Whether you are an amateur who wants to go rockhounding or a professional geologist, the rock hammer is an essential tool. Let’s find out everything you need to know in order to find the perfect rock hammer for your needs.
How to use a rock hammer or a rock pick?
Rock hammers are used mostly to crack open or split rocks. They can be used to fracture a specimen to reveal its crystalline structure. This is useful in geology for rock and mineral identification. In addition, rock hammers can be used to make rock specimens more appealing by revealing part of its structure.
Rock hammers can further be used to pry or split apart layers of soft rocks and sediments. They are often used by paleontologists and for amateur fossil hunting. Rock hammers are also useful in the field for clearing up small rubbles and to dig out hard to reach rock specimens.
Rock hammers are also used to hit directly a rock specimen. The shape of the head hammer directly affects the strength of the impact. For example, a pointed-tip will provide more power by targeting a narrower surface on the rock. In addition, the length and weight of the rock hammer influence the strength of the impact.
Beginner’s guide for finding the best rock hammer or rock pick
There are many types of rock hammers available on the market and it can be quite confusing for amateur geologists to find the best one for them. In fact, there are many things to consider when buying a rock hammer. The intended use in one crucial factor to evaluate, as some rock hammers are designed specifically for a certain type of rocks.
In addition, you need to think about the type of rockhouding that you intend to do. Indeed, you might want to think twice about the rock hammer weight or size when you expect to travel long distances on foot to access a site. On the other hand, you may want to bring a heavier rock hammer if you expect to encounter bigger or hard rocks.
It is crucial for rock hammers to be made from high-quality materials, due to the intensive work that they accomplish. Typically, a good rock hammer is made out of a single piece of hardened steel. The grip is generally made of rubber or leather. Both options can be good, but you should again keep in mind that their quality will definitely impact the comfort of the grip. In addition, high quality rock hammers are well balanced, which can further improve their use. Altogether, the overall quality/price ratio is an important thing to consider when buying a rock hammer. It might still be worth spending a few extra dollars to find a high-quality product with a good durability.
Check this Rock Hounding and Gem Mining Geology Tool Kit on Amazon
What are the different types of rock hammers and other geological tools?
There is a variety of rock hammers and other useful geologist tools available out there. The main categories include:
–Pointed-tip rock pick
–Chisel-edge rock hammer
–Crack hammer
–Pry bar
–Geological pick
Let’s now see in detail these different type of rock hammers, how to use these geologist’s tools and the best buying options available for each category.
Best rock hammer or rock pick
Most of the rock hammers or rock picks have a length that ranges between 11 and 13 inches (28-33 cm). Typically, a 16 oz hammer (450 g) is considered sufficient for most rock types, although metamorphic or igneous rocks can require more strength. There are also small hammers available. These rock hammers that weight 8 oz (225g) or less are perfectly suitable for children.
The head of the rock hammer is composed of two edges. The main edge is a square head with a flat surface used to hit rocks and crack them open. The other side defines if it should be considered more of a rock hammer or a rock pick. Generally speaking, rock hammers refer mostly to chisel-edge rock hammers. On the other hand, pointed-tip rock hammers are often referred to as rock picks. Let’s now see the differences between these two closely related rock hammers.
Pointed-tip rock hammer (also called rock pick)
The pointed-tip rock hammer is generally used for hard rocks. Rock picks are good for metamorphic, igneous as well as hard sedimentary rocks. The pointed-tip will concentrate the hit on a smaller surface, therefore increasing its strength. Therefore, pointed-tip rock hammers can be used to crack open or split a small specimen to reveal its composition.
Here are some of the best rock picks:
Efficere 22 oz pointed tip rock hammer
This rock pick is Amazon’s choice for rock hammers and has a score of 4.6/5 with over 1000 ratings.
This rock pick is a drop forged single piece of steel. It has a polished finish with an additional rust proof coating for maximal durability. The handle of the rock pick is made of rubber and offers a good grip. This pick is also well balanced. Overall, this rock pick has a good quality/price ratio.
Check this 22-Ounce All Steel Rock Pick Hammer with Pointed Tip – 11-Inch Length
Despite the very good ratings, some reviews pointed out that the rubber sleeve was glued to the metal and that it can break apart over time. Other reviews also noted metal deformations and dents when using it with hard rocks such as granite and basalt.
Nonetheless, this rock pick is still an amazing option for less than 25$. This is a very good rock pick for beginners. More advanced geologists may still prefer to invest a little more for better overall quality.
Estwing 22 oz rock hammer (E3-22P Estwing hammer)
The Estwing pointed-tip rock hammer has an outstanding score of 4.8/5 with over 1300 ratings. No wonder why Estwing is synonym of quality for most professional and experimented geologists. This rock pick is proudly made in the USA from high quality American steel. In addition, they have a patented shock reduction rubber grip that can reduce the shock up to 70%.
Estwing is also selling other high-quality rock picks at different length and weight to better suit your needs. They are also available with a genuine leather grip. Even though Eswing rock hammers are a little more expensive, I would definitely pick this one! (Sorry for the pun)
Surprisingly, the following warning is engraved on the hammer head: “Pick head for prying only”. I am a bit confused by this label since it would defeat the whole purpose of having a rock pick. However, there are numerous reviews from satisfied customers that successfully used it for rockhounding.
Chisel-edge rock hammer (also called bricklayer’s hammer or mason’s hammer)
The chisel-edge rock hammer is generally used for soft rocks such as sedimentary rocks. The chisel-edge hammer is used mostly to pry or split apart layers of sediments. This is why paleontologists often use chisel-edge rock hammers to split slate or shale to reveal fossils. This type of rock hammer can also be useful on the field for clearing up loose materials.
20 oz Estwing brick hammer (Model E3-20BLC)
This brick hammer from Estwing has an outstanding score of 4.8/5 with over 250 ratings. Again, I am sold for Estwing’s rock hammer because of their quality. This chisel-edge rock hammer has all the main features of Estwing products including the high-quality American steel and a rubber grip using very efficient shock reduction technology. This rock hammer will break or split open a rock without any effort.
Check the Estwing Bricklayer’s/Mason’s Hammer – 16 oz – E3-16BLC
Crack Hammer (also called drilling hammer, engineer’s hammer or sledge hammer)
The crack hammer is an essential tool for rockhounding. As its name suggests, this hammer is the perfect tool to crack rocks. The crack hammer has the weigh and power required to crack hard rocks. For example, crack hammers are useful to crack igneous rocks such as pegmatite vugs to reveal amethysts.
In addition, these sledge hammers can also be used in combination with chisel or a pry bar to crack or pry open rocks. Let’s now see some really good crack hammers.
Crack Hammer – 3-Pound Sledge with Fiberglass Handle
This crack hammer is Amazon’s choice and has a score of 4.8/5 with over 1800 ratings. Despite very good reviews, this crack hammer is falsely advertised as an original Estwing geological tool. However, this crack hammer is a copy made in China. You can tell by the yellow handle instead of the famous Estwing blue. Nonetheless, this hammer is still very good and affordable (under 20$).
Check this Drilling/Crack Hammer – 3-Pound Sledge with Fiberglass Handle on Amazon
The crack hammer weights 3 lbs (1.35 kg) and is 11 inches (28 cm) in length. This crack hammer has a good balance and comfortable grip. In addition, the handle is made of lightweight fiberglass. In conclusion, this is a good crack hammer although it is an Estwing ripoff. Check the next description to see the original Estwing crack hammer.
Estwing Drilling/Crack Hammer – 3-Pound Sledge – B3-3LB
This is the real Estwing crack hammer. It is made in USA using the finest American steel. This crack hammer is also forged in one piece for more durability. In addition, this hammer has a unique shock reduction grip. The Estwing crack hammer is sold for about 25$ and it may very well be worth spending a few extra dollars for this one. This product is a very good quality/price ratio and I definitely recommend it.
Click here to see the Estwing Drilling/Crack Hammer – 3-Pound Sledge – B3-3LB
Estwing BIG BLUE Drilling/Crack Hammer 4-Pound – Long Handle Sledge – B3-4LBL
This is another high-quality crack hammer from Estwing. It has an incredible score of 4.9/5 on Amazon with over 150 ratings. The overall length of this crack hammer is 16 inches (40 cm) and it weights 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Again, this product has all the main features of Estwing geologist’s tools. It also has a perfect balance between the handle length and the head weight. This crack hammer is a powerful tool that will break any rock easily. Despite having a longer handle, this crack hammer is still super convenient to carry during rockhounding trips. For about 35$, this crack hammer is a must have tool!
Check this Estwing BIG BLUE Drilling/Crack Hammer – 4-Pound Long Handle Sledge – B3-4LBL on Amazon
Pry Bar
The pry bar is another geologist’s tool that is really useful. Its pointed can easily break or pry any rock. For example, the pry bar can be used for extracting agate seams from the host rock or for mining quartz. The pointed tip can also be used to dig into rubbles. In addition, you can use a pry bar in combination with a crack hammer to gain even more power. This will break any type of rocks in no time!
Estwing Gad Pry Bar – 18″ Forged Geological Tool with Pointed Tip & Chisel End – GP-18
The Estwing gad pry bar is simply amazing and has as an outstanding score of 4.8/5 on Amazon with more that 150 reviews. This geological tool is 18 inches long (46 cm) for only 20 oz (0.5 kg), due to its perfect “I” shape design. This lightweight tool is therefore super convenient to bring for rock hounding. The Estwing pry bar is also the perfect tool to move rubble and dirt.
In addition to the pointed tip, the pry bar has a chisel end for digging through hard debris and layered rocks. The chisel-end also makes a good leverage point that can be used to move really large boulders. It is surprising to see how easy it is to move gigantic rocks using this pry bar!
Paleo/Geological Pick (also called a prospector’s pick or mattock)
This is the last but not the least useful type of geologist’s tool. The chisel end of the geological pick is used for prying and lifting rocks. The chisel end is also perfect to move rubble and dirt. The geological pick is used for fossil and rock hunting. The chisel end can easily pry apart layered sedimentary rocks such as shale and limestone to reveal fossil specimens.
On the other hand, the pointed tip of the geological pick is used to chip, break or crack open hard rocks. This pick is the perfect geological tool for heavy-duty work.
Estwing Geo Pick – 25″ Geological Tool (GP-100)
The Geo/Paleo pick from Estwing is a really nice geological tool. It is quite popular on Amazon with a score of 4.8/5 and over 250 ratings. This geological pick is 25.5 inches long (65 cm) and weights 4 lbs (1.8 kg). It is made of a single piece of high-quality American steel. In addition, the geological pick has a textured and durable vinyl grip. This pick is light enough to facilitate its transport, and is sufficient for heavy work. Overall, this geological pick represents a really good quality/price ratio and you won’t be disappointed by this one.
Check this Estwing Geo/Paleo Rock Pick – 25″ Geological Tool – GP-100 on Amazon
Rock hammer holster and sheath
A rock hammer holster is a must for your chisel-edge or pointed-tip rock pick. The sheath does not only protect your rock hammer, but also makes it much more convenient to carry on the field.
Some people are complaining about rust on their geological tools. You have to keep in mind that these tools are made for heavy-duty work. It is normal for steel to rust over time. Although it may affect the rock hammer esthetically, it will not impact its performance and does not mean that these tools are not durable.
Check this Estwing #22 Rock hammer holster sheath – Fits E30, E30SE, E13P and E13PM
Safety equipment for rockhounding
It is important to wear safety equipment while rockhounding. This includes good eye protection by wearing safety googles. Indeed, cracking rocks can cause sharp fragments to be projected at high velocity. Gloves are also essential on the field. It might also be a good idea to wear a hard hat on sites where rocks could easily fall or roll over.
Geologist’s pro tip
Just a quick tip when taking pictures in the field. It is always a good idea to include your rock hammer or rock pick in the picture. Since it has a standard format, it can be used as a scale to give an idea of the size of a geological formation or a rock specimen.
Conclusion
I hope that you appreciated this introductory guide to rock hammers. As you can see, there are many geological tools available, all of which have a specific function. It is much more complex than just breaking rocks! Now that you know more about each type of rock hammers, you should be able to find the perfect one to bring for your rockhounding trips.
Please share this post and feel free to share your thoughts or questions with me in the comment section down below. You can also have a look at my previous post to find the best sluice box for gold mining, to learn how to polish rocks using a rock tumbler or to find the best rock tumbler grit and supplies.
Photo cover credit: Matt Affolter