how do i take the wedge out of a axe head

[pimpnugget]

hey everyone iam new to axes so i need to know how to take the wede out of the axe head here are some pics

 

[SamuraiDave]

What is wrong with the handle you got there?

Just curious, because the only way I know of to remove a ax handle is to drill it out and pretty much destroy it.

Edited to add: Oops, I thought it was pics of two ax heads. Didnt realize it was a broken ax.

Drill it out some and that will loosen it up, then get a center punch or just a steel rod and punch it out.

 

[pimpnugget]

it was a realy crapy wood handle and it snaped spliting logs

 

[TBAUGH7]

I allways threw the axe head in a fire and burned it out

 

[pimpnugget]

I allways threw the axe head in a fire and burned it out

wont that take the temper out of the steel

 

[readyaimcut]

drill a bunch of holes in it until it's weak enough to break apart like mulch!

 

[TBAUGH7]

I never had a problem with it but I don't have pretty axes, I use your basic U.S. made hardware store axe. I haven't had a problem with them mushrooming or chipping. I'm not a expert I'm just doing what my Dad taught me.

 

[Blue Sky]

I drill them out. Just stay a little way from the sides so you don't gouge up the eye.

 

[screwthe49ers]

Clamp the head in sideways, take a strong slender piece of wood or a steel rod, and swing a hammer or small sledge and bust that sucker out.

 

[Ravaillac]

If you got access to power tools, you can drill it until it come loose.
You can push it out using wood pegs and a mallet.

I've heard methods consisting in burning it away: you have to bury the edge pretty deep in the soil and build a fire around the eye, but I'm not sure how well this works, probably affects heat treating so I'd avoid it if possible but in the field it may be the only method available.

 

[cherokee tj]

The eye is tapered towards the top so when it's wedged it won't fly off, so I just saw the handle remnants flush with the bottom and take a round punch and hammer and drive it out the top, real easy.

 

[mhawg]

Use a bigger drift or punch and a bigger hammer. Should slide out once the initial friction is broken.

 

[EdD270]

When drilling out a broken handle, I find it easier to use a small bit, say 1/8-1/4", and drill lots of holes rather than using a big bit, like a 1/2". I get better control, don't mess up the inside of the eye, and the pieces of handle left are smaller and break up easier.

 

[disduster]

smaller bit take your time like your using a big one, if you hit steel you will know it soon enough.

 

[thebrain]

I have done a few hammers and hatchets and the like over the years and I always have the best luck just finding the biggest bolt I can find that will still fit through the head and smack the crap out of the wood from the handle side it always give a huge struggle at first then it kinda falls out all at once .I use the head of the bolt to push out the old bits.

 

[vector001]

i have to disassemble a lot of hawks that have that circular wedge arrangement, but without marking up the head;

so i have to be delicate, but i need to be quick, so i can put a new composite handle on and get it out to my investors;

what i do is cut the handle about a quarter to half an inch from the head;

then i get a small drill bit and drill holes around the circular wedge, and inside it, then flip over the head and also drill it honeycomb on the neck side of the head;

then just using a simple screw driver, give the wedge a tap from the bottom side with a hammer or piecve of 2 x 4 - the weakened wood will let the wedge slip right out with little effort;

then i put the head on its side and tap the neck wood a little bit, which is often pressed into the sides of the eye of the hawk or axe - this breaks the mechanical lock and the remaining handle slips right out of the eye.

HTH.

vec