Is this handle re-usable?

[COSMO]

I have this original handle from an axe I picked up. The head was loose so I managed to slide it out, remove the wood and metal wedges and would like to re-use it. Looking for any input on if it looks re-usable, and how to repair it for re-use.

Thanks

David in NY

 

[Hickory n steel]

Looks good to me.
I'd maybe drill a small hole at the end of those cracks from the metal step wedge to stop them from spreading, but it's not necessary.

 

[Twindog]

That's pretty nasty. Certainly you can reuse that handle, but a new handle would be better.

You have a number of cracks started, and you have that giant wedge divot to deal with.

I have a small Japanese hatchet that I use to create kindling for my wood-burning stove. I came with a big wedge bashed into the top, and -- like your wedge -- it cracked it. I drilled a couple holes at the end of the crack and forced some glue in there. It has seen a lot of use and has held up. But it's still ugly. You can see the giant crack that that wedge caused.

 

[Square_peg]

The parts shown in those photos suggest it's reusable. But let's see the whole haft and grain orientation.

In any case you would need to rasp the shelf off the haft. The lower you can set the head the more of the old haft you can trim off and the better you'll be.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

The parts shown in those photos suggest it's reusable. But let's see the whole haft and grain orientation.

In any case you would need to rasp the shelf off the haft. The lower you can set the head the more of the old haft you can trim off and the better you'll be.

Yeah, trim as much as you can. Looks salvageable to me.

 

[COSMO]

Thanks for all the input. I was thinking about how to fill the wedge divot and strengthen the cracks. What about using wood filler, epoxy, or a mixture of glue with some sawdust? Which is best choice?

David

 

[Travbud1]

If you are really concerned about the crack, my first choice would be to use a wooden cross wedge. I wouldn't even worry about it though, just re-seat the head a bit lower and a standard wedge will do the job. I've reused many handles with splits like this and never had any problems.

 

[the-accumulator]

The parts shown in those photos suggest it's reusable. But let's see the whole haft and grain orientation.

I rehang axes and hatchets on vintage hafts for the sake of history. Most will never be used. If I were planning to use an axe/hatchet aggressively, I'd definitely start by evaluating the entire haft before I reused it. I wouldn't rule out the haft in your photos based on what I can see, but the entire haft needs to be scrutinized to determine its salvage value. T-A

 

[COSMO]

I rehang axes and hatchets on vintage hafts for the sake of history. Most will never be used. If I were planning to use an axe/hatchet aggressively, I'd definitely start by evaluating the entire haft before I reused it. I wouldn't rule out the haft in your photos based on what I can see, but the entire haft needs to be scrutinized to determine its salvage value. T-A

Thanks, I appreciate the need to assess the entire haft. It is the original craftsman haft that came with the vintage craftsman axe head. My goal is to not have to replace it.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Got any pictures of the head and the entire handle.

If the axe isn't too old ( say it's 1970's+ ) and the handle isn't necessarily an older really nice handle it might not be worth saving even if there is plenty of life left in it and it is original.

 

[COSMO]

I really appreciate all the input. Here are pictures of the head and the two hafts I have to choose from. I just picked up the one on the bottom ( and right) of picture at the flea market this past weekend. The one on the top (and left) is the original. the logo is on the one I just got, it is a craftsman, but the logo is worn. Thanks again for all the input.

David in NY

 

[Square_peg]

Those are both nice handles with better figure than one you could buy of the shelf today.

The bottom one has better grain and a better swell. I would save the bottom haft for a better axe. It's a real beauty.