The ONE Tool You Need Before Winter Hits - Don't Miss This!

Winter is just around the corner, and it’s time to get your tools ready for the extreme cold! In today’s video, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true methods for prepping and maintaining your essential firewood and homestead tools for the harsh winter ahead.
🪓 Helko Werk Splitting Axe amzn.to/4dYCHjN
🌲 REAL Boiled Linseed Oil amzn.to/4eeyPLk
🛠️ Wilton Machinist Bench Vise, 4" Jaw amzn.to/3Zkjjt7
💨 Jiffy Steamer amzn.to/4d2wKB6
🔩 Tap and Die Set amzn.to/4ej9MXz
🔒 Loctite Stick amzn.to/47oFQqA
🗡️ Nicholson 12" Mill Single Cut Bastard File amzn.to/4cZZs5U
We’ll start with a complete rehab of some of my favorite tools, including my beloved Helko Werk Splitting Axe and the Prandi High-Speed Splitting Axe, both of which are key players in our firewood prep for winter. From straightening crooked handles with a homemade steam chamber to treating tool handles with boiled linseed oil, I’ll show you how to get everything in top shape before the cold sets in.
What You’ll Learn:
How to prep your tools for winter to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
DIY steam chamber setup for fixing crooked or warped handles.
The best methods for wood handle maintenance using boiled linseed oil.
Essential tips for keeping your axes, splitters, and other firewood tools working through the toughest winter conditions.
Tools Featured in This Video:
Helko Werk Splitting Axe: The ultimate tool for firewood preparation.
Prandi High-Speed Splitting Axe: A reliable favorite for fast splitting.
Primitive Woodsman Knife by Ridge Runner Blades: The perfect tool for varnish removal and detailed work.
🔥 Winter is coming - don’t get caught unprepared! Watch the video and make sure your tools are ready to tackle the toughest weather this season.

[@wranglerstar]

🪓 Helko Werk Splitting Axe amzn.to/4dYCHjN 🌲 REAL Boiled Linseed Oil amzn.to/4eeyPLk 🛠 Wilton Machinist Bench Vise, 4" Jaw amzn.to/3Zkjjt7 💨 Jiffy Steamer amzn.to/4d2wKB6 🔩 Tap and Die Set amzn.to/4ej9MXz 🔒 Loctite Stick amzn.to/47oFQqA 🗡 Nicholson 12" Mill Single Cut Bastard File amzn.to/4cZZs5U As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps keep the channel going at no additional cost to you!

[@nontrashfire2]

An East Coast man knows that these vices were first made in 1941 in Chicago, IL. Which happens to be a North Eastern state.

[@sparky6086]

It's a "coal scuttle". You may call it a coal bucket, if you like.

[@creamysbrianna]

A more effective tool to remove that varnish is a curved card scrapper. But yes a pocket knife will work as well but slower.

[@Trustme722]

East Coast man not color blind - Keep up the tool restoration series please. Its what got me into your channel a decade ago

[@bbond302]

Ditto

[@Jmwtime]

Ditto

[@thejacksonbentley]

Ditto. And moto content

[@xelanihc]

Another ditto here.

[@GregHartnett]

Yes and yes.

[@jccalhoun2904]

This man is an interaction genius…. Calling it black paint when it’s blue knowing the comments will fire off lol

[@jimromich285]

I have a filing tip for you. I was blessed to have the opportunity to apprentice under an old school machinist. I picked up on a bunch of really cool info from him. If you put a bit of soapstone on your file, it will help keep the file teeth from getting clogged as much giving you a smoother finish and it extends the working life of your tool by reducing "chatter". As you know chattering during any metal cutting process shortens tool life. Try it and see if you feel a difference when you're filing.

[@drivinolered5835]

Not repetitive at all brother. As a homesteader, just doing your day-to-day work and recording it as you go is, IMHO, the foundation of your channel. It’s what most of us dudes are interested in.

[@kingofsludge7262]

I agree with you

[@scotthealey1887]

Agreed, I would like a compilation of wranglerstar adding linseed oil to grain ends, telling us how important it is over and over again.

[@thomascarroll1916]

East coast man knows the difference between a tap and die 😂

[@HeyCurtis]

"and the final thing is to paint the handle black" [Sprays blue] 😆

[@sketch2002]

Yea, trying to decide if that was a dig at someone or he's going color blind.

[@HeyCurtis]

​@@sketch2002I'm chaulking that one up to "comment bait". 😆

[@sketch2002]

@@HeyCurtis seems likely. Smart

[@ricksousa3932]

Blue is the new black

[@Stuart-er8qz]

Hello is actually colour-blind!😂ATB👍👍👍​@@sketch2002

[@pooyaaskariyanomran4040]

Hello Mr. W I'm your follower for some time now. Believe me or not your channel is the only one that I have the notif bell on. I love your attention to details and cleanliness. I would love to participate in your channel and join the group you have in here, but unfortunately, I'm from IRAN, and because of sanctions, I'm unable to buy anything outside my country. But know that you have my love and support from this corner of the world.❤❤❤

[@wranglerstar]

Thank you beloved,

[@andiprogshop3097]

Hello, Germany here. I have no idea what I was thinking, varnishing the handle of the axe, i'm so sorry. But jokes aside, i like the way you treat your tools. Watching you working is almost like meditation after a day in this beautiful but bizarre world. Halt die Ohren steif mein Freund.

[@josephphillips8104]

I'm not s regular viewer. Maybe 2/3 times a year I binge a bunch in one or two days. But I have been watching for pretty early on. And each time I come back, I'm always impressed by the increasing video, audio quality and shot choices. It's nice to see you ever evolving the quality of your videos.

[@r1ot1ng247]

Mrs.W must be proud her steamer is so useful in the shop

[@podm98c01]

I always spray a little penetrating oil on my Scotch Brite pads when finishing steel with them. Works really great on aluminum as well. Just a little machinist hack from an east coast man.

[@Luke-sh6dm]

You know Cody you may be pride-full but so am I, and I’d just like to say that your time , effort and quality you put into your content has made me a better man who takes pride in my work not to be pride-full for my self but to do the best for my family and friends I feel I’ve actually grown with your channel and the help you give out and your time a patients is a beautiful thing and I’d just like to take a moment in the comments and say god bless you and your family and I keep you and all the men on here who try every single day to be a better man than the day before! Thanks !!

[@UndreamedFool17]

I have missed this style of Wranglerstar!!! Thanks for the uplaod. I find it calming and relaxing, makes me want to go work on my tools now.

[@TSGEnt]

Keep making. This is far more entertaining than anything on the TV. The garbage on TV just makes the BP go up! Your vids help bring my blood pressure down.

[@luckypants8599]

Not sure what “coast man” Nebraska falls into. But strangely enough due to my background in flooring I found that the best tool (for me) to remove varnish is a linoleum knife. Due to the curved blade and stiff handle you get less chatter on hickory and less hand fatigue. love the videos!

[@jasonmorphew4359]

Anything you like to upload for us to watch is fantastic. Thank you for all you do.

[@patriotpop2436]

West coast guys do have loose nuts too. This day and time anticipating what may soon come, repairing tools is going to be a must because to repairing or build anything one must have working tools. One may not be able to buy the most expensive and best tool, but buy the best you can afford and take care of it. I’m 75 years old and use many tools my dad and granddad used. Hey Cody , I’m and east coast guy.

[@alexroman7598]

Long time subscriber here and machinist in training at an oil refinery. Watching this video really made my day. Seeing you tap and properly use the tap magic put a smile to my face. Some guys at work don’t use enough and end up cracking bolts, threads etc. Keep up the great content Cody! Iron sharpens iron

[@unimog401]

that was a die

[@alexroman7598]

@@unimog401 he also used a tap

[@CincinnatiDan]

Really enjoy the video and not repetitive at all. I consider it “practice makes perfect”.

[@ryanbailey6600]

Build a tool hanger for axes, shovels, and the like, that way the handles don’t warp.

[@jamesash7]

Cody was the one who taught me not to lean long-handled tools up against a wall! So built a hanging rack. Then another. Now have 5

[@decoy3540]

I learn new things every time I watch your videos, even after years of doing so, even if you're showing how to do something for the billionth time you'll still be teaching new things and sharing new stories.

[@LivingWithDragon]

Definitely have my vote to continue the tool maintenance.

[@pauldegennaro7798]

I'm a long island, ny boy ..never to young or to proud to learn something new everyday from coast to coast.

[@jollyroger6258]

Suffolk County Centereach here

[@furrbearrapedmycat7223]

Good to hear. It is *too young and *too proud.

[@jeremyarbogast5745]

Love these videos just wish us east coast men from West Virginia had the free time to take such care for our tools I kid keep up the good work brother!!!

[@Knifeman270504]

I always enjoy your videos and happy to see that your still making the same type of content as you did at your old homestead site

[@smokey3333ful]

Definitely in my top three of all influencer. Appreciate the forward dry humor.

[@deleteddata6671]

Oh ya, he’s a legend and my favourite too.

[@whiggins101]

If you have a tap & die set, you also need a set of thread chasers. They are better for repair of existing threads. They reform rather than remove material.

[@TOTHEPOINT82]

Not all east coast guys think that. I respect a man who maintains a Wilton Vice.

[@nontrashfire2]

An East Coast man knows that these vices were first made in 1941 in Chicago, IL. Which happens to be a North Eastern state.

[@furrbearrapedmycat7223]

Florida Man knows that the tool is a Vise. A moral failing is a Vice.

[@furrbearrapedmycat7223]

​​@@nontrashfire2Florida Man also knows that Illinois is a Midwestern state, not a Northeastern state.

[@Dini-jf5bt]

😂, I come for the comments

[@furrbearrapedmycat7223]

@@TOTHEPOINT82 where did my earlier comment go? I assume the OP saw it, because he edited his comment and changed "vice" to "vise", but my constructive and instructive comment is gone.

[@thetexianpatriot2201]

👋🏻Good Evening,All! I hope everyone has had a wonderful day.

[@Amir_Nassir]

i eat nothing but bacon, eggs, steak, shrimp, corn, cheese, butter, hambugarm, chciken, cheese, butter, hotdog

[@1boortzfan]

I love all your videos. My grandfather taught me that there's more to owning something than just having it. You have to take care of your tools so they'll take care of you. I would like to see a link to your knifemaker though.

[@walkercustoms]

This video had a good Bob Ross vibe. Thank you.

[@NyetNyetNyet]

glad youre doing better

[@TheDarth2010]

As someone who loves to tinker I like the tool restoration videos or any videos where you're working in the shop. I bought the Helko splitting axe last year because of you're videos and it is a game changer!

[@tgrghostrider]

My grandfather would use aluminum angle in the vise when soft metal was needed. He drilled and tapped the top of the jaws to secure the aluminum. Worked great

[@deadpool8340]

Black Handle For The Win !!!!

[@BarryHull]

Cody, your toupée has been very stylish lately. Almost has a West Coast Hollywood look to it. Chic!

[@Shane_O]

The red double angle iron used for round stock, made by your Grandfather, is so simple but a great idea….. I’m making one ASAP!

[@noahnewbury172]

You should do a video on the best way to store axes and tools to prevent the warp.

[@aeric_]

When working with a Tap and die set- Never use power tools as they will just eat through the threads and mess up your work. Ask me how I know lol. Hope I'm not too late to put my two sense -you are absolutely right just feel the threads and go slow you can tell the resistance as you cut them.

[@stanf9898]

The humility I saw in this video. @Wranglerstar you called yourself out many times in this video. I appreciate the example.

[@pinetree9343]

I bought my Pulaski at a garage sale for $3. The handle was broken. I spent a couple hours removing the broken handle, and installing a $40 hickory handle. Sure, i understand people are laughing at me. But after the linseed oil, sharpening and cleaning, its as good as new. I use it every year. My handle ends ate orange

[@Wotansohn68]

I really enjoy these types of videos; please keep them coming.

[@quinnarendsen4208]

I love watching these videos!! Please keep making them!

[@Droids13]

I miss splitting wood for the winter season. Here, in SWFL, I might just do some splitting for the therapeutic results. Stay safe and God Bless.

[@minnesota-hk1vp]

Yes continue!

[@evilsean1]

Hey I'm certainly splitting hairs here but what you used to fix those bolts was a die. Taps make threaded holes, dies make bolts. Awesome video! Keep the awesome coming.

[@bobsmith9177]

I’d stitch a small pouch onto the axe sheath for a spare Alan key so you’re always able to tighten the blade up in the field

[@00whitehulk]

Im envious of how organized everything is…i got a long way to go 😅

[@SpicySteve-tz2so]

"Clean as you go, just like a pro." Wise words Mrs. W!!!

[@alexthompson9403]

Thoroughly enjoying these videos.

[@jollyroger6258]

What makes ProHo's video production so good is the absence of hyperactive zooms and camera movement. Elsewhere, they make it about the video tools instead of the content, and make me dizzy in the process.

[@jordanott5464]

I absolutely loved this video. feels like a throwback

[@stevencadd8806]

Already knew the swede's head saying warranted hitting that like button XD. Always love these!

[@TimDorry-kr6cq]

Been watching you for years! Thanks forvtye content. I'm a minnesota guy.

[@benbyers1041]

Axe content is the best 👍

[@chrisl7511]

A tap is for cutting threads in the i.d. a die is used for cutting threads on the o.d. iron sharpens iron right, just info for anyone wondering. Threads are measured in diameter and either threads per inch, or mm between threads on metric. Say 1/4-20 thread- roughly 1/4" diameter, and 20 threads per inch. M8 x 1.25- 8mm diameter, and 1.25mm between threads. The basics of a tap and die set, excluding NPT threads. (Taper pipe thread). I'm not as familiar with that.

[@jeffreynorthrop9518]

Keep the restoration videos coming.

[@Norwolf259]

Hell yes, can't wait to start my stove... good luck fellow woodsmen. Cheers from Alberta!

[@colinkelley7807]

Yes continue these videos, please.

[@metalcien098]

I own 2 Helko Werk Axes. Both came without varnish. If you look at their catalog most of their tools come bare.

[@mikemiller8486]

This is the beauty of Wranglerstar

[@johnme7049]

Always good to have reminders about tool maintenance. Sadly many young men today were not taught such things. Thank you. Give the Sweet Loaf a hug for me and all the best to you and your family.

[@philcryer1192]

holy fizz ,Wuppertal is an hour from me ,,,and wranglestar found me my next axe purchase ,Thanks

[@tincankiller6454]

Good looking tools. My favorite is an 8lb splitting maul with basically a plastic handle that I have use for almost 20 years mainly on red & white oak, hickory and on occasion, Hedge, Elm we use 8-10+ cords a year. I like wood but sadly, one of the downfalls of wooden handles they crack, warp, break, require TLC but plus side they are easily replaced. Thanks for the video.

[@wallace3953]

And making the tools perfect brings good Luck!

[@BattleChemist]

A pleasurable restoration and fix, to be sure. A KZbinr with time... ... Indeed. 🤭

[@Jeff_C_2112]

Cody - instead of using a knife to scrape off the varnish/shellac finish - perhaps you could do a video about how to use and maintain a card scraper? That blade seems too nice to be relegated to varnish scraping duty...

[@bechtolknives]

Very interesting design. I wouldn't have thought that would be a good idea. However, my initial opinion has grown. Thanks for sharing, buddy!

[@chasekinnally8519]

That's an interesting shade of black on the handle

[@wranglerstar]

the handle is black, dont you trust your lying eyes?

[@harpintn]

It is good to see a you tuber that knows how to properly use a tap and die set.

[@bensnocker3599]

God bless! Many many men now were never shown many basics. Like tap sets. Love the little shop projects relaxes a field mechanic

[@BobbyFuregno]

East coast man here wants to see how your blacksmithing is coming along !!

[@CristianoNogueiraBushcraft]

From the East and only coast of Brazil: Try scraping with the spine of your knife and your edge will last even longer!

[@DrAskildsen]

Oh, that brand stamp was the dott over the "i", makes me wonder if I can use the brass wax seals to brand my tools with. Thank you for this video. Prayers to you and your family in these wood fire times. Stay safe!

[@lukebrugnaraii751]

Looking forward to your winter videos.

[@mfallen2023]

This was like a classic WS vid! This is your niche where you really shine the best, imo.

[@darkhorsegarage9623]

East coast man that escaped . The best time is in the shop in the morning when it’s raining.

[@EmmettReese-nh9lg]

Nice video! I’m 14 and love restoring axes and make the handles from a block of wood but the are aways coming loose!

[@mfallen2023]

Make sure when you're getting the head fit to the handle that it's not sitting on a "shelf" when you drive the wedge in. Where the axe meets the hickory, inspect it closely and make sure its wedged on the shoulder, not digging into it. You can get them really tight when sitting on a shelf, but when a season or two has passed and the wood has swelled/shrunk it'll become a problem. That was a lesson I had to learn when I first got started. That's a great hobby for a young man though! Wish I would have been on that path at that age... I was well into my 30's before I started wood working. Keep at it, young man!

[@EmmettReese-nh9lg]

@@mfallen2023 thank you for your tips that’s something I haven’t thought of before!

[@billylee2312]

The wood you are using may not be dried properly. I use my attic in the summer to dry wood for handles and other projects. I actually leave it up there until I am ready to use it.

[@furrbearrapedmycat7223]

​@@billylee2312 *dry

[@EmmettReese-nh9lg]

@@billylee2312 that’s good point I didn’t think about it shrinking in the eye while drying thanks for the tip!

[@ryanknight9604]

All this east coast west coast talk. Here in the northern plains we just karate chop to split our wood 😂

[@mattjohnson891]

Always important to oil your shaft thoroughly

[@Bo_Spurlock]

@wranglerstar East coast guys take a file to their woods knofe tp give it a 90° spine. That way you scrape with spine to make fluff for tinder or for a task such as yours in video. Keeps edge sharp and lasts longer. Don't go crazy just file it enough to have a sharp spine.

[@shanecazimero914]

Thank you for pulling me away from the dreaded debate.

[@barryhoneycutt3894]

nice - ---- take care of your tools and your tools will certainly take care of the POHO from SE Texas Bear ❤💯🙏

[@socketman]

I have that splitting maul/axe, love it

[@anthonyramkissoon4629]

East coast man can tell the difference between blue and black

[@GrimRZR]

Sometimes carb cleaner has some oil in it. Your brake clean works much better for that. Excellent job keeping my attention till the end and the black handle

[@Mrdjlimp]

Left the debate to watch this. Glad you’re here with the greatest content ever!

[@noahkrouse931]

In a world of throw away items and lack of craftsmanship I love these types of videos

[@shawnofdadead1805]

If you want a less toxic linseed oil Tried & True Original Wood Finish is polymerized and doesn't have any solvents or heavy metals for fast drying, it's even food safe for cutting boards and butcher blocks....

[@Funboyy123]

To work with you for a few months learning wood working would be amazing. Been watching for years, your teaching style and knowledge are awesome. God bless Wranglerstar

[@hashbestus8502]

You’re black sure looks different than my black 😆 Beautiful and thorough job as always!

[@carlzirk]

Funny comment if you know what you're means

[@My12521252]

Loving the content! I'd love to see a member's only live hangout

[@corwynsoldner8471]

I feel like we just got trolled with that "black" paint haha. Every time I see that splitting axe, makes me think I need to add it to my arsenal for feeding by wood boiler.

[@PhilJM]

I’m glad you didn’t “maded” us wait to see the results on that steamed handle!

[@699hazard]

Firewood season has just begun here in Victoria, Australia, We use a much blunter splitting maul on our eucalyptus hardwoods as an axe like head just gets stuck. And yes some gnarly redgum or stringy bark will nearly make you cry.

[@WJ1333]

You guys have some of the hardest gnarliest wood I’ve ever dealt with. I’ll stick to the madrone and oak I process every year.

[@RasmusL-n3f]

Make videos on the Firewood cutting, would be interesting to see!

[@bryanmarks4070]

I used a splitting axe for ever now I use the Fiskers x27. Man night and day difference vs a maul. Give it a try sometime.

[@brandong6242]

Enjoying the tool, forestry and firewood related material of late. It’s like the old Wranglerstar material that got me hooked on the channel!

[@BenPaddlin]

I don't want any knife to be my huckleberry. Huckleberry, used in that context, means undertaker. That's what Doc Holliday is alluding to when he uses the phrase in Tombstone.