If you need a good and strong tool to break up roots and dig up hard soil, I recommend the Roughneck 5lb Pick Mattock.
With a pointed pick on one end and a cutting blade on the other, the Roughneck mattock can easily handle tough jobs around the garden. The fibreglass handle makes it lightweight, durable and more resistant to the elements.
Read on for my full review, including what I like and don’t like about it.
Roughneck 5lb Pick Mattock Review
What Are You Buying?
1. Versatile Mattock
A mattock is one of the most useful and versatile garden tools. A lot of the gardening tasks you struggle to do with a spade or hoe can be done a lot more easily with a mattock.
The Roughneck mattock has two ends that give the tool its versatility. One end is chisel-like (the pick). It’s long and pointed, perfect for breaking up compacted soil, digging up roots and digging holes or narrow trenches.
The other end is a cutting blade that makes easy work of cutting through hard soil, lifting and moving clumps of soil or compost, and cutting up tough roots.
2. Strong Roll-Forged Steel Head
The chisel end and the blade are forged into one strong head that’s made from hardened and tempered alloy steel. A black paint finish provides further protection from scuffs and corrosion.
This ensures the Roughneck mattock can handle anything you throw at it, no matter how tough whether it is breaking up hard soil, digging out shrubs or uprooting small trees. It won’t bend, warp or break.
3. Durable & Lightweight Fibreglass Handle
The handle is just as important when it comes to garden tools. The Roughneck mattock handle is made with a fibreglass. That’s a bit unusual if you are used to wooden or metal handles on your garden tools. But a fibreglass handle has several advantages.
- Fibreglass is extremely strong. The fibreglass handle on the Roughneck mattock handle will last for years without splintering or breaking. Note: For the longest lifespan, Roughneck says you should not use the mattock as a pry bar, especially when digging out deep roots.
- Fibreglass handles are lighter than wooden and metal handles, making fibreglass tools easier to use. You can dig and cut for a long time without getting very tired or your hands getting sore.
- A fibreglass handle is maintenance-free. It doesn’t rot or corrode, so you don’t need to take special care of it.
- The fibreglass handle on the Roughneck mattock absorbs shock better than a wooden or metal handle. So it’s easier on your hands, and safer too.
4. Soft Grip Polypropylene Jacket
For added comfort, the fibreglass handle on the Roughneck mattock comes with a soft grip polypropylene jacket.
How Easy Is It To Use?
A common sentiment from customers is that the Roughneck mattock feels well balanced. This is very important when it comes to ease of use. You want a mattock that light in your hands while allowing you to pack a lot of power with each swing and hit.
The Roughneck mattock balances the lightweight 1.29kg (2.8lbs) mattock with a hefty 2.27kg (5lbs) steel head. The long 90cm long handle lets you swing the mattock with lots of power.
The result is a mattock that feels both light yet heavy and powerful enough to break through tough roots or hard soil.
What Accessories Are Included?
Other than the head and the handle, no accessories are included with the Roughneck mattock. You also don’t need to buy anything extra to use it.
Pros
- Lightweight fibreglass handle.
- Strong and durable forged steel head.
- Feels well balanced – easy to use.
- No-maintenance fibreglass handle.
Cons
- The head sometimes comes loose. Customers recommend securing a plastic tie at the end of the handle to keep the head from coming off and potentially injuring someone.
Anything Else You Should Know?
If you are wondering what else you can use the Roughneck mattock for, here are some tasks customers say the mattock is excellent for.
- Digging a rocky garden. Use the pick end to dig deep and the blade to lift rocks out of the ground.
- Edging a lawn or driveway. The blade easily cuts into grass and shrubs.
- Lifting small slabs and pavers on the driveway or patio.
- Digging out unwanted shrubs and weeds.
Just remember not to use it for leverage or to pry out something. While the handle is strong, it can still break if you put too much force on it.
Conclusion
The Roughneck pick mattock is a bit more expensive compared to a mattock with a wooden handle, but it’s worth it.
The fibreglass handle and the steel forged head combine to make a strong, durable, versatile, and easy to use garden tool.
Where To Buy?
- Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE