I've been looking for a tool that I can use to stab logs and lift them onto my splitter or my stump when I'm splitting by hand. I'm having back trouble and bending over is killing me. Usually I try to sink my Fiskars x27 into the log and lift it but I know its not made for that and it doesn't always work. I was looking at hookaroons and pickaroons online and found this one on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171428480274 They're made at a small tool shop run by a father and son team about 60 miles north of me. I just picked one up this afternoon, $52. They are a nice size and weight with a 31" white oak handle and they make the handles from rough white oak in their wood shop. I have not had a chance to use it yet but its a good quality tool and its SHARP!!! The son Brad was in the shop today. Brad heats with wood and I invited him to the FHC forum. Here's their contact info: Jeff Hipps Shop Manager Hipps Tool & Design 146 Bridgeport Road Curwensville, PA 16833 Phone/Fax 814-236-3600 Cell 814-592-0207 [email protected] I'm envisioning a FHC group buy with the FHC logo engraved on the white oak handle.
Well, so far I haven't killed myself with my Fiskars x27 which is also SHARP so I should be able to manage this one. With caution.
I just got home and had a chance to play with this new pickaroon with some logs that need split here. This thing is awesome! It makes handling logs a breeze. I'll shoot a quick video tomorrow showing what I mean. For guys that have no lower back issues this tool is probably no big deal. For us guys with spinal stenosis and herniated discs it's a game changer. I can stab logs with a gentle swing of the pickaroon and lift them onto the splitter or my splitting stump with one hand without having to constantly bend over. Repetitive lifting while bending over is what really flares up my back trouble.
Looks like a good pick'um up tool. My Pop always said, "work smarter". In this case, less pain is more gain. Only thing is I wouldn't leave it around during happy hour. Would like to have some sort of cover for it when not in use.
Yeah, in the hand it does put one in mind of a medieval battle weapon. I'm thinking a 4" piece of one inch PVC pipe with an elastic bungee cord to hold it on the head of the tool.
Oh geesh! Just what I need...another excuse to spend more money. It is very appealing though compared to the fiberglass handled mass produced ones from Stihl or Logrite.
I like to support local businesses as much as possible. This is a nice tool at a decent price, made locally in a small shop. Best way to spend my hard earned cash IMHO.
That has the same look to it as a Gransfors or Wetterlings axe. It looks more expensive than it's price.
Frankly the tip of this thing is horrifyingly sharp for a hand tool. Here's the tip after sinking it into a couple dozen logs this evening:
The only thing they could have done is to make that weld a little more polished and smooth, but you aren't getting that for anywhere near the $52 price and there is no need either.
I have never stabbed myself with my homemade pickaroon. To tell you the truth though I find myself using the tongs more than the pickaroon probably because I'm so low to the ground already, the pickaroon works very well for unloading the trailer though
Thanks for the info Brian. Just e mailed him to see if he'll ship to Canada. Having similar back issues, your right on, this is just the ticket.
"Repetitive lifting while bending over is what really flares up my back trouble." ... my issues are very similar and that constant bending really does the hurtin' thing doesn't it? Don't even have to be picking up anything heavy... but, add 20 lbs or more (100 lb round) and it just destroys any chance of doing much for the next 3-4 days. You'll wonder how you ever lived without your pick. It becomes an arm extension after a while. I can tell your's will need very little swing to stick well in hard oak even. Very nice looking tool...
Nice looking tool. I bought a Peavey brand one a little while ago and have found it quite nice for reaching and picking wood up without bending. They are also mighty fine for pulling large rounds onto the splitter. Their one weakness is close in work. If you don't have the radius for a swing the handle gets in the way. I've been using pulp hooks for close up work but I'd like to try a hatchet sized pickaroon too. Wonder if they can make one......
Yes, they will make any length handle you want. I originally asked about a 36" handle and they said they can make them any size requested.
I just got an email from Jeff. He said he received your email and is looking into shipping costs into Canada. Hopefully it isn't cost prohibitive.
