RFI: Wetterlings Bushman Axe Loose Head

W

Wyoming Shooter

Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
26
Gentlemen - I recently purchased a new Wetterlings Bushman Axe: http://www.wetterlings.com/the-bushman-axe-by-survivorman-les-stroud/. The handle appeared dry and I applied some BLO. As I was doing so, I noticed that the head is slightly loose. It will "rock" a tiny bit when hand pressure is applied. It's been very hot and dry here. I wonder if that may have contributed to the problem. Thoughts? Suggestions?
 
Wyoming Shooter said:
Gentlemen - I recently purchased a new Wetterlings Bushman Axe: http://www.wetterlings.com/the-bushman-axe-by-survivorman-les-stroud/. The handle appeared dry and I applied some BLO. As I was doing so, I noticed that the head is slightly loose. It will "rock" a tiny bit when hand pressure is applied. It's been very hot and dry here. I wonder if that may have contributed to the problem. Thoughts? Suggestions?
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Use some ductape around the top of the head to create pocket you can fill with blo andet the wood soak up as much blo as it can.
 
I purchased one a few months and had the exact same problem. I asked the same question here and the guys suggested Swellock. It tightened up the loose head and I’ve split a lot of kindling with it since without any issues.
 
Freedom Pullo said:
I purchased one a few months and had the exact same problem. I asked the same question here and the guys suggested Swellock. It tightened up the loose head and I’ve split a lot of kindling with it since without any issues.
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Sir - That sounds like a good option. How did you apply it? Best, ELN.
 
Wyoming Shooter said:
Sir - That sounds like a good option. How did you apply it? Best, ELN.
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Swel-Lock is a good idea. Or you can by the product generically as DPG, dipropylene glycol, a non-toxic clear odorless perfume base. Cut the DPG with 20% water.

I like to apply it with a dauber. I apply to the wedge and kerf of every axe I hang immediately before assembly. When using it on an axe already hung, first seat the axe as best you can by holding by the end of the handle, letting the head hang down, and giving it a few sharp blows on the end of the handle with rubber mallet or dead blow hammer. A white rubber mallet will leave no mark on the handle. Next douse the top of the eye and wedge with your Swel-Lock or DPG. Then immediately drive the wedge as deep as it will go. Then give it another shot of Swel-Lock. Odds are that handle will never come loose (unless the wedge was already bottomed out).
 
Thanks for the Swel-Lock suggestions! I've now given this axe 3 "doses". The head no longer wobbles on the handle when I attempt to move it by hand. I'll put it to work and report back. From the Big Empty, ELN.
 
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