Any tips from the experts on how best to remove an axe head from a broken handle? I cut the handle off as close to the head as possible and have been digging and chipping away at the handle material inside the head. I think I've gone as far as I can go. What next? Drilling? Fire? Termites?
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Axe repair.
- Thread starter koli615
- Start date
Bigfattyt
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- Jun 23, 2007
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I am no expert but couple of things I have done.
Couple of things.
Did you already get the metal wedge out (if it had a metal wedge, some don't, or use a wood wedge or none at all).
I have used a drill bit before and drilled out bunches of holes, used a punch and hammer if you have a vice (can block the head, to keep from marring it). When you get most out, you can use a rat tail rasp to get the rest out. You might need to use a solvent to break loose any epoxy or glue holding the handle in also.
what ever method you use it will be a pain.
Couple of things.
Did you already get the metal wedge out (if it had a metal wedge, some don't, or use a wood wedge or none at all).
I have used a drill bit before and drilled out bunches of holes, used a punch and hammer if you have a vice (can block the head, to keep from marring it). When you get most out, you can use a rat tail rasp to get the rest out. You might need to use a solvent to break loose any epoxy or glue holding the handle in also.
what ever method you use it will be a pain.
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I wouldn't burn it and loose the temper. but a drill and a punch and hammer works for me :thumbup: Pat
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- Sep 24, 2008
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It all depends on how your axhead is made, I'm afraid. The *easiest* way, if possible on your axe, is to cut the helve off flush with the socket, set the head upside down and pound the remains out the top. Unfortunately some axe heads are made to be stubborn, and have tapers on both sides of the socket.
In which case you'll just have to drill, chisel, punch, hammer and cuss it out of there. =P
In which case you'll just have to drill, chisel, punch, hammer and cuss it out of there. =P
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to bad you can't use some acid that would eat the wood and glue and leave the metal untouched. Acetone could eat away the solvent though and maybe make the wood removal easier. I like the termites idea 
Blue Sky
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- Jun 16, 2002
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- 3,508
Pounding it out from the bottom through the top with a punch or metal rod usually works. If it's being stubborn, drill a bunch of holes though the stub and it should then break up fairly easily. Drill from the bottom if you can so you don't accidentally dig into the inside of the eye.