A compressed-air-operated hand tool used to excavate coal, ore, and rock, with a punching action. Without the pick steel, its length is about 18 in (46 cm) and weight about 24 lb (10.8 kg). It delivers about 2,500 blows/min. The latest type is the watercontrolled pick, so designed that the air valve is operated by water pressure. The water assists in suppressing the dust made during cutting.