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Hookaroon and Pickaroon are the two most essential wood handling tools that have been in use for many years. Many of us get confused with the similar functionalities these two hold. For this reason, maybe, they are interchangeable terms in the wood handling process.
But, there is a subtle difference in these tools that goes unnoticed. It requires experience to detect these nuances. I’ve been writing and working on the wood for a long time. It’s more like I enjoy exploring them. I believe that gives me the right to discuss Hookaroon and Pickaroon.
In this article, I’ll discuss the basics of Hookaroon vs Pickaroon. What’s more, I’ll also distinguish the major difference between these two, along with some alternatives to consider.
Bottom Line Upfront: My vote for this one goes to Hookaroon. I want myself to be safe from any uninvited accidents. Hookaroons, in my opinion, are safer than pickaroons. It keeps the log intact and doesn’t give much stress about wood slipping off. I’ll definitely go for a hookaroon.
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Main Difference Between Hookaroon vs Pickaroon
The main difference between Hookaroon vs Pickaroon are:
- Pickaroon has a straight spike at the end of its head, whereas Hookaroon has a “hook-shaped” spike.
- Because of its bent spike, Hookaroon gets easily stuck in wood, whereas Pickaroon has a chance of wood slipping off.
- Hookaroon excels at slashing out large woods, whereas Pickaroon excels at stacking/arranging woods.
Now let’s discuss these points more precisely.
Hookaroon vs Pickaroon: Different Spike Design
Consider the last time you went insane while picking up wood. I understand; bending once or twice won’t hurt you much. However, if the process continues for an extended period, it causes back pain. Hookaroons and Pickaroons, in such cases, save a lot of time and effort. You don’t have to exert extra effort in pulling or lifting the woods.
How do they accomplish this? – The spike design provides a firm grip on the woods.
Though a connoisseur can distinguish these tools with many points, it’s the design a beginner looks up to while differentiating them. I’m sure you noticed the prefixes “hook” and “pick” of two names. A hookaroon has a bent spike head that gives it a hook-like appearance. But in the case of Pickaroon, the spike is often straight and inward bent tip.
The design of a pickaroon and an ax is similar at first glance. Many a time, the wooden handle on both of the tools makes them look identical. But the heads are different and so are the functions. The spike of pickaroon digs into the woods and helps you move or lift them, whereas the ax is for splitting the logs.
There’s a tool named axaroons whose head is the combined design of those of an ax and a pickaroon. With this, you can slice the logs and carry them as well.
Hookaroon vs Pickaroon: The Challenges
The main downside to using a pickaroon is the chance of wood slipping off. If a pickaroon has a straight spike head, it goes straight into the woods; less chance of grip. In the case of hookaroon, a bent spike increases the surface area to hold the wood and keep it intact.
This tells us two things to be cautious of when using a pickaroon. 1. The wood you’re working with should be light-weighted so that even slipping off is less dangerous. 2. Make sure you’re using a pickaroon to drag, stack, or rearrange the heavy firewood rather than to lift them.
Why do you Need Hookaroon and Pickaroon?
Several small steps are taken while handling wood. Once the tree has fallen, you can either transport it to a timber industry or use it to make firewood.
If you’re a professional with heavy machinery, that’s fantastic. However, those equipment does not appear to be economical for the average person. A hookaroon and a pickaroon come in handy at this point.
These are the best tools for transporting wood from one location to another. All you have to do is make one big shot and drag the log into position.
One of the reasons you use these is that you don’t want to bend down repeatedly to reach the wood. Thus, it is wise to keep the tool handle long so that you can attain the target shot without the need to bend down.
The choice of handle, however, depends on personal preferences. Hookaroons and pickaroons with long and short handles are available on the market. In addition to the length of the handle, the materials of the handle are also in the options; there’re wood handles, handles with foams, metals, etc.
It takes a lot of pressure and force to use these hookaroon and pickaroon. You only want the grip to be firm in one shot. However, make sure the pressure isn’t so high that you’re wiggling up and down trying to get it out. You should be able to sink the tool, lift the wood, and pop it out with a single backstroke.
Wood handling with pickaroon and hookaroon is much easier in the fall and summer than it is in the winter. The frozen woods make it much more difficult for the spike to penetrate.
Check out these videos to understand more about hookaroon and pickaroon.
Pros and Cons of Hookaroon
Pros
- Develops strong grip with logs
- Low possibility of wood slipping off
- Reduces the need to bend over
- Can DIY the head and handles
- Heavy-weight wood is of no worries
- Helps to lift, and drag the log with less time and effort
Cons
- The spike stuck when applied much pressure
Pros and Cons of Pickaroon
Pros
- Reduces the need to bend over
- You can DIY the head and handles
- Helps to arrange or stack the log with less time and effort
- Low chances of spike sticking on the log
Cons
- Chances of woods slipping off
- Not so trustworthy with heavy woods
Things to Consider While Buying Them
Handle Length
The whole idea about Hookaroon/Pickaroon is not to bend down. It deals with the logs that are on the ground. That’s the reason why I prefer a decent-length handle.
That being said, the short-handled ones are worth using as well. Short is the new cute, they say. These are better suited for use in confined spaces. However, if you use the short handles, you will still need to bend over. GO FOR A LONG HANDLE.
Materials Used for Handles
The most frequently used material for the handle is wood. It’s better than metal when it comes to weight. Nevertheless, wooden handles check the durability of hookaroons/pickaroons.
If you’re picky, there’re models made up of steel handles and foams that absorb the shock. Whatever the case, go for something light that you can easily swing around.
Weight
Keep in mind that you’re swinging the hookaroon/pickaroon in any direction possible. To succeed, your tool should be as light as possible. Traditional ones with wooden handles are easy to swing around.
Fiskars models are lightweight and have precise action.
Other Alternatives to Consider
Cant Hook
If the hookaroons and pickaroons didn’t go as planned, there’s a cant hook waiting for you further down the line. This machine has been doing forestry work for quite some time.
A cant hook has a swinging hook that grips the rolling logs and offers more leverage than a hook/pickaroons. It hugs the wood rather than stabbing it. The hook wraps around the logs.
In comparison to hooks and pickaroons, the likelihood of wood falling off your hand is much lower. It also grants the honor of lifting, dragging, or stacking as many large logs as you can.
I believe this is the best alternative to hookaroons and pickaroons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What Companies Manufacture Hookaroons and Pickaroon?
Answer: Several renowned companies have been manufacturing them. Some of them are:
• Fiskars
• Council Tool
• Logrite
• Husqvarna
• Stihl
Question: How Can I Use Hookaroon/Pickaroon?
Answer: It’s as simple as poking the wood to use hookaroon or pickaroon. These have a handle (short or long) and a spike head. All you have to do is swing them in any direction and bury the head in wood. This creates a grip on the log, making the lift easier.
Question: What Should I Do to Maintain My Hookaroon or Pickaroon?
Answer: Apply linseed oil to the handle of a hookaroon or pickaroon if it is made of wood. Clean the head with a cloth regularly and apply paint as needed. A dull tool is worthless; make sure you file it.
To Sum Up All
Wood logging is a massive task, and we often overlook the small tools that make the process much easier. In such a panoply of woodworking tools comes hookaroon and pickaroon that benefit you in many ways. It’s about the time, effort, and pressure I’m talking about.
I hope this article assisted you in making an informed decision about which one is the best for you.
Happy Wood Working!!!