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If you use a mattock or pickaxe even occasionally, you know that the tool is only as good as its accessories. A cracked handle, dull bit, or missing striking cap can turn a 20‑minute job into an all‑day grind. The right accessories — from replacement handles to shock‑absorbing grips and blade guards — improve performance, increase safety, and extend the life of your tools. In this guide I'll walk you through the must‑have accessories, how to choose them, and the best US stores where you can find quality parts and upgrades without breaking the bank.
Accessories cover everything that complements the head and shaft: replacement handles, wedges, striking caps, replacement heads, protective sleeves, sharpening tools, and comfort upgrades like ergonomic grips. Think of accessories as the tune‑up kit that keeps your mattock and pickaxe working like new — they’re small investments that pay off in longer tool life and fewer injuries.
Handles come in wood, fiberglass, and composite materials, usually ranging from about 24 inches to 48 inches depending on the tool type and user height. A wooden handle (often hickory) offers a traditional feel and weighs less, while fiberglass handles often weigh a little more but provide better shock absorption and durability. If your handle is cracked, splintered, or shortened from previous repairs, a replacement handle is the best fix — it restores leverage and reduces the risk of failure under load.
Heads wear down over time, especially when used on rocky or frozen ground. Replacement heads come in different weights and profiles: light heads around 2 to 3 pounds for garden mattocks, and heavier heads up to 6 pounds for digging into compacted soil or clay. Choosing the right head weight matters: heavier heads hit harder but require more control; lighter heads give more precision and less fatigue. Buy a head that matches your handle length and balance preferences.
A secure head‑to‑handle connection is critical. Steel or wooden wedges, metal pins, and epoxy retainers are inexpensive accessories that prevent the head from loosening. Wedges are typically driven into the top of the handle in the eye of the head, expanding the wood for a snug fit. If you want a low‑cost fix, a set of replacement steel wedges and a mallet are usually all you need to re‑seat a loose head.
Striking caps prevent repeated hammer blows from crushing the end of a wooden handle, especially when you use the tool for striking with a sledge. Caps are sized in inches to fit most handles and slide over the top to distribute impact. Reinforcement collars can be clamped around the throat of the head to reduce wedge creep and protect the handle from splitting. These accessories are small but extend the handle life significantly.
If you’re swinging regularly, comfort matters. Rubber comfort grips and anti‑vibration sleeves reduce shock transmitted to your hands and forearms, cutting fatigue and the risk of blisters. Sleeves are measured in inches for diameter and length; many users prefer a 6‑ to 12‑inch sleeve that covers the grip area. Ergonomic upgrades can make a tired back and a sore grip feel worlds better by the end of the day.
Keeping the cutting edge sharp matters far more than most people realize. Files, sharpening stones, and angle guides maintain edge geometry and make each swing more efficient. Files are typically sized in inches for length — a 10‑inch mill file is a common pick for outdoor tool maintenance. Don’t forget a wire brush and rust remover to clean up heads before sharpening, which preserves metal and prevents corrosion.
Blade covers prevent accidental cuts and protect the edge during storage and transport. Most are made of heavy canvas, leather, or molded plastic and come in universal sizes that fit tool heads up to specified widths in inches. A good sheath keeps the blade dry and prevents nicks in other tools or transport gear.
Where you buy matters. Some stores stock a wide selection of premium parts, while others are great for value buys and one‑off items. Below are reliable US retailers that carry a strong mix of accessories and often provide helpful filters for size, material, and brand.
Home Depot is a go‑to for homeowners and pros alike. They stock brand‑name handles in hickory and fiberglass, replacement heads in common weights, wedges, and caps. You’ll find accessories in both physical stores (so you can test handle diameter in person) and online, with many options sized in inches and weights shown in pounds. Prices vary from under $10 for a wedge pack to $40–$80 for premium handles and heads.
Lowe’s offers a similar lineup to Home Depot with competitive pricing. Their inventory includes replacement handles, striking caps, and maintenance tools like files and sharpening stones. Lowe’s often carries brand partnerships for ergonomic upgrades and anti‑vibration sleeves, and they typically display handle lengths in inches so you can match replacement parts precisely to your current tool.
Ace Hardware is ideal for urgent, local needs. Smaller stores tend to stock a curated selection — hickory handles, wedges, basic striking caps, and blade covers. The staff can often help size a handle or recommend a wedge type, which is handy when you’re standing in the aisle trying to figure out whether a 36‑inch or 42‑inch handle fits your mattock better.
Tractor Supply Co. targets the rural and agricultural crowd, so they carry heavier‑duty heads and reinforcement collars designed for farm use. You’ll find replacement heads in heavier weights (4 to 6 pounds) for jobs like breaking sod or stumps, plus rugged storage options and protective sleeves sized for large tools. If you’re working on a ranch or garden that sees heavy use, Tractor Supply is a smart stop.
Northern Tool is a favorite for mechanics and serious DIYers; their selection leans toward higher‑performance accessories. They stock specialty handles, hardened replacement heads, and professional‑grade wedges and pins. Prices here can be higher, but the quality often justifies it if you’re buying for professional or frequent use. Expect to see detailed specifications like head weight in pounds and handle length in inches clearly listed.
Harbor Freight is a value option for budget‑conscious buyers. You can find basic replacement handles, wedges, and caps at lower price points. The trade‑off is sometimes shorter lifespans on cheaper materials, but for occasional work or emergency replacements, Harbor Freight offers a very affordable solution. Always check the listed weight (in pounds) and length (in inches) to ensure compatibility.
Amazon biggest advantage is variety: you can filter by handle material, length in inches, head weight in pounds, and read lots of user reviews. Independent sellers and niche brands are easier to discover here, from premium hickory handles to molded plastic blade covers. Shipping times vary, but if you know exactly what you need — say a 36‑inch hickory handle and a 3.5‑pound head — Amazon often has quick solutions.
Menards in the Midwest and Rural King in farm country are great regional options. Menards often stocks mid‑range handles and maintenance tools, while Rural King focuses on heavy‑duty farm‑grade accessories. Both carry replacement parts sized in inches and pounds, and both are reliable for seasonal purchases like new heads or reinforcement collars ahead of spring digging season.
Choosing handle length is about balance and leverage. A 36‑inch handle is common for garden mattocks and gives good leverage without being unwieldy, while a 42‑ to 48‑inch handle is better for heavy digging and allows two‑handed swings for extra power. If you’re under 5’6”, a shorter handle often gives better control; if you’re taller or need extra reach, go longer. Material matters too: hickory is lighter and shock‑absorbing, fiberglass resists weather and impact, and composite handles can provide the best of both worlds if you want durability and less vibration. Always match the handle eye size (measure in inches) to the head’s eye to ensure a snug fit.
Replacing a handle is straightforward but requires a few tools: a mallet, wedges (steel or wooden), a rasp or file, and measuring tape in inches. Start by removing the old handle or broken wood, clean the eye, fit the new handle so the head sits flush about 1/8 inch below the top of the handle, and drive a wedge to secure it. Trim the excess and optionally add a steel wedge for extra security. For replacing a head, match the head weight (in pounds) to your handle’s balance point and ensure the eye diameter in inches allows for a secure wedge fit. If you’re unsure, most hardware stores will help you measure and pick compatible parts.
Simple maintenance extends the life of a mattock or pickaxe. Store tools indoors to reduce rust, apply a light coat of oil to metal surfaces, and sand and linseed‑oil wooden handles once a year to prevent drying and splintering. Check wedges and pins each season and replace any that show wear. Keep edges sharp with a file or stone — a sharp blade cuts more efficiently and is safer because it requires less force per swing. Small routines like these mean fewer replacements and better performance over time.
Accessories aren’t just about performance — they keep you safe. Invest in a good pair of impact‑resistant gloves, safety glasses for flying debris, and steel‑toe boots if you’re working with heavy heads. Consider anti‑vibration grips to lower the risk of hand fatigue and joint stress. A secure sheath or blade cover prevents accidental cuts when tools are stored in a shed or truck bed. These small purchases pay off by preventing injuries and keeping you on the job.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Wedges and basic caps can cost under $10, sharpening files around $8–$20, and blade covers $10–$30. Replacement handles cost anywhere from $15 for a basic hickory handle to $60 or more for high‑end fiberglass or composite versions. Replacement heads vary widely: light heads around $20–$35, and heavier, professional heads from $40–$100 depending on brand and heat treatment. Think of accessories as targeted investments: spend more where failure would be dangerous or costly, and save on disposable parts.
Measure twice, buy once. Confirm handle eye diameters and match head weights to your usual tasks. Read user reviews for real‑world feedback on durability and weight balance (listed in pounds). If you’re repairing on the spot, local hardware stores like Ace or Tractor Supply are lifesavers; for specialty parts or premium brands, Northern Tool or online marketplaces like Amazon are better bets. Keep an emergency wedge and a file in your truck — you’ll be glad you did when a handle loosens mid‑job.
Accessories for mattocks and pickaxes are small purchases with outsized benefits: longer tool life, better performance, and fewer injuries. Whether you prefer the convenience of big retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s, the rural focus of Tractor Supply, the variety on Amazon, or the value bargains at Harbor Freight, there’s a store that fits your needs and budget. Pay attention to handle length in inches, head weight in pounds, and the compatibility of fasteners and wedges, and you’ll get the most from your tools for years to come.
