Hookaroon vs Pickaroon, Which Is Best For You?

The Best Pickaroon

If you gather and prepare your own firewood, you may be in the market for a new pickaroon. Or, you may be pondering which to buy, hookaroon vs pickaroon?

Not sure where to begin? We’ll go over all the basics here. In this article we’ll explore what you use a pickaroon for and how to choose the right one for you. You’ll also find some reviewed and recommended pickaroon options. Let’s go ahead and get started.

High-Performance Pickaroon Choices

Whether you’re looking for short or long, a more traditional shape or cutting-edge design, there’s something out there for you. These are some of my favorite pickaroons—you won’t be disappointed in their performance.

Fiskars Hookaroon Review XA22

Fiskars is well known for its quality products and offers an unbeatable lifetime warranty.

Fiskars 28 Inch and 12 Inch Hookaroon XA22 Review

This hookaroon is available in two lengths. There is a 28-inch model and a 12-inch version. Should you decide to buy the 12-inch handle, you’ll need to work on an elevated surface.

Both handles are designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. The non-slip comfort grip and lightweight handle makes it ideal for long periods of use.

The flared handle helps to keep the hookaroon from slipping during use—a great safety feature. It also helps prevent hand-cramping and fatigue.

Unlike a traditional, hickory wood-handle, this shaft is made from FiberComp. It’s both hollow and lightweight.

The steel head has a hooked beak and toothed edges along the top and won’t have a problem grabbing onto wood. Apply a little torque in the opposite direction and the head easily pops free when you need it to.

Specifications of the XA22 Hookaroon

28-inch Fiskars XA22:

Weight: 1.8 pounds

Dimensions: 1.2 x 8.6 x 30.8 inches

12-inch Fiskars XA22:

Weight: 6.4 ounces

Dimensions: 1.2 x 6.4 x 14.8 inches

Strengths of the Fiskars Hookaroon

• Both models are extremely lightweight.
• The composite handle leaves this tool virtually weatherproof.
• Multiple shaft lengths allows you to choose what suits you best.
• The sharp head provides multiple options for ways to use your hookaroon.
• A lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind.

Weaknesses of the Fiskars XA22 Hookaroon

• The flared handle can cause slipping when using with gloved hands.
• The hollow shaped grip doesn’t help absorb shock.

The Final Verdict on the Fiskars Hookaroon XA22

The Fiskars XA22 is a solid option. This hookaroon is designed with the user’s comfort in mind and is great for light to medium duty jobs.

It will save wear and tear on your back, but may cause some hand and arm numbness with prolonged use.

The lifetime warranty gives you complete peace of mind.

You may find it unsuitable for larger rounds, however.

Council Tool 150 1.5 lb Hookeroon Review

In the business since 1886 and headquartered in North Carolina, Council Tool has a long history of making quality tools right here in the United States.

The Council Tool hookaroon is a hefty piece of equipment with a hickory handle and a 1.5-pound steel head. Weighing in at 3 pounds and with a 36-inch shaft, it’s a great choice for taller people.

The steel head is coated in a rust-resistant red enamel. A steel bolt fastens it to the handle, to help absorb impact stress. You won’t find the head of this pickaroon loosening with use.

The hook on this head is on the blunt side, which makes it great for dragging logs. However, if you do need it sharpened, there’s enough substance to the head to do so.

Should you need to sharpen your hookaroon, pay attention to how the original head was filed. It should be sharpened in the same direction, to encourage the head to grip properly in the wood when used.

Well-balanced and easy to use, even with one hand, this is an invaluable piece when it comes to prepping your firewood stash. It’s solid enough to use on the long side of rounds still sporting bark, while also being great for moving large lengths of wood.

Specifications

Weight: 3 pounds

Dimensions: 34 x 8 x 1.8 inches

Strengths

• Made in the United States.
• Can be sharpened if necessary.
• Great for dragging and rearranging firewood.
• Rust-resistant coating and the quality wood handle will give years of use.

Weaknesses

• Could be too heavy for long periods of use.
• Long handle may not be suitable for smaller users.
• Use and resharpening may compromise the rust-resistant coating on the head.

Final Verdict on the Council Tool Hookaroon

This is a great product at a reasonable price. It’s especially beneficial for heavy-duty work. This is a hookaroon with a head that will tackle almost any task with ease.

 If you’re in the market for something that can move large lengths of wood, this does it easily. If, however, you’re looking for something to handle smaller splits, you may have better luck with a lightweight, lighter-duty piece of equipment.

Logrite 30-inch Hookeroon Review

Logrite is responsible for introducing aluminum handles to woodworking tools. The company claims its American made tools are stronger, lighter, and more safe to use than other tools on the market.

 This Hookeroon isn’t an exception to that rule. You can expect it to perform well regardless of weather or terrain.

The thin-style head of the Logrite hookaroon lodges easily into wood and the barb secures it firmly in place. You’ll find it works equally well on large and small cuts of wood.

The bright blue aluminum handle is hard to miss, which keeps this hookaroon highly visible, even if there’s a lot of activity. It weighs less than 3 pounds and has a textured rubber grip that helps prevent slipping and provides extra comfort.

You may need to use more vigor when shaking the barb free, but you won’t be disappointed with how well it bites the wood. The shape and thinner tip penetrates wood easily and efficiently, even through bark.

Should the hookaroon head become dull or damaged over time, it’s designed to be replaced. In a matter of moments, with the right equipment, you can have your hookaroon equipped with a new head. Sharpening the original head can be difficult, however—you’ll want to go with a full replacement if needed.

This hookaroon is a good midweight tool. Whether you’re clearing out brush, stacking fresh splits, or prepping lengths, it will work for you. The finishes on both the handle and the head will prevent rust, and can be used even in bad weather conditions.

Specifications of the Logrite 30-inch Hookeroon

Weight: 2.95 pounds

Dimensions: 32 x 1 x 6 inches

Strengths of the Logrite 30-inch Hookeroon

• Great for dragging and lifting logs.
• Thin, sharp, head—easily penetrates all types of wood.
• The bright color of the handle gives great visibility—a useful safety feature.
• Easily replaceable head.
• Lifetime warranty.

Weaknesses of the Logrite 30-inch Hookeroon

• The added barb is great for securing wood, but makes it more difficult to release the wood.
• The handle and grip of this hookaroon is round, which makes it difficult to know the blade orientation at a glance.

Final Verdict on the Logrite 30-inch Hookeroon

Logrite makes a great tool. There’s a reason its tools are famous in the industry. Logrite constantly looks to improve the performance of the equipment it produces through design and construction.

Peavey 36-inch Hookeroon Review

Peavey has been manufacturing tools since 1857. That length of time in an industry adds up to a wealth of knowledge used to create top of the line equipment.

This Peavey hookaroon is a classic, heavy-duty piece of equipment. It weighs in at 2.45 pounds and has an extra long handle of 36 inches. The handle is well shaped to encourage weight up top, and comfort for the user.

This extra length is an advantage when it comes to gaining leverage. Unfortunately, that extra length can also be a disadvantage when using the hookaroon for long periods of time.

You may fatigue quickly when using the Peavey 36-inch hookaroon, compared to some of the shorter, more lightweight hookaroon options. This is especially true if you’re of a smaller stature to begin with.

This hookaroon head is made of steel and can be replaced if needed. While the head of the hookaroon is not exceptionally sharp, it is durable and able to withstand heavy use.

If the head is a little blunt on delivery, it can easily be sharpened to improve the hookaroon’s efficiency.

Specifications of the Peavey 36-inch Hookeroon

Weight: 2.45 pounds

Dimensions: 34.5 x 10 x 2.5

Strengths of the Peavey 36-inch Hookeroon

• The extra-long handle is great for those over 6 feet tall.
• The solid head will withstand many sharpenings.
• Great for heavy-duty jobs and dragging.

Weaknesses of the Peavey 36-inch Hookeroon

• The extra long handle can contribute to fatigue.
• The hookaroon head may need to be sharpened before use.

Final Verdict on the Peavey 36-inch Hookeroon

This tool is really going to shine when it comes to heavy-duty dragging and wood prep.

You may want to choose a different one, however, if you’re looking for a hookaroon for light-duty, everyday work.

 If, you’re clearing and hauling out debris, this could be a perfect addition to your collection. If you’re only splitting and stacking, stick with one of the lighter, more user-friendly options presented here.

Which Pickaroon to Choose?

Each pickaroon presented here is of high quality and can be a valuable addition to your equipment tool shed. That being said, the tool I would most readily recommend to others is the Fiskars XA22 Hookaroon. It’s versatile and can work well for a wide variety of tasks. The Fiskars model is just a great, all-round option.

What is A Pickaroon?

If you are unfamiliar with a pickaroon, it’s a tool used for working with logs. It usually has a wooden handle and a metal head at the top.

Pickaroons are great for moving logs and large pieces of timber by hand. If you expect to be working with wood this fall and winter, it’s worth adding a pickaroon to your tool collection, also, be sure to include the best log debarking tool in that collection.

Hookaroon vs Pickaroon

It’s possible you’ve also heard of a hookaroon. Perhaps you even think they are two interchangeable tools.

In fact, the hookaroon is a specific type of pickaroon. If the point of the pickaroon turns downward (and can be perceived as a hook shape), that pickaroon is called a hookaroon.

When and How to Use a Pickaroon

A pickaroon can be used to drag, lift, rearrange, and stack wood. Using one can save you time and help avoid extra back strain.

Generally, this woodworking tool is dropped down from above like an axe, or swung upward from alongside your leg. The pointed end then locks into wood that you want to move.

The length of the handle and the head of the pickaroon provide additional leverage, while reducing both strain and fatigue. Wood-related chores can be completed more quickly and comfortably.

You would be using your pickaroon while working closely with the splitting maul.

What to Look for in a Pickaroon

Don’t leap into your search for a new pickaroon without covering all of your bases. Here are a few things to consider before choosing your next tool.

Handle

Several handle lengths are available. The purpose of the pickaroon is to save your back during log work. Choosing the incorrect length for your pickaroon handle can be detrimental.

If you need to twist, bend, or hunch to use your pickaroon, you may end up damaging your back.

Besides the handle length, you’ll also need to consider the material the handle is made of. Wooden handles are the traditional choice. Wood does come with a few drawbacks, however.

The first is that the same organic material which allows for a great, customized handle, will eventually allow for deterioration.

If you choose a wood handle, you need to be prepared to store your tool properly in a dry, protected location. You should also be aware there may come a time when replacing the handle is necessary.

Wood handles can also be heavy. Fortunately, wood is not the only option for the handle. If you’re looking for something lightweight, you should consider a hollow, composite handle instead.

Head

Pickaroon heads come in a variety of shapes. Different points, slopes, and features may appeal to you, based on how you plan on using the pickaroon.

For dragging and lifting, a thick, angled hook can help a pickaroon stay lodged in the wood. For working with splits, a thinner, pointed hook can be helpful.

Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to a pickaroon head. Look for a pickaroon head that won’t bend or break easily. You definitely don’t want your pickaroon to break on the job. You also don’t want something that will dull quickly if you are unable to re-sharpen or replace it.

It should be made out of a material that won’t rust when stored or become damaged during use. Warranties are always a plus when purchasing tools. Even when you prepare well and look after your tools, accidents can happen.

Final Thoughts Hookaroon vs Pickaroon

There you have it, our explanation of the differences and functionality between hookaroon vs pickaroon. Hopefully, you’ll now know which will suit your needs best, or maybe you will do what I normally end up doing, and that is buying both…

Happy logging!

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API