Recommendation? Cracked axe info and suggestions?

[Desert_Fox]

Went back out to the Amish area today and came home with a load of axes and tools. One was this Keen Kutter axe head for $2. I saw it was cracked but didn’t have a EC Simmons axe yet so wanted it. I’m wondering about the two circles or divots on each side of the head. The circles are both above the crack. (Edit) I see now shining a flashlight on them that they are rivets. Also what’s your recommendation on what to do with cracked axe heads. Just leave them, Hang it on a handle and wall it, or try using it? Thanks.

 

[Desert_Fox]

Went back out to the Amish area today and came home with a load of axes and tools. One was this Keen Kutter axe head for $2. I saw it was cracked but didn’t have a EC Simmons axe yet so wanted it. I’m wondering about the two circles or divots on each side of the head. The circles are both above the crack. What’s the purpose of them? Did they cause the cracks or someone tried to repair it by them? Also what’s your recommendation on what to do with cracked axe heads. Just leave them, Hang it on a handle and wall it, or try using it? Thanks.

Shining a flashlight on it I see they are rivots now going through

 

[jake pogg]

That's an interesting crack;actually a failure of the original weld.
The repair seems functional,apparently it lasted a while.
Hard to tell,but judging from top view possibly the inlaid bit is worn near the end of it's life...
Possibly the axe can be ground down,but it is Very near the end of it's usable life...
(without a Major surgery,maybe welding that failed weld electrically and re-steeling the edge).

 

[A17]

Slot the crack with a grinder, wrap the bit in a wet rag and weld ‘er up with some 7018? rod. It’s worked for me with several heads.

 

[David Martin]

Gees, I wouldn't use it. Just display it on a wall. DM

 

[Desert_Fox]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up hanging the axe. I had a handle available that I took off a different axe head and it fit well. Just put some epoxy in the cracks to fill it in, then touched up the edge. I’m happy with it. It chops again!

 

[sdc1104]

If anything, the crack and rivets look like they are smiling at you!