Hookaroon/Pickaroon recommendation

GLyford · Jan 30, 2017

I had someone tell me the other day that they really liked their Oregon one, but I have not had a chance to use it myself:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200405169_200405169

turnkey4099 · Jan 30, 2017

Creamer said:
I watch the videos with the pickeroon and it seems that it is a struggle getting the wood unhooked. Is this real? It looks really frustrating.

Somewhat with those heavy wood handled ones. I like the Logrite, light, point nicely shaped, stick, drag and at most a little wiggle to free it. It does not work well picking up pieces though. drag and toss works okay.

JRobyn · Jan 31, 2017

motownbrowne said:
Just a word of caution on the hookaroon. One very important part of learning the technique is to realize that you're wielding a very sharp tool and you're swinging it with enough force to lodge it into a chunk of wood. That, of course is more than enough force to sink the thing into your calf. I've never injured myself, but I've had a couple of glancing blows that were close calls. Just don't forget what's going on, and pay attention.

It does take some playing around to get the hang of them, but they are a super handy tool. One tip would be to experiment with sticking the point not just in the end grain, but also try going through the bark. Try different angles too. Also, hickory is a tough wood to hook. Hard and bouncy. Soft wood is definitely easier.

ROGER on that!

motownbrowne · Jan 31, 2017

GLyford said:
I had someone tell me the other day that they really liked their Oregon one, but I have not had a chance to use it myself:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200405169_200405169

They'd better really like it for $120!!

turnkey4099 · Feb 1, 2017

motownbrowne said:
They'd better really like it for $120!!

You got that right! Looks like a clumsy tool. Shorten that 'pick' up by about 3/4 and it would be useable.

sixdogs · Feb 1, 2017

s219 said:
This place is great for classic logging tools made in the USA:

Peavey Manufacturing Company - Pickeroons

I have one of their cant hooks and it's a fine tool.

In case you're wondering, the well known "peavey" tool got it's name from this company.

I have a long handled hookeroon from Peavy since I used to live near there. It's all I have ever used and is widely considered the best around. Take a photo of the tip when you get it so you can put the "hook" back on the end when it needs it. Peavy makes great stuff and guys working the woods around there would own nothing less.

Hermio · Apr 16, 2017

I ended up buying the Fiskars 28". I understand they also make a 30", which would have been better for me. Still, the Fiskars tool easily penetrates even seasoned oak and hickory, in spite of its light weight. This is because it has a very sharp, hardened tip. I use it to get seasoned firewood rounds out of the pile and to the splitter. (I age my wood for about 2 years before splitting it. Old habit from the days I split it all with a Monster Maul.) I have not used the Logrite or any other brand. But I have been quite pleased with the Fiskars product.

Hermio · Apr 16, 2017

I will add one more comment. I have the Woodchuck Tool Timberjack Log Lifter, as well as the fiberglass/steel handle 48" handle version of a log lifter by Northern Tool. The Timberjack can lift much heavier logs than the Norther, due to the added leverage in its foot geometry. Plus, I actually bent the stand part of the Northern tool. Based on the Timberjack, I seriously considered Woodchuck's Hookaroon as well. Anyone use their product?

Piston · Apr 21, 2017

I bought a Logrite model, but wish I went with the Fiskars instead. Just something about the handle, it seems the Fiskars has a little ergonomic bend to it, wheras the Logrite is a simple, straight, aluminum pole. I think I'd have a better 'grip' on the Fiskars but I've never used one so I don't know that to be a fact.

I also have other Logrite tools, peavey's, cant hooks etc, and I love those, but just not crazy about the pickaroon.

motownbrowne · Apr 22, 2017

Piston said:
I bought a Logrite model, but wish I went with the Fiskars instead. Just something about the handle, it seems the Fiskars has a little ergonomic bend to it, wheras the Logrite is a simple, straight, aluminum pole. I think I'd have a better 'grip' on the Fiskars but I've never used one so I don't know that to be a fact.

I also have other Logrite tools, peavey's, cant hooks etc, and I love those, but just not crazy about the pickaroon.

You want me to PM you my address? I would be happy to dispose of it for you...

Piston · Apr 22, 2017

motownbrowne said:
You want me to PM you my address? I would be happy to dispose of it for you...

:laughing:

Don't call me, I'll call you.

Hermio · Apr 22, 2017

Piston said:
I bought a Logrite model, but wish I went with the Fiskars instead. Just something about the handle, it seems the Fiskars has a little ergonomic bend to it, wheras the Logrite is a simple, straight, aluminum pole. I think I'd have a better 'grip' on the Fiskars but I've never used one so I don't know that to be a fact.

I also have other Logrite tools, peavey's, cant hooks etc, and I love those, but just not crazy about the pickaroon.

I have not used the Logrite tool, but others have made the same comment you have about the handle. I can tell you that the Fiskars handle feels very comfortable; it may be the most ergonomic of the lot.

JRobyn · Apr 22, 2017

My first inclination was to go with the Fiskars since I have been very pleased with all of their other products. But I bought the LogRite due to the significant preference for it in this thread. Now y'all are turning on me!

Hermio · Apr 22, 2017

Use whatever makes you happy! I am sure the Logrite will last a lifetime. I have another story to tell. I still have the original 15 lb Monster Maul. On another thread, it seems many people like the Fiskars splitting axe better, even though it only weighs 5.85 lb. Its users claim that the lighter weight gives higher velocity and more accuracy, as well as less fatigue. I am almost intrigued enough to buy one. But it seems less macho than a 15 pounder. I will say one thing: I am sure the Fiskars plastic handle does a better job absorbing shock than the steel pipe handle on my Monster Maul. (Yes, mine is the original. It does not have a rubber foam covered handle. It is hard to grip when wet.

Piston · Apr 22, 2017

Don't want to give off the wrong impression, the Logrite one is certainly good quality and will last a lifetime. I'm just splitting hairs here between the two and if I were to buy it over again I'd probably go with the Fiskars instead. However, in the grand scheme of things, how much can you really "prefer" one over the other, they are about as basic as it gets as far as tools go, and they both have lifetime warrantee if I remember correctly. And really, in relation to how much we spend on our tractors and implements, these things are so cheap that you could buy one of each and choose which one you like best....which, I may just do :laughing:

Creamer · Apr 22, 2017

Hermio said:
Use whatever makes you happy! I am sure the Logrite will last a lifetime. I have another story to tell. I still have the original 15 lb Monster Maul. On another thread, it seems many people like the Fiskars splitting axe better, even though it only weighs 5.85 lb. Its users claim that the lighter weight gives higher velocity and more accuracy, as well as less fatigue. I am almost intrigued enough to buy one. But it seems less macho than a 15 pounder. I will say one thing: I am sure the Fiskars plastic handle does a better job absorbing shock than the steel pipe handle on my Monster Maul. (Yes, mine is the original. It does not have a rubber foam covered handle. It is hard to grip when wet.

i am with you on this. I have a 12 lb monster maul and it does very well. I cannot imagine a 5.85# maul even coming close to the splitting energy I can develop on my 12 pounder.

turnkey4099 · Apr 23, 2017

Creamer said:
i am with you on this. I have a 12 lb monster maul and it does very well. I cannot imagine a 5.85# maul even coming close to the splitting energy I can develop on my 12 pounder.

Why not one of each? Why swing 12 lb when a few pounds will do the job on a lot of stuff you are splitting. I used to use wedge/sledge, maul. Then the Fiskars came on scene almosdt totally replaced the maul and cut down a bunch on wedge/sledge.

Hermio · May 25, 2017

I ended up buying the Fiskars X27, though it is the end of my splitting season. It does better than expected. My Monster maul can break bigger stuff in 1 hit, though. But now I am tempted to buy the Fiskars 8 lb Iso-Core maul. It just might do about asa well as the Monster Maul. Then I will choose small, medium or large according to the job at hand. And I still have the option of using my 20-ton electric Ramsplitter, which can split about the same as a 27 ton rental splitter, due to the splitting wedge geometry (two stages of wedge: acute, then wider.)

Surreal001 · Jul 20, 2017

Wait, does splitting season ever really end? We work year round to feed our wood furnace. Lol.

Hermio · Jul 20, 2017

I don't cut or split wood in the summer. Too hot for me! I burn 5 cords per year. By the way, I did get the Fiskars 8 lb iso-core also. Next spring, I will try it out a bit.