The spike, commonly made of metal, may curve slightly, and often has a counter-weight to improve ease of use. The stronger the spike, the more effectively the tool can function.
People use picks to break up hard or rocky surfaces. The momentum given by swinging the pick, and the very small area of impact, combine to magnify the labourer's ability to pierce the surface. Rocking the embedded spike about can then break up the surface. Removing the pick can further disrupt the surface.
Originally used as agricultural tools as far back as prehistoric cultures, picks have also served for tasks ranging from mining to warfare. The design has also evolved into other tools such as the plough and the mattock.
Compare ice-pick
For the Pick computer operating environment, see Pick operating system.