Why Modern Axes Fail & How to Restore a Classic Axe with Timeless Craftsmanship

[@jason390gt]

You just gave a young Ag teacher exactly what he needed. I've felt an overwhelming need to teach my kids the basics. The "basics" that our great grandfathers knew to be common knowledge. May God continue to bless you sir. Keep up the good work.

[@lachlanmcintyre5748]

agreed

[@jameschippett2177]

Seeing how far back i can go watching old Wranglestar.

[@nicholasfernandez7720]

same

[@vincehathaway8748]

My first thought was "Holy cow, he looks so young".

[@johnr.timmers2297]

1 Axe and 1 sledge hammer have been reborn thanks to you. The axe head I found, the sledge head I bought for a dollar. Both are now my own and very nice tools. Axe is cheap, but the sledge is a vintage True Temper. Thanks Wranglerstar

[@hasdrubal121]

Nice to see one of the older vids Cody, I actually had an accident when I was 18, using an axe for splitting wood, the head came off mid swing bounced back up and I now sport an inch and a half scar across the knuckle of my left hand. Lucky I didn't lose a finger. It put me off using axes for a long time but thanks to your channel I'm learning more everyday and putting it into practice. That axe that did the damage all those years ago sports a new handle and edge and has seen plenty of use since I've started watching your video's. Thank you for sharing

[@Darthbelal]

You get a thumbs up just for your stated rejection of a "throw away" society......

[@MrKeenan3325]

Just came across an ax head that needs a handle and this seems a good example to follow. Thanks for the words of wisdom that every man needs to hear at the end.

[@mimailnoanda]

Watching these old videos are a blast, seeing how much better you got at everything in this video is great :)

[@higherpower254]

Act accordingly

[@joecimbak3974]

“Do all things to the glory of God”. Amen brother. Love your videos. You are a good workman that needeth not be ashamed!

[@scottjampa6374]

Knowing how to repair and maintain your own tools is a vastly underrated skill these days, and even the ability to distinguish good quality. You are performing a valuable service, and please keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@glenncampbell3428]

Hi Cody Over the past 45 years I've collected and sold quite a few Vintage axes of Plumb, True Temper Kelly, Bluegrass, Collins, Council Tool, etc. Of all the heads I've owned(over 150) the Plumbs, Collins, and Kelly I prized the most because of superior heat treatment and the history of America when we were making quality tools. However, my family is a Council Tool fan and I just use their axes with perfect satisfaction and razor sharp blades. The handles were a problem at first when purchased from local retailers who had no experience with axes. I started ordering from House Handle and Bowman Handles. Both are on the internet. I gained the ability to buy hand picked, white wood, and no varnish. Keep up the good work! Glenn Campbell

[@jammons70]

I put a new handle on my dad's axe that had been passed down from his father. All this using the info from your video. I'm 30 not some 15 year old but the pride in my fathers eyes were worth it. Thank you for your video.

[@stewstryker]

I appreciate the instructions on replacing the axe handle a lot. I could have lived without the sermon at the end. Thanks for passing this skill on.

[@jasonwest7760]

recently i found an old kelly tools, falls city axe head. i am curently cleaning the head up. thanks for the videos on tools it has been a great help in bringing life back to this old axe.

[@MrOldChuck]

Excellent explanation of a task that is nearly a lost art! I have my two hand hachets and an ax from my Dad and Grandfather and I need to replace a handle. Thanks! And I really appreciated your testimony at the end!

[@amyrose9311]

Hello, Wranglerstar and family. I am a fairly new subscriber. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy the videos. I have been watching for about 3 weeks now and haven't seen a video I haven't liked. I especially enjoyed a particular moment when my roommate and I were at the local flea market, I was looking at ax handles and the small metal wedges. My roommate, who is a good ole country boy, asked me if I knew what I was looking at...When I was able to tell him exactly what those little pieces of metal were, he looked utterly astonished!!! I asked him if he was surprised and he said no but the look said it all!!! Oh, the pleasure I felt at that moment was truly sublime. The possibility that a girl could know what a tool was used for.... What I didn't tell him was where I learned it or when lol. We both watch your videos and we both love them! I appreciate you and your family sharing your time and talents and your spirituality (my favorite part) with the rest of us. And being able to answer when someone asks, "do you know what you are looking at" is absolutely priceless in my book! Thanks ;)

[@dustin4028]

watching ever single wranglerstar video over the next couple days... its pretty amazing seeing where you began and where you are now... thanks for the content.

[@terryspooner128]

I've taken to looking up all of your videos Mr. W. because I've not seen them, and I find I enjoy them and learn from them just as much as your newer ones. Keep the faith and blessings to you and your family.

[@carlosperezworks]

Thanks to this great video and your others on sharpening, I put a new American-made hickory handle on an old, once-rusted U.S. Vaughn lath axe/hammer head I found and cleaned up. It will become part of my camp tool set. I'm very glad that in exchange of some time learning and working, I saved money and gave an old tool a second chance, instead of buying some cheap foreign axe.

[@michaelsavage6845]

Truly appreciate how thoroughly you explained this process. I had a pretty good idea on how to do this being raised with a similar outlook and reasoning on life. There is great joy in bringing back something considered trash and being a good steward of what the Lord has given us. With your tutelage I was able to bring back an axe that had such high quality steel (Union Tool Company from Charleston, W VA) it will serve me another 40 years! Thank you! R. M. Savage

[@michaelj.veltri2421]

Thanks for your videos. I did not follow your advice last fall, and handled an axe head with a Home Depot handle. It's flat and I had to sand off the finish. Recently I've handle a 3 1/2 lbs Collins New Jersey Baltimore style head and hickory handle from the hickory handle store. How very satisfying the end result is! I need to organize my garage, and do more like this. Keep the video coming, I really enjoy them.

[@jameschippett2177]

Wow, how much we have all learnt since you made this about setting an axe handle.

[@primoed77]

I got 9 years of this channel to watch, NICE!

[@coltonryan1826]

Great video and i love the morals you instill in yourself and your family, there's a lot that America could learn from a man like you, Merry Christmas

[@ATSF1927]

I'm 85 years old, my father use to make axe and hammer handles out of an old hickory limb shapping it with an old drawknife. I enjoy watching your pride in your work, excellent job on the axe handle :-)

[@JohnHicksblueheron]

I've rehandled three axes following your instructions (memory being a bit tattered, I always review your vid). You're clear, correct & thoughtful. Thanks.

[@liberalpolooza]

Love this video... I'm currently handling several axes, mauls, hammers (sledge, 2lb, 6lb, 10lb, 20lb, & the monster 30lb), 4 ball ping, "The Great Divide" maul which was a gift from my grandfather as was many of these heads, double bladed axe, single, & 2 hatchets.. I'm half way thru & it has been an absolute joy. I share your opinions of the throw away culture & reject it entirely. I run a handy man, tree climbing/trimming Buisness & take pride in my work, my family, my home & garden & my tools. All American, German or Swedish in make, quality crafts that too many of have fallen by the wayside. On a more "mechanical" note, I am currently rebuilding an 066 Stihl chainsaw & there is a joy & peace I have found in running my own Buisness, working my own equipment, maintaining our land & animals that I could not imagine ever being without. Don't comment much on KZbin, but felt this one necessary. Thank you for the video, I would have made costly mistakes without it..

[@Sweepy372]

Thanks for an excellent video. Here in Sweden, a country with a long tradition with axes as all know, there is also a special history as to how to find good axe handles and how to help/stimulate the trees to produce them. In local language it is called "svallved" which is wood that has healed and grown over a vertical crack in the bark of a stem. the cracks were either man made (planning at least 10-15 years ahead) or caused by lightning. These handles had a very suitable grain especially for tool handles and was very strong, had a suitable amount of flex and was long lasting.

[@MrGVFan]

Great instructional video. I started replacing a handle just today, glad I stopped when I did because I learned some very good info here that I have never heard before. Thanks for your great, and clear presentation. My thoughts on your closing comments are spot on. Now, I'm looking forward to viewing more of your videos.

[@BeansEnjoyer911]

I love it when you connect your life with the scripture! Keep up the great videos brother, I truly enjoy and appreciate them.

[@dantheman12391]

I have watched most of your videos on handling axes. Finally had the day to rehandle my own and I say it's been gone smooth from everything I've learned from your videos. This is definitely something I'm diving into and i am enjoying it a lot.

[@rainking63]

I was inspired by this video! I went up the street, got some supplies, and re-handled an old Plumb boy's axe that my wife's grandfather once owned. Looks and feels great. Thanks for sharing!

[@HikeordieTV]

Thanks very much for this tutorial. I've just been given 2 hatchet heads by my father, one of which was given to him sometime around 1950 by his grandfather. Your comment about buying good tools and handing them down resonated with me for obvious reasons. Thanks again.

[@timreid9556]

10 years....man it has been a fun journey with you , Cody....

[@reb-dom1ne]

Straight up mate, thanks from australia! Just what i needed to see in crisp clear english, wishing you success in your endeavours.

[@RhysJonesredrooster]

Great instructional video , I have now subscribed , totally agree with you on our throw away society.We have lost the basic skills and knowledge .I am a Tradesman , and I have those skills and passing those skills down to my daughters ,I take pride in maintaining and keeping my tools at top notch , I am going out now , and replacing my splitting axe handle the proper way .Love your work .

[@DonsCommander]

Excellent video. I personally own a Wetterlings small axe and can attest to the amazing capability of such a fine tool. Once again thank you for sharing the words of wisdom to all of us and sharing your faith in God openly. What a blessing to the KZbin Channel. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

[@eugenepark6141]

I liked your video. I found it while looking to replace a handle on a tamper. I used the principles to figure how to wedge a handle onto a tamper head. My head did not have a pin holding the handle. I cut a slot into an appropriate sized handle. I sanded the outer diameter like you did you make the axe handle fit. I put a wedge into the slot and banged the handle down into the open cavity of the head. The wedge expands and friction holds the handle in. Each time you tamp it reinforces it

[@joshdenham8404]

I like your technique. I may try it next time. The way I was taught: I will often toss my axe head into the wood stove for a bit. Now...some of you will say this is a bad idea. There is a very fine balance. You want the axe head nice and hot, so it will expand. But just a little too hot and you can accidentally taper it. The heat causes the opening to expand, more than you would think. Try it one day. Mark where the cold fit lands on the handle. With a hot head, it will fit a good 1/2 inch lower. Its also just hot enough to scorch the tiny chips thag come off inside so they dont create any space between the handle and the joint. I then proceed pretty much like you described. You also want the head to cool off very slowly. Leave it right next to the hot stove, for about 30-45 min. Then somewhere in the house. Dont put it back outside in the cold until its completely cooled to the touch. Once the steel shrinks back onto the handle, that sucker is permanent! Thoughts?

[@terrydees5998]

Thank you, You are so right Many years ago when I was a young guy an elderly neighbor taught me how to re-place handles and it has been a joy to do these projects. I hope every one gets the importance of the boiled linseed oil and the steel wool.

[@dadygee]

You have come a long way since gluing wedges and using powertools near an axe mr W :)

[@Oregontrails503]

Put a new edge and a new handle on an old old axe today, and it looks great! Thanks for your knowledge!

[@RAGE427]

Boy, your skills have certainly graduated from this axe head fitting. Not saying this is bad in any way. The is just a clearly developed craft in some of the later restorations. Thanks for these videos.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

My dad has an old axe that's really beat to hell that I found in his shed and for Father's Day I'm going to to refinish the head and hang a new handle for him. He chops wood for each winter but he's going to do it with a good axe this year! Thanks for the inspiration and all the help Cody.

[@redrum6051]

that is one awesome idea!

[@LilMtn0011]

Sir, Thank you for doing all this videos. They are of very high quality and really helpful to city folk like me trying to escape, learn, and get some land.

[@parkerxxxxxx]

Found this video entirely informative. I recently revived an old Plumb head onto a handle. Those little metal wedges are hard to find around by me. No one sells stuff anyone to "refurbish" anything. We live in a throwaway world. That old Plumb is a beautiful piece of steel too. Shaving sharp and tempered properly too. I'm pleased with myself! Thanks for this video!

[@ZuluFoxtrotBEAR]

You've changed your technique since this video was posted. I like the way you change the handles in more recent posts. Learning a lot from you. Kudos and God Bless.

[@LandsharkTank]

Thumbs up. Love it when people pass on skills and techniques like this.

[@WingCommanderWilly]

Thankyou for your excellent Video AND your insight on doing ones best in all you do. IMO I found your comments refreshing. I wish more people followed your good example. Well done !

[@julunted024]

secondly, you never bang the handle on the ground to seat the head. you hold the handle with the head hanging down toward the gorund, and you smack the end of the handle with a wooden mallet, or a rubber dead-blow hammer(my preference). this will pull the head onto the handle with each light blow. this will curl a slight amount of handle material, showing where and how much needs to be removed,

[@girfalcon1]

I've been binge watching your axe videos for the past few days and I got to say how I love your frame of mind. You have some great videos and I'm saving them for when I need the information in the near future ;)

[@Darren_Barclay]

Started watching from the beginning. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS BROTHER.

[@grant9908]

Great instructional video, very concise. The speech at the end was good too. I understand that you didn't intend to go into a speech, it just happened; but that makes it better. Because it was off the cuff and sincere.

[@lindabingham5473]

Grant Garrett

[@MrKevinStraub]

Thank you. I watched several tutorials on putting in a new handle and this was the best. I appreciate your tips and procedures and I agree with your philosophies and views. God bless. Now, with axe handle in hand, I am out to the shop to install it.

[@unicorn7337]

Thanks for a very informative and inspiring video Cody, I just happened upon this video when looking for guidance on how to re-handle an axe. I'm going to handle my Father's old splitting axe later this week once I get the head cleaned up and sharpened. He hasn't 'handed it down' to me, but we have always shared tools and I used his before I had any of my own, so I like to look after them and restore the old ones where possible.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

This has been very instructional! Just found an old PLUMB hatchet head and needs a new handle! I love woodworking so here I go! And thank you for your testimony! In the sin-darkened world we live in, it is refreshing to see Christians share God's love!

[@ffkyle2112]

i have a plumb hatchet head with a small hammer head nub on the back as well. its a nice hatchet head all around.

[@gailmarr4349]

thanks so much for this knowledge I was hoping to find something to help me replace the axe handle thats been lying around the house... this has been most helpful.

[@luc649]

I wrap a 1 1/2 to 2 inches of wire really tight to where the handle meets the axe head for extra protection then tape it , it dont matter how good a wood splitter you are that part does get shewed up after awhile from wood hitting it ...just thought I throw that in there...really like your vids and your outlook on life by the way...keep up the good work.

[@danielguadian5676]

Great instruction thru out the video. Your message at the end really hit home, it was truly appreciated. I think it also applies to personal appearance. So often during these current times you see people dressed like they are homeless, this also applies to their hygiene. Thank you for all you do. LLTR

[@svensturesson198]

hey I'm from Sweden, and I have made an ax these films have helped me a lot

[@45169tommyboy]

that certainly made me think as most of your videos often do. I really enjoy your life lessons and scripture references. I found your link from Dave Canterbury's who is also another good man of faith. your channel and his have taught me many of the things I need to know to be able to pass them down to my infant son ne day. thanks

[@rebeljustice7457]

Having a good quality handmade axe (huskvarna) and known that the only thing you may need to do in your life to it is remake the handle feels great. I'm not rich, but I do now believe in quality over quantity after years of being cheap. Cody just helped me realize that this could be a great area to apply some of my hard earned money since I don't have a quality axe, I had a surplus carbon fiber axe from Andy and Bax, broke in 5 minutes of splitting. Just don't get a carbon fiber axe, at least

[@anders3210]

Another great film, thanks from a Swede living not far from Gransfors!

[@K1CKtheCHICKEN]

I have an axe made in the US between 1920 and 1926. It had no pitting whatsoever and it cleaned up nicely and works better than any other axe I have handled, including a GB full size axe that you pay a premium for. And I got the head for $5 and with a $15 dollar handle it is still cheaper than most modern day tools.

[@axelec]

I have replaced wood handles in tools all my life and I think your video is excellent. The day may come God forbid that we may have to rely on hand tool again to survive. There may be not such things as gasoline for power tools.

[@thickasabrick52]

Thanks for this video. I plan to go back and check out a good many more of your older works.

[@ashleyscheepers6981]

Thank you for this! i am watching this is preparation for my first attempt at rescuing an axe for myself tomorrow. looking forward to meeting my new companion.

[@MrMtrocco]

This is what instructional videos should be like. Extremely clear instruction. Well done!

[@petzltreeclimber]

Thanks wranglerstar! Yesterday I brought my dad's old axe back to life.

[@LoneStarPrepperOfficial]

Love your videos and your channel! I have tried to reset my norlund hatchet a swedish military axe and an old collins axe head a few different times now. Every time I do they work loose. I tried to follow this video as best as I could but I did something wrong obviously. Only axe I have that hasnt worked loose yet is my marbles axe. I am at my wits end and tired of trying.

[@SONICcapturesYOU]

Your the man !!! I love going back in time !! I wish there were more people like you !! Keep up the good work !

[@NaxTactical]

If you can't get the remaining piece of wood out in a situation without a saw, you can burn it out using a fire. Good vid Cody!

[@gumimalac]

Ground down and re handled a 4lb splitting maul just for the fun of it after watching this video. thanks for the continued good work on these videos.

[@BrantleySmithNC]

Thanks for the video; great information! I was just at Tractor Supply this afternoon, and they have a kit of the 1 wood wedge and the 2 metal wedges for about $1.50. Their handles are hickory, and do have a varnish on them, but it doesn't look like a very thick coat.

[@oldsoldier181]

Glad I found this. I have a Husqvarna GP axe, that I often take into the woods for winter trekking. However, the handle is 26" and too big for my sled. I am putting the head one a 20" wetterlings handle, and wasn't sure how to do it. This video really helped. I will have to drill out the old haft though, as the metal wedge is circular. I don't know if they use epoxy too-I hope not, as that may prove a little more difficult.

[@wifighostcruiser9665]

Lol ok I'm mad I was waiting for the punchline

[@Bash_McLane]

I keep looking up completely different topics and some how your videos keep coming up at the top. These are great videos man, keep it up!

[@Mentalfloss64]

Agreed. Some think it's manly to spout crap like a talk radio host. This is an excellent video start to finish.

[@JCouch444]

garage sales...great idea! that felt like The New Yankee Workshop for axe care! great editing and well done. thx for the info!

[@steinderbush]

Cody, i love your vids, you try to teach us some good things. You are right to stop that throw away mentality!! Wish you all the best!!

[@patrickrusca5950]

You look so much younger in these older videos Cody. Wow. And your handle hanging technique has changed as well. Its fun to go back and see the younger you. And what shop is this? All the best.

[@archangel2k12]

Great video. Great message. I'm gonna start watching the rest of these videos. Looking forward to getting this axe head seated too...Thank you!

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

I had to laugh when you started to say "I take a lot of pride..." and you changed it to "There's a lot of joy and pleasure in doing a job like this." Perhaps you're trying to avoid having "pride" in yourself? You're a good man, Cody. In a world filled with hate and envy it's nice to see that some people still believe in good.

[@mu99ins]

Neat and orderly is important I learned that as a pipefitter. When a crane hauls a piece of pipe on the roof, that a welder has been working on for half a day, and it doesn't fit, they want to look at the calculations. If the math is unorganized looking, then the assumption is that the way the fitter thinks is sloppy, making him prone to mistakes, and he is soon down the road. Orderly tools, environment and paperwork is a must for professionals and should be practiced from the git go.

[@magemager0]

I have a hatchet from the company Plumb and it is at least 60 years old and to this day its working wonderfully; although, its been through quite a few handles. its an american made axe and id definately say its a good quality axe. thats proof that its worth it to buy a quality tool.

[@Norwegianwoodworker]

Hey. Super videos. Keep em coming, I enjoy them and find them very helpfull. Thanks for taking the time and showing that taking pride in things and make them last is something worth doing. Regards. T.Robertsen

[@thecordlesscarpenter7956]

Rock on Cory! You're definitely doing God's work. My journey through your videos has been amazing.

[@RaptorDiablo]

I recently found a Hults Bruk made in Sweden 1 1/4 lb hatchet in my great grandfathers garage... rusted with a split handle. Do you ever wonder how many people have hung axe heads with this video Cody?

[@ajarnjoshua]

I am not religious but I also appreciated the message at the end, ignore the judgements from people and their posts. You have the right to spread whatever message you want, and some would have a guilty conscience by not doing this. Religion aside the message has the same effect and results on cleanliness and order, some are not open minded enough to hear the message after they hear the word God.

[@hhoward14]

I have found that raw linseed oil will soak into the wood very well, and give some useful degree of water-proofing, without creating a blister-making, varnish like coating. However, in storage a mould may form, that digests the oil, and maybe other things. The cobalt "dryers" in boiled linseed oil is said to inhibit this, but may attack cotton fibres in the long term. For working tool handles, I find that clean engine oil soaks in fine, inhibits rust in the tool head, and no wood rot.

[@TheSalsy1]

Great video. I agree with your commentary at the end. Our country is turning away from God but doesn't realize (or care) what the consequences will be. God bless you. Keep up the great videos and this ministry. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

[@julunted024]

thirdly, once you seat and wedge the head to the handle, NEVER hit the handle or wedge with the ax head sitting in a vise or whatnot. you are hitting the handle in the exact way you DONT want it to go. you need to set the handle end on a wooden block on the ground and set the WOODEN and STEEL wedges.

[@jocatch]

Great video, I learned alot. I also like your ending as I too am a fellow Christian. God bless you!

[@TheSalsy1]

Your last comments are so true. Do you really think someone who is sloppy with their truck/equipment/appearance is really going to go the extra mile and take pride in the work they do for you? I think not 99% of the time.

[@chacowhacko3361]

awesome. learned something new such as what kind of axe head to look for and now I will fix my axe the right way. thanks again, good vid.

[@chrisgallant1889]

lot of respect to you sir i had just bought an ash hatchet handel and goin to take in all you had to say thank you

[@mactx5374]

Nicely done 'how to' video and informational, plus food for thought at the end. Ethics for us all to try to live buy.

[@I_AM_YOU_137]

Where might one purchase those metal axe wedges? I loved the video by the way. Great job and great lessons both practically and philosophically.

[@michaelhutin5451]

Great video, I personally don't put metal wedges in at right angle to the wooden wedge, I feel this will split the handle over time.

[@cyclistrobert]

Just a great video. Clearly covers what you need to do, look out for, and why.

[@yankee2yankee]

High technology, e.g. the internet and KZbin, will, ironically, be the vehicle by which low-tech skills like maintaining and rehanging axes (which are in fact among the oldest, most ORIGINAL of all tools) will be preserved.

[@rustyshackleford17]

+yankee2yankee Its how I do most of my learning nowadays (besides trial and error)

[@seldomcertain]

+yankee2yankee True, until the Internet is no longer available. Print a hard copy of information you need and keep it safe.

[@yankee2yankee]

+kommissioner I do. The problem with high technology, i.e. electronics, is two-fold, in my mind. First all technology is subject to planned obsolescence. Whether or not it ever actually fails, after just a few years, and sometimes after just one or two, the manufacturer stops supporting it

[@yankee2yankee]

+yankee2yankee (continued as damn thing saved w/o permission) The other is that modern electronics are mostly not repairable. If you like the technology, and no matter how well we care for it, the manufacturer has us on the hook for $500 every few years. I HATE that!

[@yankee2yankee]

+kommissioner Finally, to get to your point, yes, some day, as infrastructure crumbles, the internet will become unreliable, and then intermittent, and finally it will go down basically permanently. If there is strife, either of the cold or hot war type, that will put it out of service almost instantly. In the mean time there is surveillance, modern scientific marketing and propaganda. Even worse, if you ask me, is that the internet has the power to rewrite history. I can't track much of the information on the internet, but I know that the common definition of fascism has changed quite a lot in the last few years, and most people do not notice...

[@DaneStolthed]

Bravo sir, I agree with your philosophy, instruction and theology keep it coming brother.