Mattocks & Pickaxes

Best Mattocks and Pickaxes in the UK: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and How to Get the Job Done

Introduction: Why a mattock might be the secret weapon in your shed

If you love getting your hands dirty in the garden or have a small landscaping project on the weekend, a mattock or pickaxe is one of those tools that suddenly makes everything feel easier — like swapping a butter knife for a chef’s cleaver. These heavy-duty digging tools help you break up compacted soil, chop through roots, and carve out trenches without fuss. Whether you’re renovating a flower bed or preparing ground for a shed foundation, the right mattock can save hours of back-breaking work.

What is the difference between a mattock and a pickaxe?

They look similar at a glance, but a mattock and a pickaxe are built for slightly different jobs. A mattock usually has one broad, adze-like blade for chopping and one pointed or pick-shaped end for breaking. A pickaxe tends to have two pointed ends or a point and a chisel. Think of the mattock as your Swiss Army knife for digging and chopping, while the pickaxe is the specialist for breaking rocks or very compacted ground.

When to choose a mattock over a pickaxe

Pick a mattock if you need to split roots, chop turf, or create planting holes — its adze side cuts like an axe and its pick side pries like a crowbar. For prying up stones, breaking concrete, or doing heavy-duty excavation, a pickaxe or a heavier pick mattock might be the better bet.

Types of mattocks and pickaxes explained

There are several common types you'll see in stores across the UK, each designed with a slightly different purpose. Knowing the difference helps you buy smart and avoid carrying around a tool that's overkill for the job.

Cutter mattock

The cutter mattock combines a horizontal cutting blade and a vertical pick or adze. It's ideal for chopping roots and slicing through turf — the blade can cut like a small axe and the pick breaks compact soil. Typical head weights range from about 3 lb to 5 lb, and handles usually run between 36 in and 48 in.

Pick mattock

Pick mattocks have a pointed end opposite a broad adze or hoe. They're great for breaking up rocky or heavily compacted ground where you need to chip away at hard surfaces. Expect a heavier head, often around 4 lb to 6 lb, depending on how rugged the design is.

Trenching mattock

For digging narrow trenches and working in tighter spaces, the trenching mattock has a slimmer blade and often a slightly shorter handle for better control. This option is handy when edging beds or installing irrigation lines in confined areas.

How to choose the right weight and handle length

Choosing the right mattock is like picking the right golf club — too heavy and you tire out fast; too light and you don't make progress. For general garden use, a 3 lb or 4 lb head on a 36 in handle is a sweet spot. For tougher ground or small construction tasks, move up to a 5 lb head with a 42 in or 48 in handle.

Handle materials: wood vs fiberglass vs steel

Wood handles, typically ash or hickory, feel traditional and absorb shock well, but they can break if misused. Fiberglass handles are more durable against weather and impact and often come with vibration-dampening grips. Steel handles are the most durable but transfer more shock to your arms. Pick a handle that feels comfortable and fits the kind of work you do most.

Trusted brands and where to buy in the UK

When it comes to mattocks and pickaxes, brands matter. You’ll find reliable options from Fiskars, Spear & Jackson, Draper, and Faithfull in most UK outlets. These brands often strike a good balance between price, durability, and warranty. Let’s look at where you can find these tools in the UK market.

B&Q

B&Q is a go-to for many homeowners, offering a wide range of gardening and DIY tools at accessible prices. You’ll find beginner-friendly mattocks, mid-range options from known brands, and seasonal offers that can be great value if you time your purchase right.

Screwfix and Toolstation

Screwfix and Toolstation are trade-focused retailers with solid stock for heavier-duty tools. If you need a robust pick mattock for construction or frequent use, these stores often stock pro-grade models with stronger heads and reinforced handles.

Wickes and Homebase

Wickes and Homebase sit between trade and consumer sectors, offering decent quality tools for garden renovation and small build projects. Their ranges typically include trusted budget and mid-range brands and offer a good balance between cost and performance.

Argos and Amazon UK

Argos and Amazon UK are great for convenience and rapid delivery. Argos often stocks popular garden mattocks suitable for casual users, while Amazon gives you access to a wide range of brands, customer reviews, and quick comparisons to help you choose the right model.

Specialist suppliers: Robert Dyas, Jewson, Travis Perkins

For either specialist garden centres or construction merchants, Robert Dyas offers practical household gardening tools, while Jewson and Travis Perkins are better for professional-grade equipment. If you’re tackling a major job, these suppliers can offer higher-spec mattocks suited to frequent heavy use.

Budgeting: price ranges and getting value

Mattocks are priced from as low as around £15 to well over £80 for high-end professional tools. For a homeowner doing occasional garden work, a decent mid-range mattock costing roughly £30 to £50 often offers the best value. For professionals or heavy users, spending £60 or more can be worth it for a longer-lasting tool and better warranty.

How to spot value

Look for a solid head-to-handle connection (forged or bolted with a metal collar), a quality handle material, and a trusted brand name. A cheap mattock may seem like a bargain but can cost more in the long run if the head loosens or the handle breaks.

How to use a mattock safely and efficiently

Using a mattock correctly keeps you working longer with less strain. Start by facing the job squarely, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Grip the handle with both hands — one near the top and the other a comfortable distance down for control. Swing with your legs and hips, not just your shoulders, to protect your back.

Step-by-step technique for chopping and digging

First, use the adze blade to slice horizontally under turf or roots, levering the tool forward to lift the turf. For breaking compacted soil, strike with the pick or point at about a 45-degree angle and pry upward. Alternate between adze and pick sides to chip, then clear debris with a spade or rake. Take regular breaks and keep your posture upright to reduce fatigue.

Maintenance: keep your mattock ready for action

A mattock that’s cared for will last years, even decades. Wipe down the head after each use to remove damp soil, and apply a light coat of oil to the metal to prevent rust. Wooden handles benefit from a rub of linseed oil once or twice a year to prevent drying and cracking.

Sharpening and repairing

Sharpen the cutting edge with a flat file or a bench grinder if you have one, taking care to maintain the original angle of the bevel. For the pick end, remove burrs and nicks with a file. If the handle splits, replace it rather than try to patch it — a new handle is cheaper than a broken moment that causes injury.

Complementary tools that make the job easier

A mattock is rarely a one-tool solution. Complement it with a sturdy spade for digging, a fork for loosening soil, and a wheelbarrow for clearing debris. For edging and more precise digging, a trenching spade or an edging tool does the finer work after the mattock has done the heavy lifting.

Choosing where to buy: tips for smart shopping in the UK

Decide whether you need a one-off tool for occasional use or a heavy-duty mattock you’ll rely on every week. For light seasonal use, supermarkets and Argos may have cheaper options. For durable, professional-quality tools, look to Screwfix, Toolstation, Jewson, and Travis Perkins. Check online reviews, compare prices across retailers, and consider buying in-store if you want to feel the handle length and weight before you commit.

Eco and second-hand options

If sustainability matters, consider second-hand tools from local classifieds, auction sites, or salvage yards. Well-maintained older mattocks from trusted brands can be excellent and cheaper than new models. A little cleaning and a fresh handle can bring a second-hand tool back to life for a fraction of the cost.

Final buying checklist

Before you click “buy” or walk away with a new mattock, run through a quick checklist: is the handle comfortable for your height, is the head weight appropriate for the job, does the tool feel balanced in your hands, and does the retailer offer honest reviews or a reasonable warranty? Answering these will keep buyer’s remorse at bay.

Where to get help and more information

If you’re still unsure, head to a local hardware store and ask to handle a few models. Pros in-store can show you the differences between handle materials, demonstrate the balance, and suggest a model that matches your typical workload. Online review hubs also let you compare features side-by-side, which is handy if you prefer researching before you buy.

Choosing the right mattock or pickaxe is part practicality, part personal feel — like finding a pair of shoes that fit. Spend a little time testing balance and weight, and match your choice to the kind of soil and roots you usually face. The right tool will make hard work feel smarter, and your garden will thank you for it.

Conclusion: A mattock or pickaxe is more than just a brute instrument — it’s a thoughtful investment in efficiency and ease. Whether you shop at B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes, or a specialist merchant like Jewson, knowing what type, weight, and handle material you need will pay dividends in comfort and results. Pick wisely, maintain your tool, and treat it well, and it will serve you for many seasons to come.