Mod a $19 Hatchet or Ax to out-preform a $100 one - Vaughan Hatchet Job

I purchased a Vaughan Hatchet from my local Home Depot and lets just say the edge left something to be desired. No trouble, though.. This ax and hatchet mod means you can purchase something out of the box from a local hardware store on on Amazon and with a little time have it preforming like some a tool worth 10 times as much!
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We hope you enjoyed this video and will keep in mind that all information included is intended to be purely academic and in fact is only the opinion of D&E. We are not professionals, nor are we qualified to knight you a professional. D&E want to ensure that anyone modify or fixing their own vehicle does so in a safe manner which leaves the vehicle in a legal, roadworthy state. In short, DON'T BE A MONKEY WITH A TOOL BOX! If you don't know what you are doing, leave it the professionals!

[@dr.trombone2747]

I remember back when I was in scouts, we had a boy in the troop that would gather every ax or hatchet he could find once we got to camp, and spent a good 2 hours sharpening the lot. He'd move onto various pocket knives after the ax's were done. He had a specific part of his hiking pack that was for keeping sandpaper, files, and whetstone's in. Thanks for passing on some of the knowledge, to all the monkeys with toolboxes that haven't gotten the chance to get it.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Yea bud. There is always that one "sharpening guy" who everyone comes to. At the risk of being immodest, I was and am that guy. If it has an edge I can and will sharpen it

[@jimcarlson6157]

not a dullard after all! here I just thought the wood was getting denser

[@gravityman5529]

I’m not him, but I’m that guy. It makes you invaluable to those around to know how to maintain tools

[@sccarguy8242]

Don’t go camping and have never Owned a hatchet... still found this interesting and worth a watch.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thanks bud

[@garybonz]

In Arkansas we just go down to the creek and find a flat- ish stone about the grit we're looking for to sharpen blades and tools. They work gteat and the price is right. I did that for my "gucci Chef" sister in law when she visited on vacation, she was so amazed at how the knives cut she took the stone home.

[@chrismayo4902]

Awesome tutorial! Nothing wrong at all with your techniques! If this video teaches and adult who will then show a child how to do it then that’s two more dedicated woodsman that will in turn pass on the tradition of camping and back country living’ this nation was forged by men who were willing to go out into the wilderness with basic tools and knowledge of how to use them and then thrived’ along the way they learned techniques from the different tribes of native Americans and became the back bone of this country’ great tutorial.

[@jeremiahshine]

I hand finished a Vaughan broad hatchet last night that a blind drunk monkey sharpened at the factory. Their heat treat is spot on...whatever the steel is. I bet they use different ones dependent upon current prices. Da Bears.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Da Bears. And I agree. I like Vaughn stuff (my favorite hammer is an off the shefl Vaughn), but I have noticed a huge swing in quality. To the point where you need to pick through what is available and find the best example

[@jeremiahshine]

@@DEInTheGarage Luckily I bought this in the 80's. I haven't needed it until now.

[@redgarcia1427]

Cool to find out about that brand since that's my family name!

[@puffyd58]

Thanks for a very informative video. I'm planning to purchase the same hatchet tomorrow and will use some of your techniques to put an edge on mine. I just want to keep it in my truck in case I have an emergency (branches falling across road, etc.), and I like the idea that it can be a hammer as well. I'll probably keep a small box of nails with it, just in case the need arises. Thanks again.

[@JakeEpooh]

That video is what I was looking for after buying that exact model hatchet. Great job, hombre.

[@sweetdarlanddan]

Great vid. I have the gransford brooks it’s amazing what it can do in five swings. But gotta keep the edge up. Sharp is key.

[@willb3018]

I want to see the hatchet at the next D&E in the U Pull

[@DEInTheGarage]

"How many things can I pull at the yard with nothing but an extremely sharp roofing hatchet"... that would make quite a video...

[@willb3018]

@@DEInTheGarage 👍

[@ProjectDanH]

@@DEInTheGarage Hatchets are Contraband... like my Torch 🤣🤣🤣

[@outdoorsmansgarage]

Those roofing hatchet work great as camping hatchet and they are very affordable. Nice job Bud.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Absolutely. They hold up great to camping abuse

[@kwmoore3464]

The Forest Service has probably sharpened well over a million axes with just a file like the one you have.

[@shovelhead8]

Flap wheel on a mini-grinder always works great for me, followed by the puck. Shaving sharp if that is what you want and need. Nice hatchet for the money. Thank you for showing it to us. Stay safe

[@DEInTheGarage]

You too bud!

[@johngeorge5285]

Estwing makes a camp hatchet with sheath for about $20 - 25 bucks & it comes sharp. A roofer's axe, which you bought, is not suppose to be sharp.

[@DEInTheGarage]

I looked at the eastwing, but I wanted a wooden, replaceable handle. The roofing hatchet as always been a go-to for me for camping because they can take a beating and are a great shape for splitting kindling

[@johngeorge5285]

@@DEInTheGarage Cool. I like a rigger's axe also, it has a longer curved axe handle, but my go to is an Estwing hatchet that has been in the family since the late 1940's and is still used to this day for chopping firewood & making kindling. Good luck on your outing, be safe & enjoy.

[@willb3018]

I have that Estwing camp hatchet as well. Love it. And it is sharp. Like their hammers too. Also like Vaughan. Have one of their hammers as well.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

The hatchet shown is a Carpenters hatchet and not a roofing hatchet. It's supposed to be Sharp.

[@ivanbundy3090]

Great video, nice to see a different subject matter, even though i love the junk yard stuff. Did the Pull a part last weekend and got a water pump for my Libby and some used shocks for my 2002 Avalanche, hate that you could salvage the Avalanche, titles are a killer road block. Back to the Libby; she kept getting hot and i changed out the radiator when i first got it a yr ago, i later changed the thermostat, but i kept losing coolant and it had a weird habit of bubbling in the coolant reservoir after the motor was cut off, maybe that was just a byproduct of running kinda hot. Anyways old water pump looked solid but it seemed to fix the issue after putting a new pump on it.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Dang bud.. very strange issue, but I am glad you get her back on the road!

[@168Diplomat]

I use the same add a longer rip hammer handle to it it makes a huge difference

[@darrenbutland2056]

Extending the wedge makes a huge difference. Draw filing with that file will do pretty much the same thing as the stone to fine tune the edge, if you don't have a stone. Lmao, yes, there's always more then one way to do something. As long as you end up in the same place "who" cares how you get there. In your world, apparently everyone cares, ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ lmao. "Amateur hour" lovin' it.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thanks bud!

[@m2003h]

You made. Me think......now i may need to look at mine

[@wheresthetunez]

Not only did you make a mediocre tool great, but there's is something very relaxing (in a very loud aggressive way) about grinding away at an axe head!

[@DEInTheGarage]

Amen to that bud. Super satisfying

[@TheRantinghick]

I did more or less the same to the 28oz 'rigging axe'. I liked the longer handle and weight. Kinda surprised it held a good edge

[@Helmholtzwatson1984]

Just cleaned up an old estwing like this. Nice tools.

[@tonyhartness2123]

The metal shank on the framing hammer is as good as a hatchet at times.

[@EdA-bz3bu]

Hey that’s a nice work bench 😂.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Nice tips. Should get the job done

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thanks bud. It certainly did

[@southerndualsport3827]

I almost did this, but I decided on a collins camp hatchet for $21 shipped and its an American hickory handle and drop forged (Mexican) steel. I have yet to receive it but they come well reviewed so hopefully it'll be a good choice. Nicely done though, I DO like the size of your choice, it might serve well on a dual sport setup for motocamping which is my main use!

[@DEInTheGarage]

That sounds awesome! I would love to give motocamping a try!

[@salvatorebaleno9807]

I use a stone. I go camping a bit and I just use a cheap harbor freight hatchet but I keep it sharp and it works great. Forte.was a beast when he was in Chi. Miss him.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Next to Hester, Forte was the best to watch run in Chicago.

[@salvatorebaleno9807]

@@DEInTheGarage New school, Yes...but cant forget about the Kansas comet and Sweetness!

[@ianwalker2896]

It's nice to see someone take pride in sharpening a hatchet. Hell I just use an angle grinder with a course sanding disc on it. Works for me, anyway

[@DEInTheGarage]

Whatever gets the job done, right?

[@bowtiebastard6437]

Favorite channel buddy

[@DEInTheGarage]

Thanks for the steady comments, but. Always look forward to them.

[@scottmcintosh2988]

I just got a Collins hatchet at Ace hardware 22 bucks but a Vain is also a good choice !!!

[@frankmorris4790]

A whole bunch of us made a career out of slingin' a 20oz Vaughn Framer, we fas, fas, fas tooo....

[@ProjectDanH]

I used a file and my Lansky to sharpen my axes and mauls before and after I broke down all the fallen trees in my back yard. I even re handled an axe too... Dang I should have filmed it... Amateur Hour!

[@DEInTheGarage]

No kidding! nice dude. that would have been a good video considering the FOREST you took down!

[@ProjectDanH]

@@DEInTheGarage lol.. the plight of a KZbinr.. so much to film no time to film it

[@lorenkinzel9145]

If you'd like a more comfortable handle get the vaughn 28 oz rigging axe. Good feel to the handle whether using the hammer side or the axe side.

[@milleniumraz]

Curious what brand of tabletop belt sander you are using? I’ve never owned one and like your simple setup!

[@milleniumraz]

Looks like a Grizzly 1”x30” Belt Sander??

[@redriver6541]

Good video man. You might still be a hack....not sure.....but you're on point with this video. Lol Just got one of these for modifying.....and it seems to be a hell of a ax for 20 bucks. Just the fact it's made in USA is worth a lot.

[@GT_Racer347]

Sweet 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@wyattoneable]

You'll have a usable tool now.

[@bearallen852]

I usually use a dremel mine has a guide for axes. But I don’t have a hatchet lol my hatchet is really a youth axe.

[@DEInTheGarage]

I bet you can shave with that thing! I was brought up using a 3/4 ax for camping stuff, but with the 2 y/o now our camping is light, so the roofing hatchet works ok.

[@bearallen852]

D&E In The Garage you probably could but why would you shave? Lol But your video as always is very informative although I’m not sure about that Bears jersey

[@SavageHenry762]

nah man. you are ok. sub'ed

[@robcaseltine2484]

Believe it or not. Did a block test and still can't figure out what's wrong with my 03 Dodge. Water pump, thermostat and heat censer and still over heating. We are truly stumped.

[@DEInTheGarage]

Damn bud... Over heat at idle or while moving?

[@robcaseltine2484]

@@DEInTheGarage when rpms are over 2000 for a short time or going up hills.

[@robcaseltine2484]

It doesn't over heat at idle

[@m2003h]

Now your problem is really thst jersey.........Cowboy's fan concerned about You Double D...lol

[@DEInTheGarage]

Oh boy bud... America's Team, Aye? I bleed Chicago Bears, as long as we aren't meeting you this coming Sunday I have no beef with the Cowboys

[@m2003h]

@@DEInTheGarage I love my Boyz....I'm glad your not another Redskins maniac.....you and ditka....\m/ I salute You!

[@richardcole6690]

You're such a hack!!! Lol great tips... Thanx

[@DEInTheGarage]

Haha.. Thanks bud

[@mydailyreviews2355]

Bought one of these at Ross for about $12 out of curiosity. Turned out to be horrible 😆 it now sits stuck in a piece of almond wood which I never cared to remove.

[@Charlielizard]

Excellent video! Yes, I'd love to spend extra money on better tools,but sometimes it's not worth it when you can do what you just showed us. Thanks!

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

out-PERFORM

[@4WDriver]

"If you think I'm a hack, leave your address down in the comments and this hatchet might find it's way to your home for a live personal demonstration of how she's sharp enough to 'hack' an arm off." 😁

[@DEInTheGarage]

HAHA...

[@tombearclaw]

Good video But Go Pack Go 😏

[@DoubleJack2761]

I think your a hacket. Lol love you channel.

[@1stzjtruck706]

I just use my hand to chop up wood. Just kidding

[@DEInTheGarage]

HAHA.... "I dont need to stinkin hatchet!"

[@davidvowell1161]

Go bears

[@jordancypihot496]

a rigging axe isnt supposed to be super sharp

[@coleorange970]

That’s a rigging axe for framing not a hatchet

[@trumplostlol3007]

We can see the real difference between an American tool and a similar Japanese tool. Americans tools are rough and are cutting corners. Japanese tools are close to perfect.

[@WaylorTolfe]

You left out angle grinder haha. That's how I sharpen everything ( not recommended).

[@DEInTheGarage]

Haha... I mean if you are brave enough, why not?!

[@CSGraves]

Spoiler alert: sharpen it.

[@owenbame1131]

You're a hack Jk lol

[@tomjjackson21]

Fkn hack..

[@blindprophet182]

I think you're a hack, not for the work good job. For bringing metallurgy into this talk specifically, Pretty sure the vaughan has the best steel based on most reputable axe steels are basic bit** .45-65 carbon steel. & By most european steel being recycled vaughan wins by default. Theres a reason most reputable axe brands dont give the steel specs other than "swedish" or "high carbon" "specialized alloy" bc its basic steel for chopping wood, not some specialty tool steel that needs resist deformation at x psi for x days on x steel at x speed. So dont undercut you're own correct premise of the video, edge geometry is very important.