UKC

Does anyone have an old ice hammer similar to mine but with the pick that they are willing to part with?

Usually I use a patio/weeding hook over a nut key as it does a better job. But on occasions the ice hammer had proved really useful for digging out seriously dirty cracks but unfortunately I broke the end off mine so it is no longer much use.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PtdStS3kw26xNV4P9 

Have you considered a roofing hammer or a geologists hammer (with pick)? May be easier to find in a large hardware store.

https://www.diy.com/departments/1-3ib-fibreglass-roofing-hammer-with-spike-...

Thanks I was hoping for a narrower pick for getting inside cracks, but will take a look at similar stuff next time I'm at a hardware shop.

A well know auction site has some but wasn't wanting to pay loads for a collectors condition one. An old ice axe might be the nearest best thing with some modifications and probably more availability.

Some slaters hammers have a pretty thin profile (the more axe-shaped ones). Even Stubai make some!

https://metalroofingtools.co.uk/products/n-2755-02-stubai-slaters-hammer-le...

Swifties on Abbeydale road had quite a few secondhand ones last time I was in there. 

I got a micro-pick from Screwfix for just that purpose. It's been very useful and is nice and lightweight with a  thin pick 'blade'.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-1lb-micro-pick-mattock-15-/18368

Petzl do a good hammer/pick ('Tam Tam'?) similar to the one in your photo if the hammer element is more important.

I've used various hammers, but found this roofers hammer the best. It has a good long and thin pick. Cheap as well.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-slaters-hammer-16oz-0-454kg-/58928

Hi Graham,

If this ancient Clog tool is any use to you, you’re welcome to it.

The balance probably won’t be as good as your old hammer and you’d have to watch out for that spike on the end (although this could be removed).

Pete.

Sorry Graham,

Can't seem to upload a picture of said tool.

Is it one of these?

https://images.app.goo.gl/UQs9pkTo5DX8ytt8A

That's the one!

Hah - lucky guess! 

If Graeme doesn’t want it - I’d love to buy it off you so my old clog axe has a matching partner - my Clog vulture axe still  gets used every winter!

You're welcome to it if Graeme says no. Let’s give him a bit longer…

Sorry for slow reply, thanks for the kind offer. Seeing as PFitz really wants it I'm sure I can get something similar as it doesn't make much difference which axe I use

Will investigate the other suggestions, thanks everyone 

Hi Graeme,

Good to hear from you.

My personal recommendation for a route cleaning and equipping hammer is the Petzl 'Bongo'… daft name but excellent.

A DMM nut tool is great for the smaller stuff.

Pete.