MarcusFossils Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 (edited) Hello fossil friends,The time has come for me to invest in some decent equipment, starting with the all important Rock Pick.That said, I've seen both pointed and chisel headed varieties...not sure which would be best. I'm collecting primarily in the Lorraine formation's argillaceous shale, but I'm sure to want to bring my equipment wherever else I go. What are the pros and cons of these two rock picks? Or is there perhaps an even better alternative? Thank you! Edited July 21, 2016 by MarcusFossils Website: https://www.instagram.com/paleo_archives/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 I use both now,... but I started with the Estwing Chisel End pick/hammer. Used it alone for 18 years or so. I've found if you are splitting shale, the chisel end does a better job on well laminated layered shales. Regards, EDIT: Found this on an auction site - Both for 36.00$ Free shipping. 2 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusFossils Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 EDIT: Found this on an auction site - Both for 36.00$ Free shipping. s-l1600.jpg Great price! Could you send a link, please ? Website: https://www.instagram.com/paleo_archives/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herb Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 (edited) The Estwing chisel point is probably the best for general use. I find the grips a bit slippery, so I sand them with coarse sandpaper to rough them up. Or wrap them with tennis grip tape which also gives them more padding. Edited July 21, 2016 by Herb 4 "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"_ Carl Sagen No trees were killed in this posting......however, many innocent electrons were diverted from where they originally intended to go. " I think, therefore I collect fossils." _ Me "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."__S. Holmes "can't we all just get along?" Jack Nicholson from Mars Attacks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 PM Sent. Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldigger Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 I have to say Tim, you did get an awesome price on those. I have been using a rock pick from Vaughn that seems comparable to the Estwing. However, it was $22 alone. I take my hammer underwater a lot so I didn't want to blow a whole bundle on something that may get rusty. It's been a few years and hasn't had any yet. However, I feel Estwing is your top choice. caldigger 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusFossils Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 How does this hammer look? Mastercraft Brick Hammer Cons: Wood handle (I think that's a con?) Weight not specified Pros: Half the price of a comparable Estwing Hammer Website: https://www.instagram.com/paleo_archives/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigHyatt Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 (edited) I just got a new rock pick via UPS today. But apparently you aren't supposed to hit rocks with it. ;-) http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/66934-my-rock-hammer-dont-rock/ I've been using an Estwing 22 oz masonry hammer. It seems very sturdy, but a tad heavy. Edited July 21, 2016 by CraigHyatt Info: Craig Hyatt, retired software/electrical engineer Experience: Beginner, fossil hunting less than a year Location: Eagle Pass, TX USA on the border with Mexico, hot dry desert Formation: Escondido, Marine, Upper Cretaceous Materials: Sandstone, Mudstone, Shale, Chert, Chalk Typical: Thalassinoides, Sphenodiscus, Exogyra, Inoceramus Reference: http://txfossils.com/Txfossils.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 In my opinion, it is worth the extra money to buy the Estwing. I have had my chisel end one for 21 years. Never had an issue with it. I was able to pick up two 14 oz. pick ended hammers for around $17.00 (US) shipped, each. from an auction site. What you loose in cost is made up for with durability. Not a fan of wooden handles, either. They break, rot, and scuff up easily. Regards, 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldigger Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 How does this hammer look? Mastercraft Brick Hammer Cons: Wood handle (I think that's a con?) Weight not specified Pros: Half the price of a comparable Estwing Hammer A brick hammer that is sold through a tire store?! Weird!!! You will probably be replacing the handle more than once in it's lifetime. I prefer hammers that have a solid shank that continues all the way through the handle (think about a knife, it is much stronger if the blade is one piece throughout the length of the tool). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 (edited) I have an Estwing 22oz Big Face chisel head "bricklayer" hammer and it certainly gets the job done. This hammer is a little heavier than most giving you more power when striking, but also tiring you out faster (Fatigue hasn't been an issue for me). It also has a bigger face so it's harder to swing and miss I would highly recommend this hammer! Estwing hammers are high quality. Edited July 21, 2016 by Bguild 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPS Ammonite Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 (edited) Stick with Estwing. My last Estwing lasted over 35 years until I put grip tape on it and gave it to a young collector. I suggest getting the 24oz Estwing with a pick end. The extra weight of the head delivers more force and may act as a substitute for carrying around a small sledge hammer. The pick end is great for digging fossils and rocks out of the soil and weathered rock outcrops. Also, buy a set of rock chisels with plastic/rubber grips and guards since the pick and chisel tips on a hammer are not really to be used as chisels. GEOLOGICAL ROCK PICK (SQUARE HEAD)24 oz big face rock pick, larger striking face, reduces shock up to 70%, forged in one piece solid steel.Item Number: E6-24PC Overall Length: 13/ 330 mm http://www.estwing.com/g_rock_pick_square_head.php Check out these rock chisels from Estwing: GEOLOGICAL ROCK CHISELSEstwing full assortment of rock chisels have vinyl grips. Item Number Overall Length Cut Point StockERC-12C 12" / 305 mm .625" .375"ERC-9C 9" / 229 mm .75" .75"ERC-8C 8" / 203 mm 1.125" .75"ERC-7C 7" / 178 mm 2.375" .625" http://www.estwing.com/g_rock_chisles_vinyl_handle.php Edited July 21, 2016 by DPS Ammonite 4 My goal is to leave no stone or fossil unturned. See my Arizona Paleontology Guide link The best single resource for Arizona paleontology anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusFossils Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 I appreciate all of your responses! I think ya'll have me convinced to start with a chisel edge Estwing (considering that I'm splitting very fragile laminated shale, I feel the chisel edge would be a better fit). I'll still check out the Mastercraft brick hammer, just in case there's I fall in love with it. Otherwise, I'm thinking the E3-24PC. It a basically like the E3-24BLC, but slightly lighter, has a 1.3cm shorter head, and the striking surface is .25cm instead of .35cm (so delivers more punch). And it's 6 dollars less! If there's a better option, I'm still eminently open to suggestions. Thanks again Website: https://www.instagram.com/paleo_archives/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erose Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 (edited) In my opinion wooden handles are dangerous. I have had experience with hammer heads breaking off and go flying and I have had experience with the wood drying out and the head becoming loose and then becoming dangerous. Fiberglass handles are only slightly better. But wood or fiberglass will not stand up when you hit them against rock. PS Rock hammers are made for hitting rock. What they are not made for is hitting chisels or other hard steel items or doing serious demolition. If you do need to do some demolition get a sledge hammer or two. I have the Estwing 3-lb. crack hammer. I almost never carry it in the field, but I keep it handy in the car with a few other tools just in case. With that said I do use my rock pick to hit chisels on occasion. But usually in softer rock, gentle tapping, driving a long chisel into a seam for leverage, etc. Edited July 24, 2016 by erose 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimS Posted July 26, 2016 Share Posted July 26, 2016 I use the estwing 22oz pointed, it's nice for getting between submerged rocks from any angle. When i was a carpenter i broke countless wood handles before switching to an estwing rip ... thought the metal handle would carry impact and jar my arm but it didn't. In the long run you'll save money going with the solid steel handle. If you have to pry something serious be sure to keep the handle straight as they don't pry as well at an angle as a round handle, but this isn't usually much of an issue. And if there's a hammer in your hand, put some glasses on your face 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted July 26, 2016 Share Posted July 26, 2016 I have to chime in on the wooden handle. I have a head off one of my father's first rock hammers. I put it on a hickory hammer handle and used it for several years until the handle shattered in my hand this spring. Man did that hurt!!! It's going to be relegated to the garage for now. My main hammers are all Estwing and I have never regretted that choice. I've worn them to the point that the pick or chisel ends have to be ground down again but have never broken one. 3 Regards, Kris Global Paleo Services, LLC https://globalpaleoservices.com http://instagram.com/globalpaleoservices http://instagram.com/kris.howe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNCollector Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 My 22oz Estwing pointed hammer with the leather grip is nice, and looks nice too! They are by far the best geological hammers you can buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DE&i Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 (edited) I've tried many Estwing hammers as you know the name sells it self. As I'm splitting fissle clay on a weekly basis it took me a few years to realise that Estwings design was a little cumbersome for such matrix. I would recommend and use a Mortar Geology Pick. Ideal for clay and shale. The one I use has a high quality feel when in hand. With a long, sharp point and a sharp chisel end. Perfect for clay, shale, sand, chalk etc. Made from carbon tempered steel with steel shaft. Link supplied below http://www.ukge.com/en-gb/Geological/Geological-Pointed-Picks/Mortar-Geology-Pick__p-6-30-46.aspx Edited July 31, 2016 by DarrenElliot Regards.....D&E&i The only certainty with fossil hunting is the uncertainty. https://lnk.bio/Darren.Withers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siteseer Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Great advice, Herb. I've had my Estwing chisel point for 20-25 years and the sharp point for about as long. There's also some new liquid rubber that hardens for a grippable surface but that hasn't stood the test of time yet. I found a black-handled pick out in the field years ago. It looked like it had been out there for years because the handle was a little rotted. It just gave it a better grip. Jess The Estwing chisel point is probably the best for general use. I find the grips a bit slippery, so I sand them with coarse sandpaper to rough them up. Or wrap them with tennis grip tape which also gives them more padding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siteseer Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Yes, I like that crack hammer too. I used it on some crab nodules from northern Oregon and got a great split exposing a big gastropod. In my opinion wooden handles are dangerous. I have had experience with hammer heads breaking off and go flying and I have had experience with the wood drying out and the head becoming loose and then becoming dangerous. Fiberglass handles are only slightly better. But wood or fiberglass will not stand up when you hit them against rock. PS Rock hammers are made for hitting rock. What they are not made for is hitting chisels or other hard steel items or doing serious demolition. If you do need to do some demolition get a sledge hammer or two. I have the Estwing 3-lb. crack hammer. I almost never carry it in the field, but I keep it handy in the car with a few other tools just in case. With that said I do use my rock pick to hit chisels on occasion. But usually in softer rock, gentle tapping, driving a long chisel into a seam for leverage, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusFossils Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 Bought myself the chisel headed masonry hammer and it works like a hot knife through butter. Not an estwing but the quality is good enough for my needs. And considering I have to bike 5 miles just to get to where I collect, not having a huge steel handle saves on weight and back pain. Thanks everyone. This is a great thread full of helpful information! 1 Website: https://www.instagram.com/paleo_archives/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigHyatt Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 I kinda got attached to my new Estwing.... after griping about it on another thread. ;-) It's a fine hammer and a pleasure to use. Info: Craig Hyatt, retired software/electrical engineer Experience: Beginner, fossil hunting less than a year Location: Eagle Pass, TX USA on the border with Mexico, hot dry desert Formation: Escondido, Marine, Upper Cretaceous Materials: Sandstone, Mudstone, Shale, Chert, Chalk Typical: Thalassinoides, Sphenodiscus, Exogyra, Inoceramus Reference: http://txfossils.com/Txfossils.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigHyatt Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Found this prototype Estwing that somebody lost. 1 Info: Craig Hyatt, retired software/electrical engineer Experience: Beginner, fossil hunting less than a year Location: Eagle Pass, TX USA on the border with Mexico, hot dry desert Formation: Escondido, Marine, Upper Cretaceous Materials: Sandstone, Mudstone, Shale, Chert, Chalk Typical: Thalassinoides, Sphenodiscus, Exogyra, Inoceramus Reference: http://txfossils.com/Txfossils.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusFossils Posted August 3, 2016 Author Share Posted August 3, 2016 Found this prototype Estwing that somebody lost. Craig, what in the heck is that thing ?! Website: https://www.instagram.com/paleo_archives/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigHyatt Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 (edited) Craig, what in the heck is that thing ?! My best guess is it's part of the crankshaft out of a 1958 crashed spaceship. :-P(Actually no idea. Maybe some kind of post anchor? It's made of solid iron and shows evidence of welding and a cutting torch, so it's modern.) Edited August 3, 2016 by CraigHyatt Info: Craig Hyatt, retired software/electrical engineer Experience: Beginner, fossil hunting less than a year Location: Eagle Pass, TX USA on the border with Mexico, hot dry desert Formation: Escondido, Marine, Upper Cretaceous Materials: Sandstone, Mudstone, Shale, Chert, Chalk Typical: Thalassinoides, Sphenodiscus, Exogyra, Inoceramus Reference: http://txfossils.com/Txfossils.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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