Where does one find quality hafts?

[Larry in Bend]

I'm redoing an old Plumb half-hatchet that has wonderful steel. Local stores aren't stocking quality hafts. Do you have a favorite and dependable supplier?

 

[Miller '72]

I use Link, sold at one of four family owned true values I consider local-ish here. They don't restock till the supply is out unfortunately...unless I ask specifically.
I do not have any experience with some of the online sites.

Hope that is helpful

 

[I'mSoSharp]

Good hafts are hard to find, they don't grow on trees..........

 

[silverds]

First you gotta find a quality whole, then use your hatchet to chop it into two hafts.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I'm redoing an old Plumb half-hatchet that has wonderful steel. Local stores aren't stocking quality hafts. Do you have a favorite and dependable supplier?

For a half hatchet you should look for a VB ( that's Vaughan & Bushnell ) riggers axe handle.

 

[Miller '72]

For a half hatchet you should look for a VB ( that's Vaughan & Bushnell ) riggers axe handle.

Ugh...thanks man!

 

[Hickory n steel]

Ugh...thanks man!

I find VB hafts at my nearest OSH, but im sure there are other hardware stores around that stock them.
In my experience their plant turns out a decent handle.

 

[300Six]

From the comfort of your own computer screen it's easy to select and order from outfits such as 'House Handle' and 'Tennessee Hickory' but if you're looking to scrutinize the item personally the opportunities have become rather thin. You can start by finding excuses to routinely browse through the racks at local hardware stores! Getting hold of anything out of the ordinary (that is shaped from wood) has become a quest (and obsession) for quite a few of us. It increasingly 'makes my day' to stumble on to a triple-A haft. Of course it'll be another one I don't need but the prospect of leaving it behind for some schmuck that can't tell his arse from his elbow (and probably ruins it in trying to get it to fit) often sees me going home with a 'rainy day' handle. When 10-20-30 years of 'methodical gathering' have passed and a handle breaks you will no longer have to sweat-it-out about what to do next.

 

[Miller '72]

I find VB hafts at my nearest OSH, but im sure there are other hardware stores around that stock them.
In my experience their plant turns out a decent handle.

OSH?
About how long a riggers axe handle would you recommend for a half hatchet?

 

[Humppa]

Honestly... if you really want an excellent haft for a an axe or any other tool like a shovel or whatsoever...

Try to find somebody with a woodturning-bank. Many carpenters at least know someone who owns such a machine.

Then the haft is handmade and it can be made correctly for the dimension of the hatchet/axe/shovel.

I used to make my own axe hafts in the past, when I had more time. Just out of ash-wood. As here in Germany hickory doesn´t grow that well.

If I were you, I would try to get such a haft... and one or two for replacement.

 

[Agent_H]

Larry, if you are in Bend, OR, run to Coastal Farm in Redmond before they close today. Ours here carries House Handle products and I’ve had good luck.

No guarantees on hand-picked quality but it might be someplace a guy may not have known is a local source. If you go, take a picture of their offerings.

 

[Hickory n steel]

OSH?
About how long a riggers axe handle would you recommend for a half hatchet?

Well a riggers axe handle is typically 16", but I only said to get a riggers axe handle because that's normally what I see.
They make a half hatchet and from course a 14" handle for it so if you want to set up a standard half hatchet handle I'd look for their half hatchet handle.

 

[garry3]

Local lumber yard should have what you need. Whether its a shorter handle like it came with or a little longer like a rigging axe. Its not hard to find a good handle in those shorter lengths.

 

[Square_peg]

I watch my local hardware stores for short and long handles. My local Do-It-Best often has good short handles. My local chainsaw shop stocks Tennessee Hickory Products axe handles. I hand pick the best and they let be check the stock in the back room. TH handles are fat as baseball bats and need a lot of work but at least there's plenty to work with and they offer the finest white hickory.

I have the best luck on boys axe and cruiser handles at either Ace or True Value. Their longer handles are typically crap but for some reason they do OK on the smaller handles.

 

[Larry in Bend]

Thanks for your responses. Agent H -- I'm not in Bend at the moment. I'll check on Coastal Farm when I get back. They used to be Big R -- nice store.

Sounds like House Handle does as well as anyone.

 

[300Six]

Thanks for your responses. Agent H -- I'm not in Bend at the moment. I'll check on Coastal Farm when I get back. They used to be Big R -- nice store.
Sounds like House Handle does as well as anyone.

You'll pay a little bit more but you can specify 'hand select' and describe what it is you want. Tell them you are a member of this forum too. Don't order just one either; shipping of 2-3 is not a heck of a lot more expensive.