Quick Rehang Question

T

Treetop

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
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10
My first rehang attempt and I'm finally ready to seat the axe head (True Temper Kelly Perfect) into the haft.

My question is: Should I treat the portion of the handle that will be inside the axe head with BLO or leave it untreated?

We are leaving for the country in the morning, otherwise I would have used the search function. My problem is, when I start a search, I can spend hours absorbing "other" information, even if I find the answer fairly quick! I'm a search function addict. I need help, I can't stop myself! :p

Thanks, Treetop
 
Last edited:
Treetop said:
My first rehang attempt and I'm finally ready to seat the ax head (True Temper Kelly Perfect) into the haft.

My question is: Should I treat the portion of the handle that will be inside the ax head with BLO or leave it untreated?

We are leaving for the country in the morning, otherwise I would have used the search function. My problem is, when I start a search, I can spend hours absorbing "other" information, even if I find the answer fairly quick! I'm a search function addict. I need help, I can't stop myself! :p

Thanks, Treetop
Click to expand...

I usually leave that part natural, I keep imagine that BLO could lubricate it so the head will fly free. Silly brain. :D
 
This came up a couple days ago and I have done a few axes with BLO on the handle before seating them just to find out if there is a benefit. After that topic came up I pulled the head off one of the handles I had applied BLO to before hanging. The BLO was kinda gummy, after months of being installed and sitting in a warm house, but it seemed to me to be more lubricating than adhesive. Bottom line; I feel it has no benefit. An ultra thin coat isn't going to hurt, but more than anything I would rub it into the steel inside the eye, just to combat rust.
 
Thank you all for your timely responses! I will leave the internal part of the axe handle dry and seal the top after installing the wooden wedge, dressing the top down to flush or slightly above, and driving the two steel wedges in.

I have learned so much from this forum. I have had this True Temper Kelly Perfect laying around the shop for years, but had no idea how to rehaft it until I learned right here! Tt
 
cityofthesouth said:
This came up a couple days ago and I have done a few axes with BLO on the handle before seating them just to find out if there is a benefit. After that topic came up I pulled the head off one of the handles I had applied BLO to before hanging. The BLO was kinda gummy, after months of being installed and sitting in a warm house, but it seemed to me to be more lubricating than adhesive. Bottom line; I feel it has no benefit. An ultra thin coat isn't going to hurt, but more than anything I would rub it into the steel inside the eye, just to combat rust.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. BLO needs oxygen or heat to cure. This is also why I don't soak in BLO to try and repair loose heads. It never seems to expand the wood, and it just seeps into the cracks and lubricates. Also stopped treating my wedges with BLO before seating them. Good results so far.
 
Treetop said:
Thank you all for your timely responses! I will leave the internal part of the axe handle dry and seal the top after installing the wooden wedge, dressing the top down to flush or slightly above, and driving the two steel wedges in.

I have learned so much from this forum. I have had this True Temper Kelly Perfect laying around the shop for years, but had no idea how to rehaft it until I learned right here! Tt
Click to expand...

I think we all learn a thing or two on this forum. At least I do...There is always a new way to approach a task. I love Kellys and have a few.

We'll want to see pictures of your Kelly Perfect when your done. I suggest you consider leaving a quarter inch above the eye when you hang it to get the helve some extra purchase. You may not need metal wedges if you do this. They can be saved for later if it ever gets loose.

Tom
 
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