How To Replace An Axe Handle by Wranglerstar

When Axe Handles Break . . . .

Two things have caused most of the broken axe handles in human history: 1. Overshooting the target and smashing the handle.
2. Getting an axe stuck and trying to lever it loose again.

If you crack, split or break a handle doing either of those things, the only safe solution is to replace it with a new handle. Since that can be a difficult afternoon's work, many people have tried other solutions such as wrapping the handle with tape, pouring epoxy glue into the socket of the head, and numerous other foolish things that don't work. The first rule is: replace the handle.

Sometimes -- if the handle is only loose in the axe head -- you may be able to tighten it up with a new wooden wedge and steel wedge, but the chances are that if you're having trouble you'll continue to have trouble until that new handle is fitted properly in place.

Handle Selection

If you own a standard axe, a replacement handle will probably be available at your local hardware store. By that I mean a real hardware store, not the kind you find in a mall. There will be lots of pipe, rolls of fence wire, and probably the place will smell like feed and fertilizer. Somewhere in there they'll have a rack of tool handles.

Ash or hickory make the best handles and few store clerks will know what kind is in stock. If you have a choice, get ash. Hickory is more prone to shatter, although it's a tough and durable wood. If you have a choice between finished handles and unfinished handles, get the unfinished. Lacquered handles are not any better and blister hands much more quickly. If the company put lacquer on the handle, they probably didn't know much about handle making.

While you're there, get a couple of wooden handle wedges and twice that many steel handle wedges. They come in different sizes, so don't be shy about bringing in the old axe to match up to parts.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• axe
• handle
• hickory
• grunsfors
• bruks
• sweden
• double
• bit
• falling
• throwing
• splitting
• mal
• wedge
• ash
• sharpen
• firewood
• timber
• steel
• broken
• replace
• wranglerbarn
• painting
• diet
• combat sports
• dart gun
• paintball
• valve
• weightlifting
• instructions
• repair
• analysis
• tutorial
• fishing
• conspiracy
• photography
• workout
• fitness
• video review
• guns
• cannabis
• physical exercise
• electronics
• rifle shooting
• exercise
• nature
• gaming
• howto
• health diet
• health
• bodybuilding
• crafts
• video game
• how-to
• war games
• video log

[texasphi801]

I couldn't help but notice that cool watch you have on. What is it?

[wranglerstar]

@texasphi801 its made by Marathon

[stonenstrop]

Thanks. Never did it right. Now I know. Question: What preferences for wood? Clint E. told me Hickory is best. :) Your choices?? PS: like your perspectives and order of things. stonestrop

[MrSidekick79]

Great Video! There are many bargains to be had on yesteryear americana, start buying tools now.

[MHCABI]

Very nice work. I hadn't considered using pva glue!

Just one thing - I would advise using (or making) some jaw-protectors for the vice when working with soft material, although you clearly know what you're doing, someone less experienced with a vice might be tempted to clamp too-tightly and leave deeper marks in the wood.

A couple of questions:

Why boiled linseed rather than ordinary (raw)?

Also, is it possible to use a piece of the old haft as a wedge or is this not a good idea?

Many thanks.

[usaknifenut]

Well, i attempted this on an old hatchet I had. I didnt get it seated down all the way and it split when i put the metal wedge in. Oh well, ill try again! This video helps a lot, and i should have watched it closer.

[roygbiv2411]

Love your videos man, you inspire me to drop off the grid

[1jbunceiii]

Thanks for the video. I broke my axe handle today, so I will use your instructions as my guide! I picked up my axe at a yard sale for $5, I will have to look at the head when I get home and see if it has any markings on it.

[jameslichterman]

Hey Dude ......... Great video very informative . Guess what .......I am a pig ,slob , do great work and God loves me. Rock on...... ole ax fixer ........ Rock on!

[Thenutzandbolts]

Great job man, I buy into all that you believe in. Run for president, you got my vote.