Helko Traditional Series Splitting Maul

This week we take a look at the Helko splitting maul in their traditional series axes.
Full Review: www.germantoolreviews.com/hel...
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Helko Traditional Splitting Maul (Amazon): amzn.to/2Naxpq1
Ochsenkopf 635H Big Ox (KC Tool): bit.ly/2Kioy32

[@michaelkearney5562]

It looks like a quality tool. You were not that impressed when you started to use it, but it would have helped if you put a bit more 'life' into your swings. For example at 3:32 you opened up the small diameter block, but were not able to split it completely, when it would have blown apart with a proper swing. Another point: don't use a high quality tool as a sledge. Get a sledge hammer: a tool that is relatively cheap and is specifically make for striking. Mauls (especially quality ones) should be for splitting only.

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Please do a tool box tour thank you

[@sindrejohansen9860]

you should do a video of your toolbox! would love to see what your toolbox/toolbag look like

[@thegrindeveryday9408]

Apply boiled linseed oil on the end grains of your axe after each use if you’re worried about moisture getting in.

[@steakhousejohn5990]

I like putting scraped finishes on my handles, the open cut grain is so smooth yet grippy. I wish more manufacturers would scrape their handles, even though it would be more expensive to do than sanding.

[@irongreek7722]

Do a comparison with the granfors bruk maul, I’ve got one myself and it is very nicely made

[@koffibanan3099]

Haha, we all have a favourite kind of tool where we own x different variations and still can't resist getting more of them. My weakness is crimping pliers. No idea why.

[@willjdeanie]

Ha, crimping pliers eh? ..... yep, thats a pretty niche.... lol. Tbf, I have this problem also. Or a similar one, mine tends to be brand specific though. I can't cope with just having a random tool by a random tool maker, I've got to get the whole range, for example, I bought a bahco 10" adjustable wrench. As an afterthought I got the 6" too as it would prob be handy, but then it begins to niggle me that they do a medium sized one inbetween , so then I have to get the 8". By that time I realise there's only one more and I've got all 4 sizes, so I have to fork out 50 quid on the 12" . Lol. There is literally no scenario where I would ever need all these, the 10" covers everything I ever need an adjustable for ... lol. I'm currently working my way through wera screwdrivers , and wera make a lot of screwdrivers. .... It's getting a bit silly now , what with all the doubles im building up from the different ranges..... still, gotta get 'em all eh? That's probably my biggest criticism of wera thinking about it, ... They all have the wera signature handle, in various colours, depending on which range, ... except the stubbies.... stubbies are just plain black , why? .... honestly , this keeps me awake at night. Why would they do that? Pretty sure I'm developing some kind of disorder over this.... haha. I haven't bought the stubbies in protest. I have a couple snap on instead. Because what's the point if the handles don't match ? .... Why wera? .... WHY? . I need answers.

[@moeszyslack4676]

Nice review as usual Matt. Any progress on the AEG belt sander restoration?

[@GermanToolReviews]

Just started cleaning the parts. Got most of the replacement bearings, but it looks like I will need to machine the bronze bushings as they are not standard.

[@moeszyslack4676]

Sounds like it's coming along nicely. Any video of the progress? @@GermanToolReviews

[@axtra92]

2:37 is that even a thing? That should be open so you can treat the Wood with oil..

[@SachsVDE]

I've got the 800 gram Lux tools axe...with short gandle..its sharpen from the head to the edge very sleek .,even is more industrial than Helko ..like (NWS) and Germans I think are one step further than other countries..👍🇩🇪1️⃣...

[@AverageReviewsYT]

Do you think maybe your a refurbished or counterfeit?

[@AverageReviewsYT]

You got

[@FishFind3000]

Only thing I hate about having nice axes is using it and damaging either the handle or edge. I did both to my gransfors bruks and it kills me when it firsts happens and I go “well now it’s ruined”. So now I can really use it without worrying since it’s already jacked up. I have to keep repeating to myself. Why did I buy it if I’m afraid to use it. I want to enjoy this, not look at it.

[@user-vj1hy8si7p]

It's a common problem: our collecting and curating desire conflicts with our tool-using instinct. Remember that an unused tool is sterile; they LIKE to be used, and used CORRECTLY (you may want to practice your axemanship on a Chinese model before graduating to a Gränsfors Bruk).

[@Jnes01]

This is one reason to buy used tools and restore them. You get it at a decent price, have fun restoring it, and aren't afraid to use it. Just avoid going for showpiece quality during the restoration of a tool you intend to use. Admittedly it can be hard to find good used tools at a reasonable price.

[@FishFind3000]

@@user-vj1hy8si7p i have, only issue is in using a Scandinavian forest axe and its much shorter than im used to since I mostly run a 36" fiskars x27 splitting axe. the short handle is what throws me off. its a 1/3 shorter. and my junk axe is still bigger than that. so its trail by fire for me. its already "broken" in my eyes so now its time to just go for it. a chip in the blade and a nick in the handle and now theirs no more worrying about ruining the axe.

[@First2ner]

Use antifreeze, soak end of the wood in it for some time. You won't ever have a problem with wood shrinkage

[@superdansilverman]

ishygddt

[@First2ner]

@@superdansilverman Any reason? I will assume you didn't try and you don't know the mechanism behind this, don't you?

[@superdansilverman]

I know exactly what happens when you do this. Antifreeze is at least 50% water, and the rest is water soluble glycol. Aside from being highly toxic, it will quickly dry out and shrink the handle worse than before you started. Linseed oil, preferably raw, is the correct moisturizer for axe handles.

[@First2ner]

@@superdansilverman Diluted one yes, concentrated one is maybe 5-10%, so no, it won't shrink. Ok, cool, does the wood soak up that oil as well as it would antifreeze?

[@superdansilverman]

@@First2ner the absorbtion is slower and the change in size is less than if you were to use ethylene glycol. But it does absorb enough overnight to swell measurably. And subtle changes are exactly what you want because drastic expansion destabilizes the wood.

[@superdansilverman]

the "hammer end" is not a hammer!!! don't hit things with the poll of your axe

[@phucdatbich1990]

Yes it is, that' why it's called a splitting hammer or maul www.ochsenkopf.com/en/products/axes/splitting-hammers/