Handtools for Trail Work

Tools for Grubbing, Continued

Mattocks

The cutter mattock uses the same grubbing blade as pick mattocks, but includes an opposing 2-inch cutter blade instead of a pointed tip. Crews working in deep, rooty soil often prefer these tools; roots are severed with the cutter blade and then pried out with the grubbing end. Follow the use instructions outlined for Pulaskis.

The pick mattock is often recommended as the standard tool for trail work. It is used like a pick. It has a pointed tip for breaking rocks and a grubbing blade for working softer materials. The grubbing blade may also be used to cut roots or remove small stumps. Moreover, with the edge of the tool, you can tamp dirt and loose rocks or smooth a new tread, and the handle helps measure the trail's width.

Mattock handles are similar to pick handles. They are usually 16 to 17 inches long and they can be removed when transporting and sharpening the heads. Mattocks weigh about 2½ pounds.

Maintain good cutting edges on mattocks. Keep grubbing blades sharpened to maintain a 35° edge bevel on the underside. Sharpen pick ends like a pick, and maintain factory bevels on cutter blades.

Types of mattocks.

Adze, Grub, and Hazel Hoes

Use adze hoes, grub hoes, or hazel hoes to break sod clumps when constructing new trail or leveling an existing trail tread. These hoes are also useful in heavy duff. Operate hoes like Pulaskis, mattocks, and picks. Work the tool at an angle across the front of your body so the handle is not between your legs. Bend at the waist, keeping your back straight, knees flexed, and feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly forward. Control the swing by grasping the handle near the end with one hand and near the middle with the other. "Choking" the handle and swinging straight down may cause the handle to hit your shins or knees. Use short, shallow chops to save energy. Strike so the tool hits at an angle on its corner.

Adze hoes are useful tools for constructing trails.

The tapered eyes and handle ends of these hoes force heads to tighten during use, but make them easily removable for carrying and sharpening. Like picks and mattocks, you can also use a screw to hold the head from slipping on the handle. To sharpen, remove the handle, secure the head so both hands are free, and use a file or grinder to bring the cutting edge to an inside bevel of 45°. Carry these hoes like Pulaskis, picks, or mattocks.

Draw or swan neck hoes are useful for leveling or weeding. These hoes are light duty tools, however, and may often prove impractical for trail use. Carry draw hoes like shovels, with the sharpened edge away from the body and down. Sharpen the edge to an outside bevel of 45°. Finishing with a whetstone is unnecessary for all hoes.

Grub hoe being used for trail work.