New Handle for Axe and Splitting Hammer
Helving made easy
During the season, axe, hatchet and co. are put to the test - the head and handle made of steel and wood can withstand a lot, but the material can suffer if not properly cared for and stored. Cracks in the handle signal the need for action before the axe handle breaks during work.OCHSENKOPF explains how to replace the old handle with a new one relatively easily.
Everything safe?
If you have put your axe, splitting hammer and hatchet away in the shed after the season without taking care of them, you should take another look at the tools. After tree felling and forestry work, preparation for the coming season, care and storage are the be-all and end-all. Otherwise, a (nasty) surprise may be waiting when the first cut is made.Even though the hickory and ash wood used by OCHSENKOPF for the handle are among the most durable and robust types of wood, they are and remain natural products. Environmental influences such as weather and temperature can affect the wood in the long run. Product care and proper storage are also particularly important to maintain quality in the long term.
What to do if the handle is no longer intact?
If the handle is broken or cracked, it is not necessary to replace the entire tool. We say: Replace the handle instead of throwing it away. In order to regain the usual safety, you should also pay attention to quality when hafting.The OCHSENKOPF replacement handle is pre-milled to the appropriate eye. In addition, the safety devices included in the scope of delivery in the form of a ring and wooden wedge guarantee safe working. Our OCHSENKOPF replacement handles are delivered ready for use and can be used immediately. The German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) specifies the maximum moisture content of a handle when it is delivered.
Replacing a Handle
Old out, new in
Before you can start with the stem installation, you first have to remove the defective stem. Removing a broken stem is easy with the right tips and tricks - even with a ROTBAND-PLUS system.
For an optimal result, follow the instructions below step by step. The required working materials and tools can be prepared in advance:
- Twist drill
- Hammer
- Hexagon socket screwdriver
- Saw
- Pin punch
- Non-slip base
- Spare handle
Remove the fuse plate
The first step is to remove the locking plate. The wood screw can be unscrewed with a hexagon socket screwdriver. The locking pin remains in the wood, only the locking plate is removed for replacing the stem.
Remove the defective handle
Determine whether the handle is broken outside or inside the eye. If it is broken outside, the handle is sawn off under the axe head. If the handle is broken inside the eye, sawing is unnecessary; the wood remaining in the eye can be driven out upwards or knocked out.
If the stem cannot be driven out, the pressure of the wood in the eye is too great. In this case, drilling a few holes will help. This reduces the pressure and makes it easier to drive out. The twist drill is used for this. The eye should then be freed from all wood or glue residues to ensure smooth keeling.
Instruction For Rotband-Plus
1. connect the handle and axe head
The handle sleeve is already pre-assembled on the handle. The handle is now inserted into the axe head. Make sure that the labelling of the handle and the head are on the same side.2. drive in the handle
Place the axe head down on a non-slip surface. The handle must be driven into the axe head with a suitable tool (e.g. hammer). It is essential to ensure that the protective sleeve of the handle is in full contact with the head.3. drive in the wooden wedge
The tip of the wooden wedge is inserted into the prefabricated slot of the handle and driven in with a hammer until it no longer protrudes beyond the eye of the axe head - if necessary, any protruding material must be sawn off. To increase the sliding properties, the tip of the wooden wedge can be greased.4. Mark the screw hole
Place the securing plate on the eye of the axe head so that it covers it completely. Now transfer the position of the holes in the locking plate to the handle using a pencil or similar. Put the locking plate aside again for the time being.5. drive in the ring wedges
The ring wedges are hammered into the shaft next to the markings so that there is still enough space for the locking pin and screw. The ring wedge can be difficult to drive in (high displacement). A fitter's hammer is best for driving in the ring wedge. Please note: the 18mm ring wedge is driven into the wide side, the 16mm ring wedge is driven into the narrow side of the eyelet.6. fix the securing plate
After the ring wedges have been driven in so far that they no longer protrude beyond the eye of the axe, the spot marked for the screw hole is drilled out to a depth of approx. 60-80mm using a 4 - 4.5mm drill bit. Now fasten the securing plate with the countersunk hole facing outwards using the wood screw supplied. Please note: the securing plate must be aligned in such a way that it rests on the axe head over its entire circumference and completely covers the eye of the axe.7. check
In addition, the supplied locking pin is driven through the locking plate. This prevents the plate from turning sideways. Finally, visually check that all components are properly installed and firmly connected to each other.
Spare Handles and Mounting Parts
Without ROTBAND-PLUS, with ROTBAND-PLUS. Made of Ash or Hickory.
Further Topics
More OCHSENKOPF
Tips, Tricks and Things worth knowing
