Hobbies And Interests
Pointed-Tip Rock Hammers
Pointed-tip rock hammers, or rock picks, are used by geologists when they need to break up hard rock such as granitic (composed of granite), metamorphic (changed by underground conditions) or sedimentary (formed in layers usually under water) rocks. They have a square flat head on one end, which is used to break open the rock to see inside, and a pointed end, which is typically used when digging for mineral samples from hard rock. The pointed end is also used to dig fossils out of sandstone.
Chisel-Edge Rock Hammers
Chisel-edge rock hammers are also called a paleontologist or fossil hammer. Like the pointed-tip hammer, the chisel-edge rock hammer also has a square head on one end for breaking rock apart or for driving chisels, but on the other end of the chisel-edge hammer is a chisel instead of a point. This style of rock hammer is used to break apart layers of soft rock. Soft rock is typically sedimentary rock (formed from sand, pebbles, bits of other rock and even dust) that has been laid in layers and is usually found on a river, lake or ocean floor.
Crack and Cross-Peen Hammers
Crack hammers, or sledge hammers, drive chisels in order to split rock and are typically used when minerals or other specimens are embedded in hard rock. The weight of the hammer used will depend on how much power you need to break the rock. Cross-peen hammers are a cross between a crack hammer and a pointed pick end hammer. Typically, a 2-pound cross-peen hammer is used, but cross-peens are manufactured in heavier weights as well. The heavier crack and cross-peen hammers generally have longer handles and require more physical exertion to use.
Handle and Weight
Rock hammers and picks have a variety of handle types, such as wooden, fiberglass or steel. The safest to use are the handles crafted using a single piece of steel for the handle and head. Although these are heavier, the risk of the head flying off while you're working with it is very unlikely. Wooden and fiberglass handles are lightweight, which makes them easier to carry and use, but you run the risk of the head becoming loose and breaking off. Also, these handles don't last as long as steel handles. However, wooden and fiberglass handles are easily replaced if they show wear or get dinged up. Rock hammers are available in several weights as well, but the weight of a rock hammer reflects the head only, not the entire hammer. So, when buying a hammer based on weight, remember that a 24-ounce wooden-handled hammer is going to be lighter than a 24-ounce forged-steel hammer.