Making a MONSTER wooden hammer | Testing an auger (and nearly losing my eye! ) ADVANCED BUSHCRAFT

How you can make make Bushcraft gear for FREE! Check out the slow motion action replay where I nearly lost an eye!
I show you how to make a MONSTER wooden hammer and test out my new auger. I also use my trusty bacho laplander saw.
Bonus behind the scenes footage at the end!
ADVANCED BUSHCRAFT
Products featured in this video:
Pathfinder Stainless Steal cup: geni.us/JXe11r
Scotch Eye Auger: geni.us/0EkttUf
Helikon Backpack: geni.us/73wIf3
5.11 Stryke Pants: geni.us/jiqR
Asolo Avalon GTX Hiking Boots: geni.us/OQLz2vd
The video and/or the description may contain some affiliate links. This means if you buy one of the products we recommend, we’ll make a small commission which helps us continue to make 100% videos. We never recommend anything we haven’t used or don’t 100% believe in.

[@mooseyrambling5838]

Use candle wax to lubricate the eye before driving it in to the wood, this will help with the release. Also when driving the eye into the handle give a few taps with the hammer and then rota the auger left and right a few times before continuing to drive it in, this will also help on the release. Excellent video, keep up the good work. Big thumps up for Hampshire.

[@TheSaneHatter]

I was taught about the merits of *beeswax* for construction & lubrication, myself.

[@jasongreen6447]

Thanks for your tips, really appreciated 👍

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Excellent idea for removing the tool after creating the tenon but not so good if you're trusting it to hold the head on the mallet during a good hard swing!!! And thumb 👍 is spelled with a B not a P but of course we get the point and it's still a good idea 💡!!! Since you can now get the 1&1/2"version from Amazon and also a 5/8"version to pin the 1&1/2"version!!! So thank you for the excellent suggestion sweetheart!!!

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Wow they really could have used your idea 💡!! Luckily no one lost an eye 👁‍🗨 with that thing flying across the forest!!! Your idea 💡 would have maybe saved an eye 👁‍🗨!!!!!

[@NationalTreasureExplorers]

I lost an eye…

[@molittr]

My father and his grandfather make and made chairs and tables from green wood, mostly ash. Use dry wood for your handle and slightly green wood for the head. As the green dries, it will tighten around the handle.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Brilliant video. I just got one of these and Im heading out with it soon. As a tinkerer I would personally suggest ensuring any dowel is close to perfect diameter before using the scotch end to cleave it. I think that part of the tool is meant more for shaving and not "cutting". Especially since its perpendicular to the screw and wont take many months of hammering before the weld snaps. I think this is one of those tools where you get things as perfect as possible before getting out the mallets, and after a while, learn which bits to hone with a diamond sharpening tool to make things work a little easier. Just my observations after working with a lot of amazon zinc alloy chineasium tools brother.

[@soggz4246]

I got a couple of those knocking around in the shed somewhere that my dear old dad used to use to make stock fencing with. Handy bits of kit,when you get used to it. I think he used beeswax from his hives to lubricate it with. When making the male part for the joint with the eye,he screwed the ‘drill’ into an old sheep horn,as a handle to stop cutting your hand.Also,when your trying to get it off of the ‘pin’ you made,every time you hit it,turn it quarter of a turn. Oh,and before you put all your joints together, put the parts with the holes,in a fire to shrink them a little,for a tighter fit. Hope this helps. Regards

[@soggz4246]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Just wipe beeswax on the pin. Helps to chamfer it slightly,too. Regards

[@SketchieRecordsUK]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 🤣😂

[@jasongreen6447]

Great tip, thanks.

[@robshirewood5060]

Having had three incidences when working with wood and metal, of items stuck on my eyeball, needing to be removed at the Eye Hospital, i can wholeheartedly say ALWAYS use safety goggles NOT just glasses, as one item that hit me came in from the side. Now i wear a full face visor and goggles, it might seem like overkill but eyes are precious. I also recommend the Mora wood splitter /spoke-shave as a light woodworking tool, easily carried in the Bergen, I have never seen your method before but knowing what i know about sharp tools and woodworking, in my case i would avoid using it. Coming from an Oxfordshire country family i have done some " edgin n' ditchin ", in the past, it's hard work , good luck, very interesting video. Nice one, stay safe, stay wise, all the best.

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi everyone from Syracuse NY USA thank you for sharing your adventures

[@earlshaner4441]

Cheers mate

[@roosterneck2158]

top tip when using the auger is deer tallow or bees wax, lubes and protects the cut surfaces, bees wax also has an anti bacterial effect if you want a longer service life on the wooden tools you make.

[@mikebrown9906]

Hi. I''ve not long started getting into bushcraft and really enjoy your videos. I love Nick's confident but approachable, down-to-earth style. Even including the 'bloopers' is a good example of that, and helpful as we all have these moments where things don't go according to plan. I also really appreciated the bit about how it doesn't matter if things take a bit of time to do, because it's about just enjoying being out in the woods. I believe that being outdoors is a powerful part of maintaining wellbeing (especially mental health) and it's something that I always encourage people to do more of. Thank you for everything you're doing. It's inspirational. Cheers, Mike

[@jasongreen6447]

Totally agree.

[@salam.arabic.course]

Problem solving 101. Love it! That’s some good bushcrafting

[@CristiNeagu]

Seems like the best way of using that tool is to get the bit of wood you want to use close to the finished diameter, and then use the eye of the auger to trim off the excess.

[@tourcheverybridge]

Exactly what I was about to say

[@BCJerbs]

I was gonna basically say the same!

[@lyellclare9365]

100%correct.

[@MikeWood]

Thor's hammer indeed. That is a cool piece of kit that auger - depending on the construction of one. The improvised draw was the star. More tool videos like this would be interesting for sure. :)

[@robertnitrile519]

I made my hammer (maul) using knotted apple wood for the head and hazel for the handle,, you can use mature elder wood for the head as cogs were once made from this,, fruit wood is generally the best!

[@ABonRMS]

I would. Not cut the head to final length until you have bored the hole. Makes it easier to hold the head still against the twist of the auger. The longer the log the easier it will be hold the log in place. I like your hints on an improvised draw knife.

[@chaswarren7239]

The sheath for those is in two parts. The inner part with the velcro is to wrap around the auger to use as a handle when you are peg making - saving cut & sore hands!

[@davehumpleby3440]

That auger removal technique looks like a good way to lose an eye! I think I'd have the handle laying horizontally over a log on the ground so I can knock the auger off it in a way that sends it in the opposite direction to my face. Prior preparation and planning and all that.

[@jasongreen6447]

Good advice,

[@tedsemonis7905]

There is an old trick I learned from Amish wood worker; candle wax works but you ruin your candle. Old way is to use soap, simple soap (ivory as example). Those field agar's work well but need a long handle. As you could see you need gloves and put the other on the end, so you don't take out an eye. Those agar bits take a lot of time. I still have 2 brace and bits and found the Irwin speed bits (1/2 to 2 inches) Yea heavy but building not hiking so.

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

I always carry beeswax with me in the woods, it's the most versatile thing going after a tarp poncho

[@inguzwulf]

I don't know about anyone else but I've sure learnt something. Cheers mate!

[@aaronb7800]

Excellent 'real world' use of a tool I've been looking at getting. Thanks for the video!

[@akcarlos]

I never believed how tough British Marines were until I saw you hit your finger without swearing, that must take unnatural self control!

[@richbuilds_com]

My technique for using your knife as a draw knife (I'm right handed): Right Hand: Grip knife by handle, down up, blade pointing left. Left hand: palm down, finger tips around back of blade. Gloves are good :) All the 'pull' is done with the right hand, the left hand is for guiding. You can shift your grip to a scraper easily too.

[@jasongreen6447]

Great tips from everyone, learning so much with just one video and everyone adding their experience, thanks.

[@kirklunsford7530]

The eye ends is for driving your table legs and chair legs into, or making dowl pins for a perfect fit into your auger hole, after you have carved them down close to size. Then saw a split For a wedge that runs across the grain of what you're driving it into, That will keep it from splitting out. The eye cutter can also be used for your handle after half of it Has been carved down to slip through.It's easier to drill through the side of a log when it's still attached to the rest of the tree, Otherwise you stick it in the crotch of a Y that's laying on the ground, to hold it, that is. ;)*

[@williamirelan9332]

Beach makes the best wedges. 👌

[@jasongreen6447]

Thanks for your advice, really helpful 👍

[@MichaelMcGrathAICP]

Little wedge in the handle end going in the drill hole is called a “Fox Wedge.”

[@mrspudly1]

I would drill right the way through the hammer head with your auger then with the shaft you cut to the thickness of the hole cut down this about half way, once the head is on the shaft drive a tapered wedge into cut and your hammer head will not loosen or come off.

[@jasongreen6447]

Learning so much from everyone, really appreciated.

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Great, enthusiastic video as always. Scotch eyed auger can be easily found in antique stores in rural Canada (at least the ones we went to). Used to be a very common tool. Only $10 or so. Problem is they are quite long.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia,Canada 🇨🇦👍👋😎♥️

[@phillipbrotheridge7740]

I love the face that you're not afraid to show us when things don't quire go to plan Nick. Then show us how you solved the problem in the field. Another great video.

[@jasongreen6447]

Totally agree.

[@chrisoutdoors82]

Just adding my 10 pence lol, it's actually called a settlers tool the scotch eyed auger does not taper for making pegs, I've found to make the pegs green wood to the nearest diameter works best but still a bugger to remove I keep meaning to take some beeswax with me to lubricate. Also on the hammer front I use seasoned shafts and green wood heads so the head shrinks to the handle. As for what I've made with the settlers tool I've done a couple of three legged stools a bench and a A frame for a shelter my next project is a raised bed to replace an old one.

[@chrisoutdoors82]

PS I'm only 9mins in if you've covered this il edit later 😄😄 top work bud

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Great video Nick. Hope the family's doing well. Keep the videos coming. Stay safe and be well, Strength and Honor...

[@lindsaycranch8130]

Some great tips on here. I had a nightmare getting the auger off!!!

[@trevormegson7583]

Wow, a Swiss Army Knife of the Auger world. A nice bit of kit.

[@genecarrie1359]

Great tip on making the handle bit for a draw knife!! Thanks!!

[@johnsullivan6560]

I have found that drilling completely through the hammer head section and shaving down the handle end to fit through and putting in a wedge in holds much better. The same technique for mounting a axe or hammer head to a new handle. Try a longer and thinner handle through your eye for more leverage.

[@ibnewton8951]

Fascinating, I’ve never seen this done before.

[@alphabeardoutdoors]

I keep the pieces I'm drilling with the auger longer and easier to stand on or wedge so I can get more leverage on the auger without losing control of the log.

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Excellent video you guys please continue making many and numerous more!!!! Thank you so very very much for your efforts thus far gentlemen!!!!

[@sharpshooter0110]

Little tip , try hanging the hammer head like hanging an axe head . Tap the head on flip the whole thing around , holding the handle loose but enough for it not to fall out your hand and strike the base of the handle 👍 have a look on how to hang and axe head. Good job and enjoyed this video

[@jasongreen6447]

Brilliant job guy's, learning so much from your vids, thanks again 👍

[@SketchieRecordsUK]

did you save the 'cakes' ? great tinder, Also i've found that if you shave down close to the diameter of the 'pin, it's then easier and safer to shave off the excess wood, trying to do too much will possibly end up in breaking the tool at the weld. Happy days ✊😁

[@paulevans1363]

Great tip on the draw knife love it very easy instruction there as easy to understand that why your videos are so good you don't have to be Einstein to understand them cheers 👍

[@CC-RaptureANYsecond]

Good to see it in action! 👍well done 👏

[@alexwinter6720]

Loved the video Nick, very informative and pretty funny in parts!

[@Sillyworld82]

What about using that same standing brace technique with your draw knife for removing the auger bit off the end of the hammer handle? That looked like it hurt wacking your hand and I've hit mine so hard it went numb with some mild grip loss before. If you brace at knee high you could reverse swing to the side of your body with plenty of momentum and control to hit the bit off the end.

[@Sillyworld82]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Love the honesty of your videos. It reminds us that life is imperfect and we are always learning and growing 👍🏾

[@maxcampbell-reide4131]

Great video as usual, thanks

[@carlhatton6315]

Thanks for amazing video and information will be locking into one thanks buddy

[@AclockworkPurple]

If you pound a few stakes in the ground to hold the piece you are auguring steady and keep it from shifting or turning as you crank down on the auger it makes it easier when working alone.

[@isabellam1936]

At 6:35 see how he put the branch in the tree. If you use a slightly bigger tree sticking a branch or log in between a forked tree then pushing it is a very easy way to break big wood that you can’t break with your hands and it’s often faster than using a saw or hatchet. If you have a friend you can both push on it and at the same end of the log to break bigger branches.

[@WhiteDwarfVR4]

I like to keep a premade 4-6" slightly undersized diameter tennon on hand for easy added leverage while Drilling and can also serve to punch out freshly-made tennons.

[@BCJerbs]

I always wax the inners of the Auger before hammering into the branches so it doesn't "stick" in the stick👍🏼🤓

[@summittaedae2323]

Very impressed

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

I've got one of those but not had chance to use it yet. Thanks for the tips 👍😁

[@lastspud7030]

As always a top video

[@geoffmccord4880]

Newer augers on ebay come with a leather strap to cover the drill and shaft,good idea

[@malcoppock4255]

Amazing

[@danqrl]

Awesome video, I always thought the top of the auger was just to put a stick through for leverage to turn it. I never dreamed of the function you showed off her, incredible..I want one but don't tell my wife

[@drannantidwell175]

It depends on the construction of the auger some have the "peg maker" and some don't. And like most bladed items you order a quick sharpening makes it easier to use.

[@Palmetto705]

I learned some good tips from you. Thanks for the video.

[@aynsleycooper365]

Definitely working with what's around you. I've only used a metal poster for this sort of job, heavy carrying.

[@djn1k]

Got an auger tool but I made it myself. Not had a problem with it at all 😀 its a very handy piece of kit

[@stevenboyd593]

Polycarbonate eye protection is actually cheaper than an eye patch. Do NOT undercut the tenon, it weakens the handle eventually causing it to snap at that point and the mallet head can fly off.

[@realdiamond8176]

The leather sheath with the velcro wraps around the drill bit to protect your hands when holding it.

[@freddyoutdoors]

You did very well looked great fun but remember safety first

[@RobanyBigjobz]

That draw knife is defnitely one I'll try and remember :D

[@asmith7876]

I love your videos but it was terrifying watching you use that improvised drawknife. As the saying goes use the right tool for the job, if you think you need a draw knife, bring one! They make smaller ones, no more difficult to pack than an extra knife and safer and more effective. Happy hammering!

[@ZackMorrison216]

Screwing the auger into the top of a stick when using the other side might make life easier by giving you a handle over the drill bit and maybe leverage if needed.

[@tabriff3832]

It will be hard work using that auger. The form of the bit, the cutting geometry, is modern, and intended for use in power tools. You need a traditional bit, with a shallower spiral, and therefore a shallower cutting angle, designed to be energy efficient, in a hand brace. I see online, that both forms are sold. Why, I really don’t know. I know which one I would carry. I’m curious now, and will seek out any KZbin reviews. From your experience in this video, would you consider giving the original form auger a try?

[@gordaro2828]

Indeed...always wax yer eye!. Also known as the 'settlers wrench' for some reason. Cheers from B.C. 🏕

[@davidbruno818]

When using a branch larger than the scotch eye, cut a line on the branch to the depth of the auger's hole and to the diameter of the scotch eye. That way the shoulder of the peg will be a clean cut.

[@tomn.9879]

How well has your auger held up? I also saw a video where a guy welded hus own settler’s wrench using a socket from a socket wrench so he could essily exchange one size auger for another.

[@larryseago730]

Removing the shavings is key with the auger. They build up and hinder your cut.

[@trentwalters]

What’s the chopping knife your using I love the design

[@mitchjohn2010]

What saw and Mini es were you using in this video? I can never find decent products that will last

[@richardtrumbo164]

I enjoyed your video. Perhaps try sawing a kerf into the handle top instead and make a wedge taller than the top of the handle after measuring the hole and wedge. Tap the handle into the head hole that is the same diameter as the handle end until it seats against the bottom of the hole. The wedge will spread the handle in the hole. Sounds complicated but it is not really.

[@joshwalker4506]

Where did Dan get his bill hook from?

[@hammerhound168]

Would it not have been easier to trim the ends to size? Just use bit to check sizing. Wood compresses, so a little over and undersize not going to matter. and being rough would hold better. You could always saw a grove in the end of handle and put in a wedge. It's how they used to put together chairs and other quality furniture.

[@Ve-suvius]

Interesting ☝.

[@PlayaSinNombre]

DeWalt: *sweating intensifies*

[@JuniorFarquar]

Just got my own scotch eye...it's a bear to use. Very deceivingly difficult to use. Getting ready to sharpen mine. considering a Dremel.

[@carterbutler2535]

which brand augur are you using?

[@MacDa-yy8xn]

Might want to drill the hole for the hammer head first while you have the whole log to help you hold things while you drill the hole. Once you are happy with the handle hole cut the hammer out of the log.

[@mikebass3721]

Must remember to pack safety glasses & Kevlar helmet…..& dental guard…….& armoured gloves……maybe even a plate carrier ooooops

[@Jeffbambam]

Where can I order this tool ?

[@vi0205]

Check out Hidden Valley Bushcraft and you'll learn things for life! Thank you Nick and Dan!

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Another reason it was so tight is you only sharpen the outside and never the inside so it doesn't get tighter and tighter as it's hammered further and further to create the tenon!!! It's also hard on the Settlers Wrench to be hammered off that way maby bending it crooked and eventually fatiguing the weld thus weakening it to the eventual failure rendering the now two pieces useless for there intended use!!! A not so pleasant situation for your survival needs gentlemen!!!! You should most definitely read the comment by Moosey rambling and pay close attention for if you had read it before he may very well have saved someone's eye 👁‍🗨!!!!

[@jeredsteadman4160]

Should be an extra leather cover to keep you from cutting your hands when holding the blade it sticks to the sheath a lot

[@maryhairy1]

The only time I’ve seen this tool being used was in Corporals Corner.

[@charleslyall5400]

nik, please i need to know where to buy some off the kit you use while out camping on trail, iam soon starting a 21 day wildcamping walk on route GR65

[@ppavery]

Maybe some grease before hammering

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

You've convinced me, I don't need one.

[@ozgrimadventures1079]

I use gloves and Vaseline for releasing. 🙂

[@Jim553just]

Could this be used to make a Swedish torch?

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Yes, I have seen a few do it. They go down the centre and close to the bottom drill in a ventilation hole.

[@jacknboxes]

Ive just bought an auger bit and made a mini Swedish torch (I only had small logs). It was really hard work drilling the centre of the log. Especially as I was trying to stop the log turning as I drilled by gripping the log with my feet. A larger log would have been easier. Hard, but possible. KZbin makes it look a LOT easier!

[@spectermad9180]

You made it harder then it had to be...a guess now you got a idea of what to do and what not to do now....

[@leemichel8199]

the eye is only meant to be used as a guide so,, a few taps, remove it, cut and so on

[@TheSaneHatter]

For the love of Thor and of hammers: SAFETY GOGGLES!!! 😱 I have 2-3 pairs of them, at home and at work! Your choice to ignore this precaution does not "auger" well for the future of your eyesight . . .😖

[@justincase3230]

As someone who's lost an eye, wear some god damn eye protection when you split wood or smash things. It doesn't cost much and it's no more inconvenient than wearing sunglasses.

[@Huyahhhh]

0:59 thars what she said

[@budwilliams6590]

Just a regular auger bit with a socket that firs the drive and a sliding T handle will work just as well and is better because the components have alternate uses. Of course that is just for drilling the hole. The eye part that is used to make the tendon of this mortise and tendon is in my opinion worthless. You are better off carving it with your knife.

[@tourcheverybridge]

“looking for 10 inches in lengh” ent we all darling 😆

[@dan500]

David west recently posted a drawknife video using a mora companion that seemed to be much more secure and safe to use. The edge geometry of your knife doesn’t seem to be as good for this task and probably safer not to use it in this way. Or maybe using the knotty section doesn’t work as well as you described? Would be good to know your thoughts? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYHLo4huga18g68

[@Ashysand]

Would you know have a draw knife as part of the our basic kit.

[@Ashysand]

@Dan Didnot what does that mean

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

I am guessing he means that once the froe (a cleaving tool with a handle at right angles to the blade) comes into use, people found life a bit easier. Very good for making fine splits in lumber such as for making shingles.

[@Ashysand]

@@bushcraftbasics2036 oh. I’m dyslexic and recovering from a stroke so find it tricky some times v

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

-A Wishing you a safe recovery.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Build a vice… fast.

[@sangrilaontheroad1259]

If the drill is stuck on wood trow it in a fire:-)

[@bigearedmouse17]

£7.50 TEMU xx

[@168Diplomat]

Funny but that’s NOT a scotch eyed auger, they don’t have the sharpened end on the socket. A sharpened end on the socket makes it a settlers key.