Rothco Pick Mattock Review

Let’s Talk About Rothco Pick Mattock

The Rothco Pick Mattock is a simple, yet essential tool for anyone who spends time outdoors or needs a reliable implement for digging. Rothco, a long-standing name in military and tactical gear, offers this mattock as a no-frills option for various tasks, from gardening to creating firebreaks in a survival situation. For just under $26, it promises a military-style design with a forged pick and a hardwood handle, making it an intriguing option for those on a budget or seeking a basic, dependable tool.

I needed a reliable tool for clearing overgrown brush and breaking up tough soil on my property. I had been using a combination of shovels and axes, which were inefficient and frankly, exhausting. The Rothco Pick Mattock seemed like a good solution, offering both a pick for breaking ground and an adze for prying and digging.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the tool’s simplicity and solid feel. The hardwood handle felt robust, and the forged pick appeared well-made, although the paint job was a bit rough. It’s definitely a utilitarian tool, not something designed for aesthetics, but it felt ready for hard work.

I considered purchasing a Fiskars IsoCore Pick/Mattock, known for its vibration reduction, and a Council Tool Pulaski Axe, a classic firefighting tool. Ultimately, I chose the Rothco Pick Mattock due to its compact size and lower price point, making it easier to carry and store, and less of a financial commitment if it didn’t meet my needs. My initial excitement was tempered by the “WARNING” about cancer-causing chemicals, but I decided to proceed with testing, taking appropriate safety precautions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Pick Mattock to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Rothco Pick Mattock to work in my overgrown backyard, attempting to clear a patch of dense weeds and compacted soil for a vegetable garden. The ground was dry and rocky, providing a challenging environment for any digging tool. The pick side was effective at breaking up the hard soil, allowing me to loosen the ground before using the adze side to remove larger clumps of dirt and roots.

The handle, while sturdy, did transmit a fair amount of shock, especially when hitting rocks. I didn’t expect it to be perfectly comfortable for extended use, but I was surprised at how quickly my hands fatigued. There wasn’t any significant “getting used to it,” other than acclimating to the vibrations.

After about an hour of use, the paint on the pick started to chip, revealing the metal underneath. It didn’t affect performance, but it was a bit disappointing. Also, I noted that swinging the mattock in tight spaces could be tricky due to the handle’s length.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of sporadic use on various tasks around my property, the Rothco Pick Mattock has proven itself to be a reasonably durable tool. The handle has held up well, with no signs of cracking or splintering, despite the abuse it’s taken. The pick has retained its shape, even after hitting numerous rocks and roots.

The paint has continued to flake off the pick, exposing more of the metal, but there’s no rust yet. I’ve wiped it down with oil after each use to prevent corrosion. Cleaning is simple: just hose it down and wipe it dry.

Compared to using a shovel alone, the mattock has significantly reduced the amount of effort required for digging in hard soil. However, the vibration and shorter handle can make prolonged use tiring compared to using a heavier, longer-handled tool like a full-sized Pulaski. Overall, the Rothco Pick Mattock is a useful tool for small to medium-sized tasks, but it may not be the best choice for large-scale projects.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Pick Mattock

Specifications

The Rothco Pick Mattock features a forged pick and a durable hardwood handle. It has a length of 17 inches (76 cm). The pick type is an adze. The handle material is hardwood.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the tool’s performance and usability. The forged pick provides strength and durability for breaking ground, while the hardwood handle offers a sturdy grip and absorbs some of the impact. The 17-inch length makes it relatively compact and easy to carry, but it also limits the leverage and swing power.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco Pick Mattock performs its intended job reasonably well, particularly in breaking up hard soil and removing rocks and roots. The pick is sharp enough to penetrate compacted ground, and the adze is effective for prying and digging. It’s a useful tool for creating firebreaks, clearing trails, or working in a small garden.

However, its short handle limits its effectiveness for larger tasks, and the vibration can be tiring on the hands. The paint chipping is also a minor annoyance. While it meets basic expectations for a low-cost mattock, it falls short of the performance of more expensive, ergonomically designed tools.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rothco Pick Mattock is simple and utilitarian. The forged pick is securely attached to the hardwood handle. The handle is smooth but lacks any ergonomic features or grip enhancements.

The build quality is adequate, although the paint job could be better. The weight feels well-balanced, but the handle length may be uncomfortable for taller users or those accustomed to longer-handled tools. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s a straightforward tool to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco Pick Mattock appears to be reasonably durable, as the handle shows no significant signs of wear, and the pick has maintained its shape after weeks of use. Regular cleaning and oiling of the pick will help to prevent rust and extend its lifespan. The simple design means there are few parts that can break, making it relatively easy to maintain.

However, the lack of handle protection and the basic steel of the pick mean that it is unlikely to last as long as a more robust, high-end mattock. With proper care, it should provide several years of reliable use for occasional tasks.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco Pick Mattock comes with no accessories. There are limited customization options.

You could potentially wrap the handle with paracord or grip tape for added comfort, and you could sharpen the pick for improved performance. Other than that, it’s a basic tool with minimal customization potential. It’s not compatible with any specific accessories from other brands, given its universal design.

Pros and Cons of Rothco Pick Mattock