My Old Brush Axe

[Uncle Timbo]

I got this Brush Axe from my Father after he passed away. I know nothing of it's history. I don't think it's a hand-me-down. I believe it to be something he may of bought at an estate sale or possibly a yard or garage sale.

It doesn't have any printing on the opposite side.

Can you experts educate me as to what and when you think it may have been made?

 

[garry3]

Probably a Council Tool brush axe. Its an older one with a forge welded eye. They probably came in different sizes when that one was manufactured. Some company's just sized them as small, medium and large. I am not familiar with the old Council's and there numbering system or when they quit making them with a forge welded eye. Its probably been awhile though...

 

[Steve Tall]

Council Tool didn't start making "brush axes/ bush axes/ bush hooks" until the 1930s, and in 1955 they started modernizing their production equipment, so that might give a rough idea of the age of the forge-welded version.

"In the 1930s a new manufacturing plant and offices were built and the company began to diversify its product line to include bush axes, ditch bank blades, single bit axes, and a line of specialized fire fighting tools... In 1955 the company began modernizing its production equipment and machinery. In 1970 a fire destroyed most of the manufacturing facilities..."

from https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/findingaids/mc00297

 

[Uncle Timbo]

Thank you gentlemen. I've had it for well over a decade and I'm just now seeing about it. I never knew it could be that old but I guess the four sided bolts haven't been around for awhile.
So it could be 60 years old? Heck, It's as old as me, and prolly looks better!

 

[300Six]

My local fastener store still carries square nuts and bolts. Likely these are specialty items for period correct restorations but they stock quite a few sizes and thicknesses. During the late 70s early 80s square headed lag screws and bolts were still commonplace and I haven't gotten around to tossing out the Craftsman 3/8 drive sockets I have for turning these in. Otherwise I agree that your brush axe probably pre-dates the Council modernization efforts that began in 1955.

 

[Square_peg]

The nice thing about square nuts is that they ride well in slots. The automatic door openers I install mount on slotted aluminum extrusions. Loosen a few screws and I can slide the units back and forth to make adjustments. Yesterday I helped my elderly neighbor change the battery on his scooter. The terminals used square nuts in slots. There are still places for these.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Also, you can really crank on a square nut without risking slipping and rounding it. They're less convenient in spaces where wrench room is limited, but when you really want to get it cinched down tight, square nuts are great.