Tomahawk help please

R

RatDrall

Joined
Feb 7, 2009
Messages
467
I ordered a pair of Cold Steel 'hawks, a Norse Hawk and a Frontier Hawk. When I took them out of the bos the Norse Hawk head fell off, and the Frontier Hawk head wobbles around.

The Frontier Hawk has a small set screw that I haven't messed with yet.

I have no idea where to start getting the Norse Hawk head on tight. Right now I'm thinking about a drill press with 2-3 set screws.

I could be way off...What should I do?
 
The set screw(s) will just scrape or split the handle when the head moves in spite of them being tightened down. Custom fit the handle to the head instead.

Remove any metal burs on the inside of the eye and then shape the handle slowly to perfectly fit the eye. I did this and then placed a paracord wrap below the head and I have no problem with the head coming loose. I don't throw mine though. It's a trail hawk by the way. Here's a crappy pic but you get the idea.

IMG_5219.jpg
 
I am living in an apartment right now and don't have many tools in this state (they're back home with my parents).

What, exactly, will I need to fit a pair of 'hawk heads to their handles? Is there a site I can go to for a guide on how to do this?

I'm guessing I'll need a file set to smooth out the head a bit, and a few different types of sandpaper to smooth out the handle?

I guess my problem is that I don't really know how much to sand down the handle, and how much of it should be sticking out the top, etc.
 
You could probably get away with just some coarse, medium, and fine sandpaper. If you have a Dremel, it makes de-burring the head a bit easier, but sandpaper and elbow grease will do the trick.

The key is to test fit often, and the goal is to achieve a uniform fit that does not show gaps between the handle and head.

Best of luck with it.

- Mike
 
Alright, I got it sanded down to where it seemed to fit, and I just applied the first coat of stain. All I had sitting around was some dark black stain from a while back, it should be interesting to see how it comes out.

After I get it stained and oiled, how do I get the head to seat? I'm planning on heating the heads up in the oven to get it to expand a little, how hot should I make it? Also, what's the best way to whack the head on and get it to seet tightly?
 
I use a rubber mallet. Grip the head in your hand (with an oven mitt, if you have heated it!), slide the handle in, and give the top of the handle a few really solid whacks with the mallet.

The head will also naturally seat itself during use.

All the best,

- Mike
 
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