Tool Guide: Choosing a Hammer – The Rock Pick

Rock Picks are an ideal choice when trimming and splitting thinner or softer stones. When  working with Goshen stone or other stone that averages less than 3” thick, this hammer is amazingly versatile.

The Trow & Holden Rock Pick can be used to trim, split and shape small stones with ease. The carbide keeps its cutting edge amazingly well, in contrast to steel hammers. Great for shaping irregular flagging. Replacing the handle with a 16” one will give you more slinging power. This rock pick has proprietary carbide-tips on as standard, a significant upgrade from standard steel brick hammers.  They are the perfect tool for the repetitive light trimming of soft or thinner types of stone, such as thin veneer, flag stone, sand stone and thin types of field stone.

PLEASE NOTE: This rock pick is not made for digging or prying.

For an affordable beginner alternative, the Kraft 24oz Bricklayer’s Hammer with it’s similar form and function to the Trow & Holden 24oz Rock Pick, is a great starter tool. It has some similarities in how it is used but without the carbide is at a lower cost.

It is a great beginner’s stone hammer and is included in the Beginner’s Waller Pack. 

Ideal for trimming and splitting thinner or softer stones. If you’re working with Goshen stone or other stone that averages less than 3” thick, this hammer is amazingly versatile. Trim, split and shape small stones with ease. Great for shaping irregular flagging. Replacing the handle with a 16” one will give you more swinging power.

Makes a great digging tool for setting foundation stones.  Use the square front end for most trimming and the blade for splitting stone along its grain. If you use the blade end for general trimming or on hard stones it will wear down quickly, and need frequent sharpening.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not strike chisels or other tools with this hammer.  Not to be struck with other tools hammers.