Suggestions for fixing cracked handle

J

JLRubicon

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Sep 3, 2019
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Searched and didn't find anything. What is the best way to fill in the crack?? Can I put linseed oil on it now or should I wait until I repair the crack?? It is a short handle, about 12 inches or so for a small axe. Thanks for any help.
 
JLRubicon said:
Searched and didn't find anything. What is the best way to fill in the crack?? Can I put linseed oil on it now or should I wait until I repair the crack?? It is a short handle, about 12 inches or so for a small axe. Thanks for any help.
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Does it go through to the other side? If not I wouldn't worry about it. Just don't step wedge it in line with the crack. ;). You don't need to use those at all while we're on the subject! Lol.
If it really bothers you you can put glue in the crack and then sand above it until it's full of sawdust. If you sand the helve first, prior to doing that, you'll get rid of the grey. Otherwise you'll have a nicely sanded haft with a grey crack in it. :eek:
 
Or, make a feature out of the crack as long as the handle is solid.

This handle was really strong despite the crack (shake), filled with epoxy with a tiny bit of black tint then sanded.

nRluj4Z.jpg
 
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I also think that its probably fine as is - especially on such a short handle. You could put some glue in it if it will make you feel better about it. if you are going to glue it - don't put linseed oil on it until after you are done with the glue. I imagine it would take quite a while (weeks/months) for the linseed to polymerize enough for glue to stick to it. also, if you smear glue in there, sand it after the glue dries - otherwise whatever glue smeared on the outside will form a barrier and will block the oil from penetrating that area - and will stick out as being a different color.
 
Yankee Josh said:
Does it go through to the other side? If not I wouldn't worry about it. Just don't step wedge it in line with the crack. ;). You don't need to use those at all while we're on the subject! Lol.
If it really bothers you you can put glue in the crack and then sand above it until it's full of sawdust. If you sand the helve first, prior to doing that, you'll get rid of the grey. Otherwise you'll have a nicely sanded haft with a grey crack in it. :eek:
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The crack doesn't go through the other side but there are some shorter cracks on the other side. I may just fill it with some glue and then sand it. Thanks for all the suggestions!! Appreciate the help.
 
I'm gonna' agree with the other fellahs and say fill it in with epoxy. I've done the same before with some surface checking on a handle that's held up just dandy.
 
I've been doing woodwork for years and fill cracks like that with thin CA glue and sand the crack area while glue is still wet. The dust mixes with glue and fills crack well. You have to sand wood around and on crack to remove stain the glue leaves. The sand paper used to sand area while glue is wet is ruined in this process. CA glue is the true name of what is sold as super glue. It takes a couple coats of glue to fill deeper cracks. Had to fill 30 or more cracks on this red oak burl bowl.
IMG-2409.jpg
 
I would use 30 minute devcon and then sand in smooth. It takes a good while to dry but it will hold it.
 
Epoxy is fine for that kind of shrinkage split.

If you want a wire wrap, google clamptite tool. I bought one of those for work, so naturally tried it out on some axe handles too. Haven't tried out any of the axes yet but I'm pretty optimistic that the wire wrap (stainless in this case) will extend the life of a damaged handle a bit.

Seen them home made from hardware store turnbuckles also.
 
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