the simplest device, as it consists of only two elements - a steel base and a handle, usually made of wood or plastic using three-component rubber. In turn, this tool is divided into two types: double-sided pick and one-sided.
Double sidedthe pick has two absolutely identical spikes on both sides of the working base. Sometimes one part may look like a narrow hoe blade. If we consider such a tool from the profile side, we can see that its base is bent into an arc. Due to the bend, the recoil force during the operation of the pick is reduced, and therefore, the efficiency of use is increased. In turn, a one-sided pick has a working base with one long spike and a rounded or flat butt, which allows it to be used as a hammer. The handle of the pick has a straight shape with an extension at one end where the working base sleeve is placed, so it is almost impossible to fall off.
Building Picks
Due to the regular reconstruction of urban architecture, the demolition of old buildings and the erection of new ones in their place, builders realized what a pick is and what invaluable help it can provide in dismantling old masonry and plastering the surface. Thanks to this, the construction kite has become very popular.
The main distinguishing feature of the modern pickaxe from its predecessors from other eras is the composition of its handle, made using three-component rubber. This feature provides a more comfortable work with the tool. Also popular are picks with a fiberglass handle, it is based on reinforcing metal and durable plastic. It dampens vibrations perfectly and has a ribbed surface that prevents slipping in your hand.
How to choose the right pickaxe
When purchasing a tool, you should pay attention, first of all, to the base material. As a rule, it is made of tool steel. However, modern pickaxes often use newer, higher strength materials. It is noteworthy that the pick in this case will cost a little more than the one made of tool steel. A pick from a well-known manufacturer is distinguished by reliability and quality, so when buying, you should pay attention to where and by what company it was made.
Keel dimensions are also important characteristics, namely the length of the handle and the width of the base. For repairs in a house or apartment, a small tool is enough. In turn, when working with rocks, they buy picks with a striker up to 60 cm and a handle that can reach 90 cm.
Today, the use of the pickaxe is not as widespread as it was, for example, a century earlier, when it was actively used by miners, rock climbers and geologists. But in the construction industry, it is still indispensable.
