Need help bringing new life to an old Hatchet

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pyro777

Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
337
Ever since I was very young this old hatchet has been around our barn. When I was little I used it to beat on most anything wood, throw at trees and build little things. Im not sure how old it is but I know its at least 20 years old. Ive been thinking about it for a while and I really want to restore it, removing the rust and putting a good edge on it and putting on a new handle. I like its shape and design and I figure restoring it will be cheaper than going out and buying a new hatchet and its more sentimental.
So how do you all suggest going about removing the rust and putting an edge back on this old thing. Id like to have to go buy as little as possible so if there is house hold stuff I may already have that would work that would be awesome. Thanks

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Soak it in vinegar and brush it till all the rust is gone, if you're patient, start by removing the head, let it start soaking and go pick up a new handle, start getting the handle ready while the head soaks. steel wool, scotch brite or wire brush to help scrape off the rust. It's really up to you as to how fast the rust comes off.
 
I would use oil/gas and a copper chore boy to keep the original patina but get rid of the rust .I would just cut the old handle off just below the head and knock the plug out with a hammer using the left over hunk of handle as a punch. I would get a shallow pan and fill it with some motor oil and get to scrubbing ,unless you want it all bright like it was new then just go to town with a sander. After all that take it to the hardware and find a handle that fits and has good grain and a wedge kit and haft away.
 
Does it really need a new handle? If not broken / cracked / etc, maybe a little sanding and mineral oil (or other) would smooth it up to usable condition? Neat tool, would try to keep it as original as possible while making it functional. Sounds like that is what you are trying to do. Good luck!
 
i would leave the handle clean it and soak it in water a few days to get the wood back,then soak it in oil..
 
Thanks guys.
I had to end up removing the handle though because it was attached badly at the top and the bottom was starting to split ( might have somthing to do with me throwing it at trees when I was much younger ) but I am going to clean up the head and get a better handle. I plan to soak and scrub it tomorrow and then try to sharpen it up later maybe using a file and some sand paper. I post pics when I get it right.
 
Going through this same process at the moment with an old carpenter's hatchet. The splintered hickory hammer handle has been removed and a 19 inch hudson bay handle is taking its place. Got most of the rust removal taken care of last night . I need to get my hands on some more linseed oil for the handle...
 
There are axes like that at a local resale shop for eight bucks. Been thinking of doing the same thing. Show some photos when youre finished .
 
WD-40 and wire brush will get the rust off. Soak, scrub, repeat. A wire wheel on a drill will be faster, if you have one.
 
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