Old plumb handles

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Paulde

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May 4, 2009
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Hey guys, I just bought an old plumb axe, I love the profile of the head, its perfect, not too convex, just perfect but the head is a bit wobbly, someone used it to hammer on things :( however, I like the thin handle. Can a replacement be found so I can rehandle it or is it fixable (soak in oil etc..) any thoughts would be appreciated...
 
I like the thin handles on the Plumb hatchets as well. You could soak in linseed oil and dribble plenty in the head to try and swell it up. May go to the hardware store and pick up a metal wedge and put it in at a 45 across the wooden wedge in there. If it doesn't work, remove handle and replace. The Link boyscout handles are close but not quite as streamline. Regards
 
Thanks for the info Loosearrow, I really like this handle and haven't been able to find one like it. In fact, where I am in the southwest now, I haven't been able to find any axe handles at all! I'd like to know if there are any good sources online but I'm wary since I can't pick mine personally if I buy online. If anyone knows a good place to pick up handles online (folks who will send me ones with good grain alignment) please let me know. Thanks again Loosearrow, I'll try some linseed oil.
 
Paulde said:
Thanks for the info Loosearrow, I really like this handle and haven't been able to find one like it. In fact, where I am in the southwest now, I haven't been able to find any axe handles at all! I'd like to know if there are any good sources online but I'm wary since I can't pick mine personally if I buy online. If anyone knows a good place to pick up handles online (folks who will send me ones with good grain alignment) please let me know. Thanks again Loosearrow, I'll try some linseed oil.
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I agree about the fit of the handle. If I could have redone my old one I would have. It just isn't the same. I had a hard time finding a handle as well. If you can find an old school hardware store you may get lucky. I have been very disappointed in axe and hatchet handles I have been coming across. So if you can save yours. Good luck. I like their hatchets and for the price you can't go wrong. Regards
 
Calebklyne said:
you could always try finding one close and take a sander to it
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You are right about that if you can find one in the first place to start with. When you get done with it you will become very attached to it. I have never made one from a chunk of wood. Wouldn't that be a challenge. One of these days I'll have to attempt it.
 
use boiled linseed, or it will take forever to cure.
after the linseed soak, go ahead and put a wedge in anyway to take up any residual slack.
but you're right - the old plumb hatchets are awesome!
 
The wedge did the trick. Thanks all for the info! I'll hold off on the linseed goodness unless it needs it later, then I'll have an ace up my sleeve so to speak
 
I put a wedge in a hatchet I had today. Snugged it up real tight. It is stamped Companion on it and is sharp as a razor. Will have to treat the handle as well. Glad it worked out for you. Try and sand the handle smooth to get the varnish off. It will soak the oil better. Sometimes I will use a leather dye on the wood, burn a pattern in it with a torch, then oil it down well. I have been known to use small brass brads or tacks in them to make it mine. Have fun with the sheath. Regards, Loosearrow
 
Paulde said:
The wedge did the trick. Thanks all for the info! I'll hold off on the linseed goodness unless it needs it later, then I'll have an ace up my sleeve so to speak
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Feed the wood. It is probably really dry. I have wrapped cloth around a hawk, soaked kerosene into the cloth and then wrapped plastic around the whole hatchet. Leave it outside if you are worried about it. I have tempered blackpowder ramrods by soaking them in kerosene.
 
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