How to Restore an Axe Using Hand Tools Only. DIY

Hello everyone!
Seems like all the restorers on KZbin have an axe restoration behind their belt, so I decided to make one myself.
Only I want be using angle grinder like other folks, in fact, I won't be using any of electric tools to get this project done! (Let's not count power supply for electrolysis)
All of my tools gonna be limited to files and sand paper pretty much.
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[@KmartKingpin]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. I'm 26 and have spent over a decade working on electronics and firearms, but recently got into wood chopping and wanted to build an axe the "manly way" and I wanted a method without power tools. I bought a cheap $40 husky axe head and a hickory handle, I sanded the handle and oiled it and it looks amazing, but the head is dull and looks pretty rough so this is my next step.

[@aturner2080]

i prefer the look of wood only wedges myself. It just looks so much better.

[@TreyBattles5150]

I think you put the head on upside down. You can tell which part is the top by looking at the eye. The side where the eye is wider is the top, this helps to prevent the axe head from slipping off.

[@bustabass9025]

You're absolutely right. I noticed that too. On the before shot at the beginning, the more pronounced curve of the blade edge is mounted on the bottom. Whereas on his finished product it is reversed, and mounted pointing upwards. It's a subtle difference in the edge profile, but certainly enough to notice. Good eye my friend!

[@patriotismxkills]

Ive filed quite a few axes, i cant imagine how many hours filing this took you. Great work

[@Take_And_Make]

Hahaha, yeah that was a good few hours!

[@charlesward8196]

Nice axe head. 2:36 you can see the dark black strip along the bit where high-carbon steel was laminated into the head for great edge holding, while the rest of the head is more malleable to absorb shock.

[@oldcomrade_5825]

My late grandpa had an old axe (made out of what I'm assuming is iron considering how heavy it was but I was last there to lift it and use it like 4 years ago) and since a few months ago I've gotten the idea to try to restore it. Now, I'm a young student with no experience other than loving watching tons of restoration videos on KZbin but I'm thinking I can get something good done when I hopefully go see my grandma who's still in the old town this summer

[@johannesbraun8415]

This is also my preferred method, not with the angle grinder, with the file it is just more entertaining and has something to do with craftsmanship.

[@Bestnightcoreofalltime]

I did it with a grinder and a disk for grinding rust off. Some WD 40, sharpener and a new handle. I liked that the carvings stayed with black patina.

[@TheFutureIsFucked]

I learned more from your 1 video than several other's combined. Thank you for that))

[@Take_And_Make]

Happy to hear that!

[@scottdunbar4898]

I'm in the process of doing the exact same thing with an axe head I found buried on my property. This video was quite an inspiration and I am grateful that you took the time to share your experience. Thank you.

[@Take_And_Make]

Glad I could help!

[@johnmutton799]

Remember, files only cut on the push. Pulling flattens the teeth! Good job!

[@Take_And_Make]

Not exactly, watch fireball tool experiment with files

[@johnmutton799]

@@Take_And_Make OK, do a pull cut then look at teeth under a light, and see the flat spots shining back at you

[@SIXGUNSAM]

Coming across old Axes like that makes my Day! Nice Work👍🇺🇸

[@renwargner3174]

One of the most satisfying axe restorations of all time. The matte polish on the axe killed me before the vinegar procedure. Good work!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@renwargner3174]

@@Take_And_Make Hey man...anytime. I think the most satisfying part is the simplicity of this method. I'm doing similar restorations at home, with the same equipments, minus vinegar. I think i never liked these "i-use-too-much-power-tool-to-restore" guys. The method you are using (less power tools) is maybe a bit harder, but i think the finished product has a much more idealic value. Keep up the good work, and high five from Hungary!

[@jonahweinshenker]

That ding you put in at the end was soul crushing. Lol. Great job though!

[@Take_And_Make]

Tell me about it! lol

[@johnmiller2191]

Maybe try a rubber mallet or out a piece of wood down next time

[@randystrand908]

Love your sense of humor!🤣 And nice job!! 👏👏👏

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks!

[@keithcastleberry3993]

All by hand.....impressive

[@WatcherintheDark69]

Fantastic restoration! The filing and sanding gave the axe back it's profile and the patina came out great!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks!

[@terryrogers1025]

Young man, I salute you, that was an amazing result as a result of a lot a manual labor, I will subscribe and like, you earned it, thank you.

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you, sir!

[@andywest6250]

Great result, I appreciate you diligence and determination.

[@diyresttube]

thats a lot of sanding work their bro.💪💪👏👏

[@Take_And_Make]

Oh yeah! Almost ran out Elbow Grease!

[@LexLuthor1234]

Very cool video, thanks! :)

[@Take_And_Make]

Glad you liked it!

[@kjgas6945]

Very nice

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks

[@Tittles-jv8ll]

Good englishing know u foreign but u have great English for a foreign country

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you! I apreciate it! Yes, I am from Ukraine

[@theofficialvindieselyoutub9433]

You don't.

[@isyt1]

Yes the English is really good. I guess there is no “V” sound in the Ukrainian language though as you say “winegar”

[@XaLoiVlog]

New years ☺My grandfather left me an American-made ax. and I'm keeping it as a very valuable keepsake. I once heard him say that white ash is an optimal choice for the handle of an ax. my grandpa is gone...i always keep it and will restore it someday. thanks for the good video, your tutorial

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks for sharing! Good luck on your restoration!

[@amethystviking4369]

I liked the axe head before you added the patina, but that's just personal preference. Nice job, especially without using power tools!

[@richardbelke2144]

I like doing things this way. Nice work, looks great !!!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@isyt1]

Really great video 👍🏻

[@emanuil1046]

Great work on restoring the head

[@Take_And_Make]

Emanuil Ivanov Thanks man!

[@pilooha8777]

Very nice! Congrats!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks!

[@briantraxler2780]

Looks pretty cool!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, Brian!

[@________________4979]

Proud Of You ! Really Nice Job With A Lot Of Elbow Grease.

[@Take_And_Make]

Yes, thank you

[@aviark]

I am restoring a hatchet at the moment, and decided to see if I could find a video that was not using electric tools. I am very grateful to have found this site. The restoration of the steel head was remarkable. I never saw the boiled vinegar method, and the beautiful patina it produced. Thank you for this demonstration.

[@Take_And_Make]

Glad I could help

[@easterriot1916]

Tea with a few drops of vinegar makes a nice patina too. The tannins and acid react with the surface metal..

[@zyxify9429]

Nice video

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks

[@pusmeongmeong5200]

really lot of hard elbow work.. thankyou for sharing your hard works.. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@barryhunt5357]

That looks very nice !!!!!! Great Job !!!!!!!!!!!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@xj1184]

Love your videos! Super helpful! I could go on, but i digress.

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, Mike!

[@MrPurepecha87]

I just ordered an old axe exactly like this one and going to use your technique thank you

[@Take_And_Make]

Rock on!

[@bobbysilver272]

Lots of effort, so well done. Metal wedges aren't necessary if you get a good fitting handle and insert a longer wooden wedge. But good one.

[@fasteddy07]

Great job!!!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you!

[@buildurtruckurway9118]

It turned out better than new. For me I would have preferred to take the rust off file a new edge debur the flat edge and a try to keep the pitting keeping the hand forged look. To me it just would have kept the character of the peice .

[@leofalco6738]

Restauro perfetto .. Bravissimo !

[@Take_And_Make]

Grazie!

[@ROTRestoration]

Impressive no power tools! I had to use them in my video. Couldnt imagine using only hand tools! Hope my videos look this good someday!

[@mogbaba]

It's great not to sell us to power tools completely. Your video is an inspiration for the younger generation to work by their hands.

[@Take_And_Make]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@rod.thehollerhound9791]

Great restoration . Beautiful patina. I have a couple axe heads I need to get done. May do one with that patina. Thumbs up on a job well done 👍.

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks 👍

[@user-yx9bs8zo5q]

Nice work! It's always better to make the wedge as long as the eye, not the kurf

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks for the tip!

[@minerillusion]

I really enjoyed this. Great Job on your axe restoration. Subscribed!

[@Take_And_Make]

Awesome, thank you!

[@garymucher9590]

A lot of elbow grease for sure. I think you can buy the elbow grease right next to the headlight fluid in most stores.... lol But your efforts at the metal finish shows what can be done if you want to. Bravo sir, Bravo. Thumbs Up!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, Gary!

[@MrTomato35]

Great job!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@XXxCHRISxXX]

Bravo 👏 Well done.

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you, Chris!

[@x-planeaviation842]

It’s beautiful and I really mean it

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you!

[@Airsoft-shooting]

Did a good job 👍 start to do mine now 😂

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, Adrian!

[@axemanmike4390]

Beautiful restoration! Thanks for sharing! SUBBED! Greetings from Salem, Oregon USA 🇺🇸 🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you very much!

[@bengthallgard7932]

Great tips thanks alot

[@Take_And_Make]

You are welcome!

[@user-uj8ls4jc6g]

Thanks for the video. I love your work. I followed your tutorial and restored an old German made axe. My axe has imperfections but I learned a couple of things. Mine has a rustic look. I did mine all by hand too and I agree; where do I get elbow grease? Now I have finished it I am strong enough to swing the axe

[@Take_And_Make]

Nice work!

[@user-dx6pt9oo6h]

Cool🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍

[@jamesdavies8646]

Quality finish

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks!

[@emaxxx13]

Awesome video. Just found an old axe to restore.

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks Frank! Restore it, you gonna love it!

[@manishahir2633]

Impressive Hards work 😍

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you!

[@damenwhelan3236]

Thabknyou for sharing this! Our hands a very talented. We should use them.more! I will sub! Thabknyou!

[@petersymons7817]

Thank u

[@Take_And_Make]

Your welcome!

[@robertlibby9237]

When your filing, only touch the metal with the file when going forwards, helps keep your files sharper for longer

[@Take_And_Make]

That's exactly how I was trying to do, maybe it's hard to see on the video

[@MrStreetboy80]

I like the patina look, it makes the hardened steel stand out on the cutting edge, I think you put the head on upside down though. The more hooked part of the head is for pulling logs about instead of keep bending down for them. If it works for you then doesn’t really matter. Good refurb 👍

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks man! Maybe it is up side down, still splits wood! Doesn't worth redoing the handle, wait till it brakes! LOL

[@josharnett3983]

Not bad for what your where going for. Next time use a water proof pva glue for n a bigger wedge. If you need to bring your kerf down more on the shoulder than do it to allow your wedge to engulf 2/3rds down. Maybe don’t take ever bit of character the axe has off. But to each their own. Nice way to muscle through it!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you for your advice!

[@colinmiller7546]

For looks and very light use this would be fine, but there is a proper way to fit an axe head to the handle. Great video, I appreciate the content.

[@Take_And_Make]

Cool, thanks

[@GrunkaLunka]

Hi. Great video to help me with a few axes in about to restore. Maybe this is a dumb question, but; what's the point in using electrolysis to remove rust if you are removing all that surface material with files anyway? Cheers

[@OriskoFR]

Maybe for the rust dust

[@jjm6187]

Why did the circular wedges split the wood? Should the head be slightly less fitted to the handle?

[@Take_And_Make]

Wood split some time you know

[@norsecrafts]

Even after 1 year this is still impressive!

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you!

[@MAViz270]

Elbow grease ! Amazon got it

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, I will check it out! :)

[@jjm6187]

What did the vinegar do for the head after it was sanded down?

[@Take_And_Make]

It etched the head, it is more rust resistant now

[@Rupert6638]

Good efforts but I would rather use a wider wedge to cover the whole eye and just use one round metal wedge to secure the handle. With two ring wedges, there is still a quite big gap which will no doubt rock the head and will fall off eventually but the gap and the fact the head was hung upside down may have saved the eye from a crack along the eye. Also the epoxy glue used on the wooden wedge would separate from the handle kerf when the axe receives repeated impacts hitting the wood. Wood fiber expanding wood glue or linseed oil would hold the wedge longer in my opinion. Any update on the condition of the axe after use would be great. Take care and be safe!

[@davidadkins6412]

Nice restoration

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you!

[@davidadkins6412]

@@Take_And_Make ,you're welcomed

[@tylerrsmith443]

I"m going to have to roll in with the cordless grinder, I'm no purist when it comes to head restoration. What is the point of etching exactly? Is the chrome finish too prone to rust?

[@billc7211]

I like to fold and tear sandpaper to save my tin snips

[@21ZacDUDE]

I thought cutting sandpaper makes your blades sharper?

[@JohnWhyDoe]

Whats the purpose of soaking it in hot vinegar? Satisfying video 🤤

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks John! Hot vinegar was used to etch it.

[@ryankraft8781]

Awesome video! What was your setup for the electrolysis?

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks Ryan! Watch this to find out kzbin.info/www/bejne/gam1fpSMmLhqgpY&t

[@cooperryals7155]

What did you mix to take the rust off? I’m about to fix up an axe myself and I’m looking for tips.

[@Take_And_Make]

Water and baking soda

[@louiswetzel1578]

Does the Etching prevent rust? Great video btw

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks! Yes it does.

[@brentjohnston107]

Just wont to know what type of timber you used for a wedge in the saw cut..as like soft wood or hard wood as to how long it endures it’s life span

[@ibilaibila]

Hi :) very nice work on this i subscribe to your channel ^^ I've a noob question if i can , the treatment with the hot vinegar it's only a matter of patina or there is another chemical reaction purpose ? Thanks for your videos .

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, for subscribing! Vinegar etch not only gives your piece a nice patina, but also prevents it from rust(up to some point of course). Try it, it's easy and almost free! Good luck!

[@renegadedisciple187]

What is the first tool he used with the water called? Looks to be an inexpensive version of one but I'd totally give it a shot

[@Take_And_Make]

I assume you mean how I removed the rust from it? I used electrolysis, check this video out kzbin.info/www/bejne/gam1fpSMmLhqgpY

[@renegadedisciple187]

@@Take_And_Make thanks I appreciate it.

[@Kyle900t]

That patina is cool. Whats the idea with the two round metal wedges? Never seen those before.

[@Take_And_Make]

Just different kind of wedging

[@BaptistJoshua]

Perhaps I am ignorant, but why did you replace the wood instead of treating it with linseed oil to revitalize it? I really like using Evaporust to remove rust from my garage sale bought vintage tools.

[@daintree98]

Hi, i have lawn mower petrol tank that is internally full of rust. I won't be able to clean the remaining rust with a wire brush. What is the solution?

[@Take_And_Make]

Fill it with vinegar and let it soak for 3 days. or evaporust

[@baqcasanke]

I used vinegar and air rifle BB’s (the metal kind) to restore a vintage kawasaki gas tank. Just make sure to do something to it after or it’l flash rust

[@TheSuperwrenchGarage]

good job, what about BLO for the handle, and end grain at the top?

[@longhairmullet]

What is BLO? Because I have an old handle attached to mine that I plan to just sand and apply some oil to preserve wood and protect from weather. I was waiting for that portion of the video. Guess i will have to search further.

[@TheSuperwrenchGarage]

@@longhairmullet boiled linseed oil

[@robertgreenlaw4198]

LOL. I can't spare any elbow grease. It's spring and I need all mine for cleanup around the house!

[@Take_And_Make]

Right?! It is hard to get by!

[@J_ismyname48]

Only thing I noticed wrong was I believe you put the head on upside down. That head has a slight beard to the bit that goes to the bottom. All in all though, great job sir. 👍👍👍👍🪓🪓🪓🪓🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Take_And_Make]

Thank you, sir! Yeah, I think I did, but guess what, it still chops the wood!

[@J_ismyname48]

@@Take_And_Make I know that's right!! 😄😄👍👍👍

[@paddymurphycounselor]

Great video man, at the vinegar stage, what are you washing it in to remove the black film? Didn't quite catch it in the video.

[@Take_And_Make]

Just wash it in water with fine steel wool

[@paddymurphycounselor]

@@Take_And_Make you're a legend, thanks mate. Got some very rusty axe heads lately and looking forward to giving them a go :) Thanks for the really helpful video, keep up the good work :)

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, mate! Good luck with your restorations!

[@katrinaolsen3302]

How long did it take you to do the filing?? I'm 4 hours in and I have these massive dings that are so stubborn!

[@Take_And_Make]

It takes awhile yes. good luck!

[@johnnyr9583]

Silly question, did you use metal sandpaper or regular wood sandpaper?

[@Take_And_Make]

I think 400 Grit was meant for metal, lower grits were like for general purpose. Just use whatever you got, it will do the trick!

[@NativeAZ]

Never saw him put on an edge!

[@longhairmullet]

Ya thats what I was thinking. Have to watch separate video for that bit. As well as how to oil to protect the handle, or how to restore the old one.. btw what are those rings called, that were used to hold the epoxy piece on the end?

[@eugenestump111]

I found a old ax head in the back of my dads truck that I’m rebuilding and now I have another project to restore this ax - he’s been gone since 1995. Make it a family heirloom

[@Take_And_Make]

Good luck on your project! You gonna love it!

[@cotechinosbarazzino8273]

Can you explain the vinegar passage? I don't understand what's his purpose

[@Take_And_Make]

Hot vinegar will etch still, just like other acids such as ferric chloride or muriatic. Etching gives the steel nice matt silver patina and also reveals the quench line and/or other types of steel in your piece.

[@cotechinosbarazzino8273]

@@Take_And_Make I guess I'll have to research some words you used cause I have no idea what they mean, thank you anyway fo the response, subscribed :)

[@Take_And_Make]

@@cotechinosbarazzino8273 Thanks!

[@bmphil3400]

Even if the head is upside down I bet it will still last a LONG time.....

[@Take_And_Make]

No doubt!

[@genemyersmyers6710]

The axe head was perfect but you have to work on the handle.

[@jessylongbow6242]

Could you explain what that method is called where you hammer the end of the handle

[@Take_And_Make]

This how you put the head on the handle. Works really good!

[@jessylongbow6242]

@@Take_And_Make thank you, also great video worth a sub

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, Jessy!

[@rhyalstanley1583]

Looks like someone beat it with a sledge hammer

[@ghiagoo]

What is the issue with those wedges?

[@MrMrandy20]

Hi there. What is the purpose of Vinegar Etching? Does it strengthen the blade or is it just for aesthetical reason

[@Take_And_Make]

Hi, Andrew! Etching prevents from staining, rusting and gives your metal unique look.

[@MrMrandy20]

@@Take_And_Make thank you. Love the videos

[@jjrb230]

Is there a different video for the electrolysis?

[@Take_And_Make]

Yes, there is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gam1fpSMmLhqgpY

[@naqibhusseinyar4292]

The axe had more screws in it than anything I have ever seen!

[@Take_And_Make]

Right?!

[@naqibhusseinyar4292]

Yeah 😅

[@funnymoments6988]

Nice work nan, I have one question, why you used hot vinegar?

[@Take_And_Make]

Thanks, buddy! Hot vinegar etch times quicker

[@funnymoments6988]

@@Take_And_Make thanks.