Tommy Axe Handles

S

slaroy

Joined
Jul 9, 2012
Messages
30
I recently picked up a decent True Temper tommy axe head, but I'm lost as to what kind of handle would work best. I could just go with a 14" hatchet handle but it seems heavy enough for a handle up to 20" or maybe more. I have seen some on straight handles, some with a slight curve and I wonder what would work best? Or am I just splitting hairs because in the end it boils down to personal preference?

Who has a tommy axe and what type of handle do you have? What (if anything) would you change about your Tommy Axe handle?
 
I have a Tommy Axe and it's still on its original handle. I think the handle is too short for the weight of the axe - it's only 14". I think it would be better hung on an 18" handle. I think the Tommy axe has a slightly larger eye than standard hatchets. You might make do with a hatchet handle and a large wedge. A riggers hatchet handle would be a possibility. But I'd go with a house axe handle. They're made for the same size eye as a boys axe. Plenty of material to work with. They're typically 19". House Handle sells one. I've also found them in my local hardware store.
 
Thanks for the reply Peg, I think I'm gonna give a house axe handle a try and post up some picks when finished.
 
I just re-measured mine. It's 14-3/4" now but when I re-hung it on the original handle it lost about 3/4 of an inch. The original handles were octagonalized just below the head and then transitioned to oval in the belly of the haft.
 
Square_peg said:
I have a Tommy Axe and it's still on its original handle. I think the handle is too short for the weight of the axe - it's only 14". I think it would be better hung on an 18" handle. I think the Tommy axe has a slightly larger eye than standard hatchets. You might make do with a hatchet handle and a large wedge. A riggers hatchet handle would be a possibility. But I'd go with a house axe handle. They're made for the same size eye as a boys axe. Plenty of material to work with. They're typically 19". House Handle sells one. I've also found them in my local hardware store.
Click to expand...
I have a couple of rigging handles from house. Can't say that I like them at all. They are more round than oval. Not a good feeling at all. And to narrow a few inches below the head. The house handle is in the middle.
010.JPG

And whats up with the newer Vaughns? The head has a collar which is ok, but look at the size of that eye. Has it been so long ago that I bought a new one that mine are USA verse made in China or Mexico?
011.JPG
 
I suggested the riggers handle because it's straight and allows for equal use of both the bit and the poll. But you're right, they give up something to oval handles when it comes to the grip. A band of friction tape at the end of the handles makes them a little more user friendly.
 
Square_peg said:
I suggested the riggers handle because it's straight and allows for equal use of both the bit and the poll. But you're right, they give up something to oval handles when it comes to the grip. A band of friction tape at the end of the handles makes them a little more user friendly.
Click to expand...
It's just the handles from house that are to round and I judge to be weak just below the head. Didn't show well in the photo. If I had seen these handles at the local hardware store I would not have thought they were for a rigging axe. Very odd cross section. I have never seen a riggers handle like them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top