i noticed that there is a pickaxe in the game that is enchanted to increase smithing. i usually equip the item when i make new weapons/armor but i dont notice any improvements among smithing without it. my question is, can i use miscellaneous items such as the forging hammer and tongs to increase the effectiveness of my smithed items? can they be enchanted and equipped? i notice them laying on about every forge but i never bothered to pick them up. im wondering if i should and if they help my characters smithing effectiveness

No, it doesn't work that way. Items that increase smithing effectiveness affect the amount you improve them by, not their base stats after being made.

As for why pick-axes are useful/can be enchanted, you need them to mine ores, as well as skulls.