Adze vs. Pickaxe

Main Difference

The main difference between Adze and Pickaxe is that the Adze is a edged, handled woodworking tool and Pickaxe is a tool

• Adze

  An adze (; alternative spelling: adz) is an ancient and versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. They have been used since the Stone Age. Adzes are used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking, and as a hoe for agriculture and horticulture. Two basic forms of an adze are the hand adze (short hoe) —a short handled tool swung with one hand— and the foot adze (hoe) —a long handled tool capable of powerful swings using both hands, the cutting edge usually striking at foot or shin level. A similar tool is called a mattock, which differs by having two blades, one perpendicular to the handle and one parallel.

• Pickaxe

  A pickaxe, pick-axe, or pick is a generally T-shaped hand tool used for prying. Its head is typically metal, attached perpendicularly to a longer handle, traditionally made of wood, occasionally metal, and increasingly fiberglass.

  A standard pickaxe, similar to a “pick mattock”, has a pointed end on one side of its head and a broad flat “axe” blade opposite. A gradual curve characteristically spans the length of the head. The next most common configuration features two spikes, one slightly longer than the other.

  The pointed end is used both for breaking and prying, the axe for hoeing, skimming, and chopping through roots.

  Developed as agricultural tools in prehistoric times, picks have evolved into other tools such as the plough and the mattock. They also have been used general construction and mining, and adapted to warfare.

• Pickaxe (noun)

  another term for pick (sense 1)

• Pickaxe (verb)

  break or strike with a pickaxe.