Your cart is empty
OSRS Where to Buy a Pickaxe: Your Ultimate Guide to Mining Tools
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), a pickaxe is your gateway to mastering the Mining skill, unlocking valuable ores, and even tackling specific in-game challenges. Whether you’re a new player swinging a bronze pickaxe or a seasoned miner hunting for a dragon pickaxe, knowing where to buy these essential tools can save you time and effort. This guide dives deep into the best locations to purchase pickaxes in OSRS, covering shops, requirements, and tips to optimize your mining journey. Let’s get digging!
Pickaxes are the backbone of the Mining skill in OSRS. They determine how efficiently you can extract ores, from copper to runite, and even play a role in combat scenarios like the Chambers of Xeric. The higher the pickaxe tier, the faster you mine—making it a critical investment for both profit and experience. But where do you find them? Let’s explore the top spots to buy pickaxes across Gielinor.
Understanding Pickaxe Tiers
Before you buy, it’s worth knowing the pickaxe hierarchy:
- Bronze Pickaxe: Level 1 Mining, basic and widely available.
- Iron Pickaxe: Level 1 Mining, slightly faster.
- Steel Pickaxe: Level 6 Mining, a solid early upgrade.
- Mithril Pickaxe: Level 21 Mining, mid-tier efficiency.
- Adamant Pickaxe: Level 31 Mining, great for progressing.
- Rune Pickaxe: Level 41 Mining, the best free-to-play option.
- Dragon Pickaxe: Level 61 Mining, premium for members.
Each tier requires a corresponding Mining level to use, and some need an Attack level to wield. Now, let’s pinpoint where to snag them.
Top Shops to Buy Pickaxes in OSRS
OSRS offers several shops where you can purchase pickaxes, each with its own stock and accessibility. Here’s a rundown of the best places to visit.
Nurmof’s Pickaxe Shop (Dwarven Mine)
Located in the Dwarven Mine, Nurmof’s Pickaxe Shop is a go-to for free-to-play and early-game players. This shop sells pickaxes from bronze to rune, making it ideal for upgrading as you level up.
- Location: Northwest corner of the Dwarven Mine, south of Falador.
- Stock: Bronze (100 gp), Iron (200 gp), Steel (500 gp), Mithril (1,300 gp), Adamant (3,200 gp), Rune (32,000 gp).
- Access: Enter via the trapdoor northeast of Falador or the Ice Mountain entrance.
Tip: If stock runs low, world-hop to refresh it. This shop is perfect for Ironman accounts avoiding the Grand Exchange.
Yarsul’s Prodigious Pickaxes (Mining Guild)
Deep within the Mining Guild in Falador, Yarsul offers the same range as Nurmof but with a members-only twist—proximity to high-level mining spots.
- Location: Mining Guild, beneath Falador.
- Stock: Bronze to Rune, identical pricing to Nurmof’s.
- Requirement: 60 Mining to enter the guild.
Tip: Pair your purchase with mining runite ores nearby for maximum efficiency.
Pickaxe-Is-Mine (Keldagrim)
For members exploring the dwarven city of Keldagrim, Pickaxe-Is-Mine is a convenient stop.
- Location: Eastern Keldagrim, near the bank.
- Stock: Bronze to Rune, standard prices.
- Access: Start The Giant Dwarf quest to enter Keldagrim.
Tip: Its closeness to a bank makes it great for quick trips while training other skills in the city.
Toothy’s Pickaxes (Lovakengj)
In the volcanic region of Lovakengj, Toothy’s Pickaxes caters to players in Great Kourend.
- Location: Lovakengj, near the Blast Mine.
- Stock: Bronze to Rune.
- Access: Use a Xeric’s Talisman or Kourend teleports.
Tip: Grab a pickaxe here while working on Lovakengj favor or Blast Mining.
Gwyn’s Mining Emporium (Prifddinas)
For high-level players who’ve completed Song of the Elves, Gwyn’s shop in Prifddinas is a premium option.
- Location: Northwest Prifddinas.
- Stock: Bronze to Rune.
- Requirement: Quest completion for city access.
Tip: Combine with nearby crystal shard farming for a Crystal Pickaxe upgrade.
Buying Pickaxes on the Grand Exchange
For non-Ironman players, the Grand Exchange (GE) in Varrock is the fastest way to buy any pickaxe, including rare ones like the Dragon or 3rd Age Pickaxe.
How to Use the Grand Exchange
- Head to Varrock’s central square.
- Speak to a Grand Exchange Clerk.
- Search for your desired pickaxe and place a buy order.
Prices (April 2025):
| Pickaxe | GE Price (GP) |
|---|---|
| Bronze | ~100 |
| Rune | ~18,000 |
| Dragon | ~1,000,000 |
| 3rd Age | ~2,500,000 |
Tip: Check GE Tracker for real-time price trends before buying.
Special Pickaxes: Where to Get Them
Some pickaxes can’t be bought from shops and require unique methods. Here’s where to find the elite tools.
Dragon Pickaxe
The Dragon Pickaxe, with its “Rock Knocker” special attack, is a members-only prize.
- Sources: Dropped by Wilderness bosses (Venenatis, Callisto, Vet’ion) or Revenants.
- GE Price: Around 1M GP.
- Requirements: 61 Mining, 60 Attack.
Tip: Risk the Wilderness or save up for a GE purchase.
Crystal Pickaxe
The fastest pickaxe in OSRS, the Crystal Pickaxe requires crafting.
- How to Get: Combine a Dragon Pickaxe, Crystal Tool Seed, and 120 Crystal Shards at a Singing Bowl in Prifddinas.
- Requirements: 71 Mining, Song of the Elves completed.
Tip: Farm shards in Prifddinas to maintain its charges.
3rd Age Pickaxe
A rare status symbol with Dragon-tier stats.
- Source: Elite or Master Clue Scroll rewards.
- GE Price: ~2.5M GP.
- Requirements: 61 Mining, 65 Attack.
Tip: Hunt clues or splurge on the GE for this collector’s item.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pickaxe
With so many options, how do you pick the perfect pickaxe? Here’s what to consider:
Match Your Mining Level
Don’t waste GP on a pickaxe you can’t use. Stick to your current tier and upgrade as you level.
Free-to-Play vs. Members
F2P players cap at the Rune Pickaxe from Nurmof or the GE, while members can chase Dragon or Crystal versions.
Budget and Goals
Grinding for profit? Go for Rune or Dragon. Collecting rares? Aim for 3rd Age. Budget-tight? Stick to shop-bought options.
Here’s a quick decision guide:
| Goal | Recommended Pickaxe | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Mining | Bronze/Steel | Nurmof’s Shop |
| F2P Profit | Rune | GE or Nurmof’s |
| Max Efficiency | Crystal | Craft in Prifddinas |
Final Thoughts on Buying Pickaxes in OSRS
Whether you’re swinging a bronze pickaxe at copper rocks or wielding a Crystal Pickaxe at runite, knowing where to buy your tools is key to thriving in OSRS. Shops like Nurmof’s and the Grand Exchange cater to all players, while special pickaxes offer a challenge for dedicated miners. Plan your purchase based on your level, budget, and goals, and you’ll be mining like a pro in no time. Where’s your favorite place to grab a pickaxe? Let us know as you dig into your next adventure!