Kooter's Geology Tools and Supplies

Geology Rock Hammers

Solid steel geology rock hammers made in the USA by Vaughan.  Kooter has been using a Vaughan hammer in the field for 15 years, and it is the only brand we sell.  See the rock hammer selection guide if you need help choosing
Kooter's price includes free shipping in the US!

Field pouch image


Special deal!

      Buy a Vaughan rockpick, and our regular $8.00 fabric field pouch can be included for only $3.50 extra!

Field pouch details

AP16 polished prospecting pick

Vaughan AP16 Geology rock hammer

Solid forged one piece steel head and handle.  Black neoprene rubber grip stands up to sunlight, and provides a sure grip in wet weather.   Traditional style with square striking face and pointed pick tip.  Polished finish.
  • Total length 12" (305 mm)
  • Head length 7.25" (185 mm
  • Actual weight 29 oz. (820g)
Price: $35.00 including shipping

Choose:
AP16 Rockpick without pouch = $35.00
Rockpick w/Navy pouch special = $38.50
Rockpick w/Black pouch special = $38.50


AP16L rock hammer

Vaughan AP16L Long handle rock hammer

Same as the polished AP16 above but with a longer length handle that some people prefer. Very well balanced.  This rock hammer has the best proportion of head and handle that we have seen.
  • Polished finish
  • Total length 15.25" (385 mm)
  • Head length 7.25" (185 mm)
  • Actual weight 32 oz (910g)
Price: $38.00 including shipping
Choose:
AP16L Rockpick without pouch = $38.00
Rockpick w/Navy pouch special = $41.50
Rockpick w/Black pouch special = $41.50

abl18 chisel rock hammer

Vaughan ABL18 Chisel style rock hammer

Sorry, this item has been discontinued.

Chisel style rock hammers in several sizes are easily available locally at most large hardware stores or building supplies outlets where they are usually classified as a 'masonry hammer' or 'bricklayer's hammer'.

geology rock hammer

Vaughan AP16U Rock Pick

Sorry, this item has been discontinued.  We recommend the AP16 or AP16L versions above.


You might also want a hammer holster, or child size safety goggles
gfeller rock hammer holster image  Hammer holster    $18.50
small safety goggles for children

  Child size safety goggles  $6.00

Rock hammer selection guide

  • These rock hammers are used by geologists to break small chips from a rock outcrop in order to have a fresh surface to examine with a hand lens.  They can also be used to collect small mineral samples.
  • If you are collecting large rock samples, you would probably use a heavier 3 pound or more "crack hammer" or drilling hammer and chisels. Small sledge hammers and masonry chisels are commonly available at hardware stores and building supply outlets, so we do not stock them.
  • The pick end of a prospecting pick is useful for excavating small samples that are imbedded in dirt or weathered rock.  The pick should not be used for extreme prying, or the hardend steel tip may break.
  • The chisel end of a hammer is used as an excavating tool, for example to carve away weathered rock or dirt that  may have a fossil or mineral embedded in it.  It should never be used as a chisel by hitting the square end with another hammer.  All hammer faces are hardened steel, and hitting them together can cause injury.

For 10 years we have sold only Vaughan rock hammers even though Estwing is a better known and more popular brand.  Our opinion is that Vaughan's quality control standards provide the highest quality rock hammers available.  The one-piece forged steel head and handle hammers have a black neoprene molded grip that resists sunlight and provides a good grip in wet weather.

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Last revision 07/22/2008