Collins and Plumb

erik the red · Oct 1, 2013

Need help id'ing a Collins 3 1/2 lb. axe and a Plumb hatchet. Owner doesn't know anything about them.

Any ideas if this is a pre 2003-ish Collins axe? (Prior to quality drop)?
Worth picking them up for a resto?
Thanks much.

Operator1975 · Oct 1, 2013

I would say the Collins is probably mid 1980s based off my old Collins catalogs.

Square_peg · Oct 1, 2013

erik the red said:
Any ideas if this is a pre 2003-ish Collins axe? (Prior to quality drop)?

You mean prior to the 2nd quality drop? There was a drop some time after Collins was sold to Mann in 1966. Most of the Lewistown, PA Collins axes have flat cheeks and decent but not fantastic steel. The steel quality took an even bigger drop when Collins was outsourced to Latin America.

erik the red · Oct 1, 2013

Square_peg said:
You mean prior to the 2nd quality drop? There was a drop some time after Collins was sold to Mann in 1966. Most of the Lewistown, PA Collins axes have flat cheeks and decent but not fantastic steel. The steel quality took an even bigger drop when Collins was outsourced to Latin America.

Very good. Thanks for the history. I didn't know about the decline in quality after Collins was sold in the 60's.

Operator; thanks for the ballpark. That helps a lot.

Is this axe a Michigan pattern?

Square_peg · Oct 1, 2013

I'd call it a Michigan.

erik the red · Oct 2, 2013

Cool. Thanks man. Much appreciated.

Operator1975 · Oct 2, 2013

All axes had a decline in quality post 1950s - especially post 1960 as the chainsaw replaced the need for axes - companies either shut down or had to focus on other tool lines like shovels, picks, other garden tools, etc. where there once was 500 + axes companies in the USA, by the 1970s into 1980s there was maybe 3 or 4, and now really only Council Tool remains as a major distributor number wise.

erik the red · Oct 3, 2013

Operator1975 said:
All axes had a decline in quality post 1950s - especially post 1960 as the chainsaw replaced the need for axes - companies either shut down or had to focus on other tool lines like shovels, picks, other garden tools, etc. where there once was 500 + axes companies in the USA, by the 1970s into 1980s there was maybe 3 or 4, and now really only Council Tool remains as a major distributor number wise.

Right on. Thanks for the deep history. I just got done reading your Plumb history thread on BCUSA. Great stuff!!

Well, I picked up these two bad boys today. Grabbed a few more pics...

Any idea on the vintage of the scout axe? Haft has 647 14" scout axe in green. Edit: appears to be the standard hardware store replacement handle. Time for a new one? Any suggestions? How about a nice leather mask for her?!?!

Square_peg · Oct 4, 2013

erik the red said:
Well, I picked up these two bad boys today. Grabbed a few more pics...

The eye of that one has been expanded by somebody using the poll as a hammer. I would close that eye some before I re-hung it. Preferably hot but it could be done cold (it expanded when it was cold).

If you do choose to close that eye then the simple way is just to use a propane or MAPP gas torch. Heat one side and hammer it. The other cold side will resist your hammer blows and maintain the shape of the axe. Once the first side is back in shape cool it slowly and do the second side. You'll have it back in prime shape.

erik the red · Oct 7, 2013

Square_peg said:
The eye of that one has been expanded by somebody using the poll as a hammer. I would close that eye some before I re-hung it. Preferably hot but it could be done cold (it expanded when it was cold).

If you do choose to close that eye then the simple way is just to use a propane or MAPP gas torch. Heat one side and hammer it. The other cold side will resist your hammer blows and maintain the shape of the axe. Once the first side is back in shape cool it slowly and do the second side. You'll have it back in prime shape.

I worked on the eye a bit. Tightened it up just enough. Then I took a file to the buggers; they were in desperate need of chip/rolls/dent removal. Also gave it a WD40 soak and started busting rust with some steel wool.

erik the red · Oct 7, 2013

After that I decided on a white vinegar bath. In went both axe heads for approximately 18 hours or so. I pulled them out and took a green monster (scrubby) to them. I was amazed at how the rust disappeared! Next up was a quick couple hour baking soda bath to neutralize the acid.
After a rinse and dry, it was time for some boiled linseed oil for the handles.

I think they clean up really nice! A few more touchups on the handles, a good sharpening and a leather mask for them and they should be hungry for some wood!