What's the Best Way to Install an Axe Head?
While we sell plenty of ready-made axes in our shop, it's also possible to make your own axe by purchasing a loose axe head and shaft. It can also happen that your axe shaft needs replacing at some point. It's important to install the axe head in a safe way. Always make sure you're wearing the right safety equipment!
What Do You Need?
-screwdriver
-saw
-chisel
-wood glue
-(rubber) hammer
-sandpaper or wood file
How to Install the Axe Head
Step 1:
Place the axe head on the shaft and see how far it can go onto the shaft. The shaft should stick out several centimeters from the top of the axe head. If the shaft is too thick to go that far through the eye of the head, then line up the axe head along the side of the shaft. Make sure the shaft sticks out several centimeters and mark with a pencil where the bottom of the axe head should come. Use sandpaper or a wood file to reshape the shaft. Regularly check your progress by fitting the axe head onto the shaft until it slides to the marked spot. Be careful not to sand the shaft too much, otherwise the axe head won't stay on the shaft.
Step 2:
Use a chisel or saw to make an edge in the top of the shaft. It needs to be deep enough that the wooden wedge can go deep enough into it so the head stays firmly in place.
Step 3:
Apply some wood glue to the wedge and place it in the shaft. Use the hammer to make sure the wedge sits firmly in place. Let the glue dry for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4:
Use a saw to cut off the part of the shaft that sticks out from the top of the axe. Leave about 1 to 2 cm of wood above the axe head. Sand the small piece of wood that remains into the desired shape.
Step 5:
To further reinforce the axe, you can also attach a steel wedge. You do this by hammering the steel wedge. Use the screwdriver to tap the wedge a bit deeper in so it doesn't stick out of the shaft.
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