Below are simple tips for cleaning an axe head:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cleaning Rust Off of an Axe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRust is one of the problems you\u2019ll mostly encounter with an axe head. Here\u2019s how to remove it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soak in White Vinegar<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhite vinegar contains acetic acid<\/a>, which does wonders in removing rust. It\u2019s a simple remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, pour white vinegar into a deep bowl or container. The bowl must be deep enough to contain the axe head. Place the axe head inside the bowl and set it aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leave the axe head in the bowl for at least 24 hours. You can leave it for far longer if the rust is excessive. You’ll notice the rust coming off as the axe head sits in the bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Rusty](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-43-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Rusty axe\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use A Steel Brush or Steel Sponge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAfter 24 hours \u2013 or longer \u2013 remove the axe head from the bowl. Then, thoroughly clean it with a steel brush or sponge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a steel brush or sponge is critical to remove any stubborn rust residue. The rust may still stick on the axe but will go off at a single swipe of the brush or sponge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Clean](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-41-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Clean the axe after washing\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWash With Warm Water<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe next thing to do is to wash the axe head with warm water. Besides doing this to remove the brownish color of rust, it\u2019ll also help reduce the strong vinegar smell. However, the scent may endure after the washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dry Thoroughly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nUsually, after washing comes drying. And it\u2019s no different here. The rust will return if you don\u2019t dry the axe head properly. Therefore, run a dry towel around and through the axe head until no moisture is left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Oil To Seal the Axe Head from Moisture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nYou may not get all the moisture out while drying. That\u2019s fine. You can still prevent future rust by rubbing the axe head with oil. What type of oil should you use? Well, anyone. But mineral oils<\/a> \u2013 like gun oil \u2013 are the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-38-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\uff08An old axe\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cleaning Sap And Resin Off of an Axe Head<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne downside of cutting a tree with an axe<\/a> is that the axe head becomes baptized by resin and sap<\/a>. Nevertheless, getting these sticky substances off your axe head is doable. Here’s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\nPaint Thinner<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nSap and resin are like oils. As a result, a hydrocarbon solvent like paint thinner<\/a> can remove them. So, get a can of paint thinner and apply it on your axe head covered with sap and resin.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter some time, rub the solvent off using a dry cloth. It goes off, and so does the sticky sap and resin. This method also works on the axe handle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Resin](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-40-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Resin dripping after cutting a tree\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nLighter Fluid<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nLighter fluid is similar to paint thinner, but it is more volatile. Perhaps you\u2019ll consider this option more than the previous one because lighter fluid is more commonplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the procedure is the same: apply the fluid on the axe head and wipe it off afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acetone<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA third option is Acetone<\/a>, which is ideal if your axe head has a thick sap or resin coating. The sticky substances immediately fall off the axe head as you apply acetone. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHence, it works faster. Also, order-wise, acetone is less toxic. But it may cost you a few more dollars to purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to clean the axe handle\uff1f <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBelow are simple tips for cleaning an axe handle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Fine Steel Wool to Remove Dirt<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhile at work, your axe handle easily gets dirty \u2013 with dirt and grime. It\u2019s good practice always to clean off the dirt <\/a>after every use. And you can do this easily using fine steel wool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Full](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-25-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Full view of an axe head with handle\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSand the Handle<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBesides getting dirty, your axe handle becomes rough with time. Scratches, cuts, and holes appear here and there. To get it back in shape, and the handle using sandpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But be careful not to remove too much wood while sanding. You want to smooth the surface and not reduce the handle size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply Linseed Oil<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nPrevention is better than cure, they say. If you prevent your axe handle from getting dirty, you\u2019ll have less cleaning to do subsequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applying linseed oil<\/a> is one way to prevent your axe handle from getting dirty. Besides dirt, the oil will also prevent moisture build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAxe Maintenance Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo keep your axe in good shape always, adhere to the below maintenance tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Properly clean and store your axe after each use<\/strong>. After heavy work, you must clean the axe head and handle to remove sap, resin, or moisture. Sometimes, the axe won\u2019t be too dirty. In such situations, cleaning with fine steel wool will serve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a splitting block when cutting wood.<\/strong> A splitting block will ensure your axe head doesn\u2019t strike the ground when it goes through the wood. It\u2019ll prevent the axe head from getting dull, which is what will happen if it hits the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sharpen your axe head when it gets dull.<\/strong> Working with a dull blade is ineffective. Not just ineffective, but it\u2019s also dangerous. So, ensure you sharpen your axe head<\/a> from time to time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oil your axe handle from time to time. <\/strong>Your axe handle is wood, less durable than the iron axe head. So, it requires more protection from outdoor elements. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oiling the handle provides that much-needed protection, as it stops the wood from cracking or shrinking. Also, it expands the wood as it absorbs, making it sturdy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cleaning](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/6-22-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
White vinegar contains acetic acid<\/a>, which does wonders in removing rust. It\u2019s a simple remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, pour white vinegar into a deep bowl or container. The bowl must be deep enough to contain the axe head. Place the axe head inside the bowl and set it aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave the axe head in the bowl for at least 24 hours. You can leave it for far longer if the rust is excessive. You’ll notice the rust coming off as the axe head sits in the bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \uff08Rusty axe\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n After 24 hours \u2013 or longer \u2013 remove the axe head from the bowl. Then, thoroughly clean it with a steel brush or sponge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a steel brush or sponge is critical to remove any stubborn rust residue. The rust may still stick on the axe but will go off at a single swipe of the brush or sponge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \uff08Clean the axe after washing\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The next thing to do is to wash the axe head with warm water. Besides doing this to remove the brownish color of rust, it\u2019ll also help reduce the strong vinegar smell. However, the scent may endure after the washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, after washing comes drying. And it\u2019s no different here. The rust will return if you don\u2019t dry the axe head properly. Therefore, run a dry towel around and through the axe head until no moisture is left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not get all the moisture out while drying. That\u2019s fine. You can still prevent future rust by rubbing the axe head with oil. What type of oil should you use? Well, anyone. But mineral oils<\/a> \u2013 like gun oil \u2013 are the best.<\/p>\n\n\n \uff08An old axe\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n One downside of cutting a tree with an axe<\/a> is that the axe head becomes baptized by resin and sap<\/a>. Nevertheless, getting these sticky substances off your axe head is doable. Here’s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sap and resin are like oils. As a result, a hydrocarbon solvent like paint thinner<\/a> can remove them. So, get a can of paint thinner and apply it on your axe head covered with sap and resin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After some time, rub the solvent off using a dry cloth. It goes off, and so does the sticky sap and resin. This method also works on the axe handle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \uff08Resin dripping after cutting a tree\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lighter fluid is similar to paint thinner, but it is more volatile. Perhaps you\u2019ll consider this option more than the previous one because lighter fluid is more commonplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the procedure is the same: apply the fluid on the axe head and wipe it off afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A third option is Acetone<\/a>, which is ideal if your axe head has a thick sap or resin coating. The sticky substances immediately fall off the axe head as you apply acetone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, it works faster. Also, order-wise, acetone is less toxic. But it may cost you a few more dollars to purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are simple tips for cleaning an axe handle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While at work, your axe handle easily gets dirty \u2013 with dirt and grime. It\u2019s good practice always to clean off the dirt <\/a>after every use. And you can do this easily using fine steel wool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \uff08Full view of an axe head with handle\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides getting dirty, your axe handle becomes rough with time. Scratches, cuts, and holes appear here and there. To get it back in shape, and the handle using sandpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But be careful not to remove too much wood while sanding. You want to smooth the surface and not reduce the handle size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prevention is better than cure, they say. If you prevent your axe handle from getting dirty, you\u2019ll have less cleaning to do subsequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying linseed oil<\/a> is one way to prevent your axe handle from getting dirty. Besides dirt, the oil will also prevent moisture build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep your axe in good shape always, adhere to the below maintenance tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse A Steel Brush or Steel Sponge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWash With Warm Water<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dry Thoroughly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Use Oil To Seal the Axe Head from Moisture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nCleaning Sap And Resin Off of an Axe Head<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paint Thinner<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLighter Fluid<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Acetone<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to clean the axe handle\uff1f <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Use Fine Steel Wool to Remove Dirt<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSand the Handle<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apply Linseed Oil<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Axe Maintenance Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n