How to Fasten an Ax Handle

An sharp ax makes a useful tool.

Fastening an ax handle to an ax head is not very difficult, but you have got to use the right materials to do the job properly. Using a wooden wedge that fits snugly in the ax handle will help prevent the handle from rotting or wearing out fast. Placing a wooden wedge in the top of the ax handle also creates a natural brace, holding the ax head securely in place. Metal wedges are also commonly used as a method of fastening ax heads to ax handles.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Miter saw and box
• Wooden or metal wedge
• Wooden mallet
• Hacksaw

Instructions

1. Place the ax handle through the eye of the ax head. Draw a line across the ax handle with a pencil along the top of the ax head to mark any excess wood that must be removed to keep the handle flush with the top of the ax head.

2. Remove the ax head from the ax handle and place the handle in a miter saw box. Cut across the pencil line with a miter saw. Remove the ax handle from the saw box and place the ax head back on the ax handle.

3. Fit a wooden or metal wedge in the slot at the top of the ax handle and drive the wedge into the handle with a wooden mallet until the wedge is flush with the top of the handle. If the wedge protrudes from the top of the ax handle, trim the excess with a hacksaw so the wedge is flush with the top of the ax head.

References

• U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration: Handtools for Trailwork
• Handade of Wood; Axe Handle Replacement; Ian Tompsett; 2010
• Ace Hardware: Replacement Axe Handles