6 Best Hookaroons and Pickaroons (+ FAQs)

Hookaroons and pickaroons serve the same function, and they can radically improve the way you move logs and firewood.

If you’ve never used one before, and you frequently work with wood, then the first time you try it you’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to get one.

But, there’s a couple things related to hookaroons and pickaroons that are pretty tricky. First of all, how do you know which brand you should get? And what’s the difference between hookaroons and pickaroons anyway?

In this article, I’m going to cover all those questions. First off, I’ll give you my top 3 hookaroon picks (including my #1 pick overall). Then, I’ll show you my top 3 picks for best pickaroon. Finally, I’ll provide a straightforward explanation of the differences between these two tools.

You can use the jump-links below to skip to the section you’re most interested in. Now let’s get to it!

• Best Hookaroons
• Best Pickaroons
• Hookaroons vs Pickaroons: What’s the Difference?
• What is a Hookaroon (or Pickaroon) Used For?
• How to Choose a Hookaroon or Pickaroon

(FYI: I receive commissions from sales through some of the links below, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!)

Best Hookaroons

1. Fiskar’s 28″ Hookaroon – #1 Top Pick

If you just want to go for the best all-around option and skip the research, then just get this hookaroon from Fiskar’s on Amazon (FYI: I get commissions on Amazon sales through this link).

Fiskar’s is a popular brand for a variety of wood processing tools, and this is their take on the hookaroon. One of the best things about this tool is the length of the handle, which is short enough to use with one hand, but long enough to provide good leverage.

The blade arrives sharp, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening it before your first use. The design of the tip also makes it really easy to lodge the blade into wood, because it’s curved, sharp, and has toothed edges.

The other nice thing about this particular hookaroon is the weight. For a hookaroon of its size, this is the most lightweight model you’ll find, which makes it easier to use for longer hours.

In my opinion, the primary downside of this tool is that the handle is made out of composite materials. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still durable and works well, but wooden tools are just aesthetically nice to use.

Overall, this 28″ hookaroon is an excellent tool and can really save your back when moving logs around. It’s tough to beat Fiskar’s on value, and this hookaroon is backed by their lifetime warranty.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can find it on Amazon here (FYI: I get commissions on sales through this link).

2. Kings County Tools 15″ Hookaroon

The short handle for this hookaroon allows you to use it like an extension of your arm. There are pros and cons to this.

First, it’s much easier to carry around with you compared to some of the other hookaroons/pickaroons on this list, which can be up to 3 feet long.

Because it’s small, it’s also quite easy to handle, and it works best for smaller logs, like firewood that’s already been split.

If your primary goal is to drag large logs, or to limit back strain as much as possible, then you’ll probably be better off with one of the next 4 pickaroons on this list (which all have handles 30″+ long).

However, this is a great little tool, and If you’re interested in learning more, you can find it on Amazon here (FYI: I get commissions on sales through this link).

3. Council Tool 36″ Hookaroon

If you want a hookaroon to help you reduce back strain, then this is a great option for you. The longer handle on this model gives more leverage, and you won’t need to bend over as much compared with the first two hookaroons mentioned above.

In addition, this hookaroon has a nice hickory handle, which makes it durable and aesthetically pleasant.

The main downside is that it’s bigger and heavier, and you might need to sharpen the tip when it arrives. However, if you’re okay with giving it little upfront sharpening, then this tool ought to work well for you.

Overall, this Council Tool hookaroon is a good option, and it’s made right here in the USA. If you’re interested in learning more, you can find it on Amazon here (FYI: I get commissions on sales through this link).

Next up, we’ll switch from hookaroons and look at the slightly different pickaroons.

Best Pickaroons

4. Woodchuck 32″ Pickaroon

Woodchuck makes really solid tools. Their pickaroon has an aluminum shaft and a stainless steel pick on the end. I like the approach they’ve taken because the aluminum keeps it relatively lightweight and easy to handle, while the steel tip makes the tool durable at the brunt of each impact.

The grooved finger grip is also a nice feature. It helps to reduce the strain on your hands because it provides some extra cushion and you won’t have to grip the tool so tightly.

This pickaroon also comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and is made in the USA.

On the downside, the metallic silver color is not as nice looking as a Hickory wood handle in my opinion. You’ll also need to sharpen the tip occasionally to keep it sticking into the wood, but you’ll probably need to do that with any pickaroon you go with.

Overall, Woodchuck is a solid brand, and their pickaroon is a great choice. I also really like Woodchuck’s log lifting jack, which you can find on my recommended gear page.

If you’re interested in learning more about Woodchuck’s pickaroon, you can find it on Amazon here (FYI: I get commissions on sales through this link).

5. Logrite 30″ Pickaroon

The Logrite pickaroon has a pretty different design than Woodchuck’s pickaroon. The blade on the Logrite is probably a bit better, and is easy to stick in the wood. However, the Woodchuck’s handle is a bit better with the finger grips provided.

Logrite’s pickaroon is super simple, it’s well-balanced, and easy to handle. This one has a nice “middle-of-the-road” length, and is just slightly longer than the Fiskar’s hookaroon above.

One downside of this pickaroon is that it’s not very ergonomically shaped, and could also use some handle grips or ridges to show the user where the point is. There’s also a tiny barb on the end of the blade, that can make the tool stick depending on how you pull.

Overall, this is another solid pickaroon, and I’d be happy to use it to move firewood around. If you’re interested in learning more about Woodchuck’s pickaroon, you can find it on Amazon here (FYI: I get commissions on sales through this link).

6. Peavey 36″ Pickaroon

If you specifically want a pickaroon (not a hookaroon) and you like having a wooden handle, then this tool from Peavey is probably what you want.

I don’t have too much to say about this one, because the construction is very simple. It has a curved wooden handle, and a classic metal pickaroon head.

One thing you want to keep in mind before purchasing this tool, is that it’s rather heavy compared to the Fiskar’s hookaroon above (for example). So if you have a hard time handling large tools, then this one’s probably not for you.

Otherwise, this is a great pickaroon, and will fulfill the primary purpose of reducing back strain while working with logs. If you’re interested in learning more about Peavey’s pickaroon, you can find it on Amazon here (FYI: I get commissions on sales through this link).

Hookaroons vs Pickaroons

So, what’s the difference between a hookaroon and a pickaroon?

A hookaroon is actually a type of pickaroon, and the primary difference between these two tools, is that a hookaroon has a tip which curves more sharply inward (giving it a “hook” shape).

When you use a hookaroon, the extra hook will likely make it hold onto logs more firmly. Whereas a pickaroon will come out of logs more easily. So if you like to have a secure grip, go for a hookaroon. And if you would get frustrated by slower removal of the blade from logs, get a pickaroon.

As you can see, hookaroons and pickaroons are technically different, BUT in the real world it doesn’t make much difference because they both serve the same function.

What is a Pickaroon (or Hookaroon) Used For?

Both pickaroons and hookaroons are used to more easily move logs and firewood. It essentially serves as an extension of your arm, and allows you to grab wood without bending or straining your back so much.

Pickaroons and hookaroons are particularly handy if you split, stack, and gather, a lot of firewood. You can use them to pull wood out of a truck without climbing up in the back. You can use them to drag logs, stack firewood, and more.

How to Choose a Hookaroon or Pickaroon

If you’re looking to buy a new pickaroon or hookaroon, here are a few factors you should consider before you decide which model to purchase:

Length

One of the most important functions of a pickaroon, is to serve as an extension for your arms. If you’re looking to give your back a break, and minimize how much you have to bend over, then a longer handle is ideal.

On the other hand, there’s also advantages of using a smaller handled pickaroon. They’re lighter and easier to carry with you. Plus, if you’re particularly ambitious, you could use one in each hand.

Handle Design

Speaking of the handle, the shape and design of the handle will also impact the ergonomics of a pickaroon. If the handle fits nicely in your hand, this can reduce strain and allow you to work comfortably for long hours.

I personally like wooden handles, due to their combination of comfort, strength, and aesthetics. However, I think the molded foam grip on the Woodchuck above is pretty cool also.

Weight

Simply put, the weight will determine how easily and how long you can operate a pickaroon. If you want something that works well for extended use, then you’ll need it to be lightweight to avoid arm fatigue.

The Fiskar’s hookaroon above is a great option for people wanting a lightweight, easy to operate tool.

Head

There’s two main things to consider on the head: the material, and the shape. Most pickaroons are made with a steel head, and you probably wouldn’t want it to be made of anything else.

And as I mentioned above, the shape of the head (particularly the tip), is what separates pickaroons from hookaroons. If you want something that has a stronger hold on the wood, get a hookaroon. If you want it to be easy to remove the blade from each log, then a pickaroon is probably better.

Brand

Lastly, you may be a fan of a particular brand that makes pickaroons and hookaroons. Being loyal to a brand that you like is a perfectly reasonable way to make purchasing decisions (in my opinion).

Of the above tools, I’d say Woodchuck and Fiskar’s are probably the best brands as a whole.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful, and if you have, please share it with your firewood enthusiast friends 🙂

Cheers!