Handles for axes and hatchets
Handles for axes and hatchets
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE HANDLES FOR AXES AND HATCHETS
Can I handle my axe myself?
It is not difficult to replace a loose or broken axe handle. Here are a few tips for shafts:
- The handle must be dry and made of resistant and elastic wood, e.g. ash, robinia or hickory.
- Saws off the old axe handle at the head first and drills out the remaining wood in the eye (handle eye). Remove the remaining wood and clean the eye.
- Place two pieces of wood under the axe head as a support and hammer the new axe handle into the eye until it protrudes slightly on the other side.
- If you have a planing bench, you can also press the axe handle into place using the rear pliers and the fixtures.
- Check the desired Angle of the handle to the axe head.
- Apply glue to the gap between the handle and the wooden wedge and drive the wedge in as far as possible.
- Now Saws the end of the axe handle with the protruding wedge down to a few millimetres.
- Finally, a metal wedge (e.g. three-pronged) can be driven in at an angle to the wooden wedge.
Alternatively, you can use our handle insertion service. You can find more information here.
What are the differences between handles for axes and hatchets?
The accuracy and impact of an axe are influenced by the so-called hang and swing of the axe handle.
What is the "slope" of an axe handle?
The slope is the position of the handle in relation to the axe blade. Mentally draw a straight line along the cutting edge and one through the centre axis of the handle.
- Garde slope (A): The two imaginary lines run parallel. The advantages and disadvantages are balanced. Such universal axes are used for reworking joints, for example, and often have straight cutting edges and straight handles.
- Slope to the rear (B and D): The two lines meet at the back of the handle. The advantages are greater accuracy, as the cutting edge is at a right Angle to the axe's flight circle and the centre of gravity moves towards the cutting edge. This principle is used, for example, with forestry axes that are used for delimbing.
- Slope forwards (Garde load speed): The lines meet near the head. This increases the force of the tool. This is why many felling axes, but especially broad axes, have a forward slope. This prioritises work progress and less force is required for the same impact energy.
What does the "swing" of the axe handle do?
The swing of the branch or axe handle changes the centre of gravity of the axe head in relation to the position of the hand.
- Straight (A): The axis of the handle coincides with the plumbed centre of gravity of the tool. A continuous fibre course and the reduced risk of breakage are advantages of this shape. It also allows precise aiming. However, the impact energy is hardly absorbed and the wrist is subjected to greater strain. Use with: Splitting hatchets axes, splitting axes and double-edged felling axes/throwing axes as well as outdoor axes.
- Curved (B): The distance between the centre of gravity and the cutting edge is doubled. This results in a lower bruising effect and the natural position of the wrist is taken into account. However, there is no continuous fibre line (risk of breakage) and the accuracy is lower. Use with: Hand axe, Adzes, carving axe.
- Cow's foot shape (Garde load speed): In this mixed shape with a weakened swing, the handle axis is only slightly shifted towards the centre of gravity. The advantages of less bounce and almost continuous fibres are cleverly combined in the cow foot. The cow foot shape is used for hand axes, felling axes and hunting axes, for example.
DIN standard?
The DIN standard 5132 regulates the Length in mm, the rough shape of the cow's foot or the cross-section of a Straight handle.
Which types of wood are suitable for axe handles?
Ash wood is a classic wood for axe handles. Due to the death of ash, alternative types of wood such as robinia are on the rise. Hickory is another well-known stem material. It usually comes to Europe as containerised goods from the USA.
