Axe Handle
From WildernessWiki.org
This article shows how to create a handle for an axe or hatchet if the one you are using breaks.
- Clean any debris out of the eye of the axe head.
- Find a strong hardwood tree or branch as large in diameter as the long end of your axe's eye. Cut a length as long as the handle you are making. To cut down a tree without your axe, you can use a small knife or the axe head held in your hand with the technique shown here.
- At this point, you have a choice. Depending on how much you will need to use the axe or hatchet before a proper handle can be bought or made, you may want to split one end of the handle. This is not necessary for the axe to be usable, but otherwise, you will have to regularly ensure that the head is tight. If you decide to split the handle, be sure to not go more than four to five inches deep.
- Holding the axe's head in your hand to lightly chop, or using a knife, shape one end of the wood into the shape of the eye. Leave it too large to fit in the eye.
- Slowly shave the eye portion until the axe head will just fit onto it. Fit the axe head on as far as is safely possible with your hands. Holding the axe vertical with the head end up, slam the butt end straight down onto a log, stump, or rock. Inertia will jam the axe head down onto the handle.
- If you chose to make a split in step three, whittle a wedge, and pound it into the split. Leave the wedge too large so that as the wood dries and shrinks, it can be pound in further to keep the head tight.
- Your axe is ready for use.
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Contributed by Siguy
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