Metal Wedges?

jeremy1517

jeremy1517

Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
1,036
I received my handles from House Handle today. They come with both the wood and metal wedge. I am putting a handle on a double bit axe. Do I need to use the metal wedge or stick with just the wood wedge? From the video's and stuff I've read, I've seen mixed opinions.

Also, Do I need to put wood glue on the wood wedge as I put it in?

Thanks
 
In my opinion it's generally unnecessary to use metal wedges when doing a fresh hang. I often hold on to them, however, and will pound one in down the road if the head gets loose, but not loose enough to warrant a new hang. As to glue w/ the wedge, I have never done this so I can't comment as to any benefits, but I feel safe saying it's not necessary at all. I've hung and used many tools over the years and none have ever been glued, but plenty have held up just fine. I do favor leaving a bit of handle + wedge, say nearly a 1/4 inch, remaining above the eye of the ax head. I feel this offers some extra security as opposed to cutting it flush. You may have seen hangs like this before. Then again, this is by no means necessary, either. Just personal preference.
 
I think there is a thread or two about this already out there but I'll give you my two cents. Skip the metal wedges, at least at first. Once you hammer those in you can't really tighten up the wood wedge, and they can start splits in your handle, which to me seems like something worth avoiding even if it will take 10000 swings for them to spread out to a point where the handle is no good. Like jefro I'll often leave a bit of the handle sitting proud of the top of the head, and I don't glue my wedges. If you do that you lose the option of tightening them later. To which end I'll also try to leave a bit of the wedge sticking out - just 1/8 in or so - so it is easier to snug up if needed. Really a lot of it just comes down to aesthetics, there are a lot of ways to keep a head on a handle.
 
I'll just say the wooden wedges that come with house handle handles are junk IMO. You'll be better off making your own or buying some from a hardware store or online. I get mine at Aubuchon Hardware. The double bit ones should be longer as well so they fill up the whole eye.
 
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