Axe handle source

[Draven]

Howdy folks
I'm having real difficulty finding a local source for spare axe handles - the flea market sometimes has them, but it's rare. Focus doesn't have them, and there's not a single "traditional" hardware store nearby. Would B&Q, do we think, and would they have wedges? I can't find either on the website but maybe they're not listed... an awful lot of stuff on the site is only available in-store anyway.

Any help would be much appreciated
Pete

 

[British Red]

They usually carry a small range of hickry helves (18" and 30" IIRC - small hatchet and felling axe) as they don't sell the more specialist axes or unusual sizes.

You might well find ring wedges (hammer wedges) but I doubt you will fins No. 1 falt metal wedges

Red

 

[Draven]

They usually carry a small range of hickry helves (18" and 30" IIRC - small hatchet and felling axe) as they don't sell the more specialist axes or unusual sizes.

You might well find ring wedges (hammer wedges) but I doubt you will fins No. 1 falt metal wedges

Red

Cool, might head over there and give it a try, then. I'm looking for something about 16" long but adjustments can be made!

Are ring wedges ok for axes? I mostly see one or two metal wedges diagonally across the wooden wedge, and that's what dad suggested too (who, by the way, is outraged that they're so hard to find! When I was a kid I remember him rehandling axes, hammers, shovels, etc) but I have seen a few ring wedges too.

Cheers!
Pete

 

[British Red]

Send me your address Draven - I'll post you a couple of metal ones

 

[tyfy]

Found here and here that sell them online. No connection to either of them I just found them on Google.

My local 'traditional' hardware store stocks a lot of Faithful branded stuff and they have them in stock most of the time.

Richard

 

[Draven]

BR - Cheers very much mate! PM sent.

Tyfy - I did consider buying them online but it's really a last resort - I want to check the grain, if possible. Cheers for the links though mate, will consider them if I can't find one locally!

Off to work now
Pete

 

[launditch1]

Are there no agricultural suppliers nearby?How bout making yer own??

 

[Draven]

Are there no agricultural suppliers nearby?How bout making yer own??

Not that I'm aware of mate, certainly none that I've seen. Might be an idea to check though, cheers!

I have thought of making my own. I did that a few weeks ago but the curve at the end of the handle was too... curved For my liking, at least. I do have some oak from a chest of drawers, but it's quite old. Can wood be too dry for axe handles? It should be very well seasoned, but like I say, it's been around for probably at least 20 years. Seems decent enough, no woodworm or rotting, it made the handle on my Leuku, but that's not subject to the same stresses. Also not sure if the grain is right.. will give it a look, though!

Cheers
Pete

 

[Peter_t]

I have thought of making my own. I did that a few weeks ago but the curve at the end of the handle was too... curved For my liking, at least. I do have some oak from a chest of drawers, but it's quite old. Can wood be too dry for axe handles? It should be very well seasoned, but like I say, it's been around for probably at least 20 years. Seems decent enough, no woodworm or rotting, it made the handle on my Leuku, but that's not subject to the same stresses. Also not sure if the grain is right.. will give it a look, though!

cant see why not, althow oak probably isnt the best wood for it as it is fairly heavy. also seasoned oak is very hard to work with, blunts knives quickly etc. but you could always give it a try

pete

 

[launditch1]

Ash is probably the best wood for an axe handle.Its good and strong and also has bit of flex to which helps absorb some of the shock in use.If you do give making your own a shot,use cleft(split)wood as this follows the natural grain making for a stronger handle.

 

[BigShot]

Earlier in the thread someone asked if ring wedges are ok for axes...
...can anyone answer that?

My 0.6kg Husqvarna Hatchet came with one and since most talk seems to be of straight ones I've been wondering if it was actually up to the job or not.
It's not come off the one time I've used it so far, but I do wonder if it'd be better off replacing it.

Cheers folks.

 

[bushwacker bob]

Earlier in the thread someone asked if ring wedges are ok for axes...
...can anyone answer that?

My 0.6kg Husqvarna Hatchet came with one and since most talk seems to be of straight ones I've been wondering if it was actually up to the job or not.
It's not come off the one time I've used it so far, but I do wonder if it'd be better off replacing it.

Cheers folks.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Toddy]

Bill's Tool Store in Moncur Street, at the Barras, in Glasgow.
They sell handles and helves for all tools, from riffler files to pickaxes.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[BigShot]

bushwacker - it certainly ain't broke.
My only concern is if the round redges aren't really meant for axes could there be a risk of head and haft parting company mid-use. I for one wouldn't want to be in the area if that happened, and considering it is my axe, I would be.

If it's no worries I'll stop thinking about it, but if it really should be a straight wedge I'll think about doing something about it some time.

 

[bushwacker bob]

If you start taking wedges out, you WILL need a new handle.I made my current one by cutting down a pick axe handle cos I couldn't find a good enough pre made one.

 

[Draven]

Cheers for all the help folks

Toddy - thanks, SWMBO goes to uni in Glasgow and has lots of free time in between lectures she'd like to fill, so she's volunteered to go if I can get her schooled up on what makes a good axe handle Bearing in mind that even if she picks out a rubbish one I'll have to use it

Cheers
Pete

 

[British Red]

Ring wedges are fine. They have been used by such as Wetterlings and Cegga. Nuff sed

 

[NatG]

trees!

ask at a local woodland or park if they have any ash that you caqn use to make one, if not then they might know a local source for them

 

[BigShot]

Cheers Red.

 

[UCBerzerkeley]

Could you not email GB and ask to buy a haft? They might work with ya