Heads flying off my axe and sledgehammers!

[Swamp Donkey]

What is the secret to keeping a replacement handle on an axe or hammer. I know about the "wedge" but seems I can never get a new handle on an old axe as good as the factory.

 

[Skydiver]

I no longer have this problem since buying rakes, axes, shovels from sears with the lifetime warranty. I always buy fiberglass handled tools.



You can try placing the tool in a bucket of water causing the handle to swell and tighten.



If the wedge does not work try a 2. 0"x 1/8" wood screw.



Spray the handle with paint and insert while paint is still wet also.

 

[Sled Puller]

It may take some custom forming, to get the tool down on the handle properly, then wedge accordingly.

 

[JLEONARD]

Put some epoxy in there and it will stay put

 

[Cattletrkr]

Put some epoxy in there and it will stay put

Beat me to it.

 

[KevinSmith]

Put the heads and new handle in a bucket of used motor oil. The oil will soak in swelling the wood and wedge. It will also give a slight amount of rebound to the wood that will keep you from breaking the new handle as soon.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I occasionally soak a recalcitrant axe or maul head/handle in antifreeze. It swells the wood but doesn't evaporate like water. I do it in the basement so pets don't get around the antifreeze. Then poor the excess back in the secure jugs.



But, no amount of antifreeze will fix a poorly hung handle. So, you may have to start with the basics of re-hanging properly.