Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Mattock
A mattock is an agricultural tool similar to a mining pick. It is distinguished by the head terminating in a broader blade rather than a narrow spike, which makes it particularly suitably for breaking up moderately hard ground. This broad bladed end was effectively an adze that could be used as a hoe as well. If the reverse had a pointed end the tool was called a pick mattock and if it instead had a axe-like splitting end it was a cutter mattock. Mattock heads range from 3 to 7 pounds in weight, and are normally mounted on a 3 to 4 foot shaft. The shaft is often heavier than the head, sometimes possessing twice the mass and density of a baseball bat.
During the middle ages of Europe, the mattock served as an improvised shafted weapon for the poorer classes.
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