If you have a loose axe head, here are the top five methods to fix it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Method 1: Insert A Wedge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe axe wedge is what holds the head in place. Usually, a loose axe head is a result of a loose or damaged handle. And a wedge will help the handle stay sturdy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suppose the wedge is bad. In that case, you have to make a new one. Making a new wedge will demand some woodworking. You\u2019ll need tools like a bevel gauge, saw, and miter gauge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to cut and shape a piece of wood to fit the space in the eye of the head. If you\u2019re a professional woodworker, this should be light work. Otherwise, purchasing an axe handle wedge is the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Schematic](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-44-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Schematic of axe wedge\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMethod 2: Dip the Loose Head into the Linseed Oil Bucket<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLinseed oil<\/a> swells wood. So, making your axe handle and wedge fit perfectly into the head\u2019s hole is a good option. In other words, it can stop your axe head from loosening.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s what you should do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Apply some linseed oil around the axe\u2019s head hole. Alternatively, you can soak the head inside a bucket of linseed oil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wait for 24 to 36 hours before cleaning off any oil residue. If you soaked the head, bring it out now and dry it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow for another 4 hours at least for the head to dry thoroughly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finally, insert the axe handle \u2013 and a wedge if available \u2013 into the head hole.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The linseed oil will harden the wood to stick firmly to the axe head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-43-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n(The axe cleaved the wood)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Method 3: Hammer the Nail<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA third option to fix a loose axe head is to hammer in nails. In particular, three to four nails should do the job. It\u2019s a quick and simple fix, yet worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, get sturdy wood nails. Then, hammer them through the head hole into the middle of the handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nails won\u2019t bind the head and handle together. Of course not; the head is steel. Instead, they\u2019ll spread out the wooden handle so it gets a tighter grip on the axe head. A tighter grip means the head is less likely to fall off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-39-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Hammer and nail for axe handle\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMethod 4: Soak the Axe Head in the Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLike linseed oil, water can harden the wood<\/a>. When water gets into the wood, it softens it<\/a>, causing it to swell and expand. And when the wood dries, it maintains its swelled, expanded shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, you don\u2019t want to swell the entire handle. Your target is the area that goes through the head\u2019s hole. So, only place the axe head inside a bucket of water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can do this with the handle attached by keeping the axe upside down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Method 5: Rehandle the Axe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA loose handle means a loose head. As a result, you can solve the problem by rehandling the axe. In simpler words, you can get a replacement handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rehandling an axe is not always easy; getting a different handle<\/a> to fit your head perfectly is challenging. Most often than not, you\u2019ll still need to shape the new handle after getting it. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHence, you may need other supplies like a new wedge kit, glue, and sandpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-41-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n (An axe with a brown handle)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips To Keep Your Axe Head From Loosening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou can stop your axe head from loosening when you follow the below tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Storing Your Axe Properly<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Proper storage increases the shelf life of any tool. And it\u2019s most important for tools with wooden parts<\/a> like axes. Without proper storage, causes like temperature and humidity will weaken the axe handle over time, causing the head to loosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Tool](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-26-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Toolbox for storing axe and other tools)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Regularly Oiling The Axe Head<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As explained, oiling your axe head will harden and tighten the handle. You don\u2019t have to wait until your axe head is loose before you do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From time to time, run the area around the head hole with linseed or similar oils. Besides stopping the head from loosening, it\u2019ll also prevent rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore concluding, look at some frequently asked questions on axe heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does an Axe Head Last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAn axe head can last until infinity. It\u2019s made of durable, thick steel<\/a> that doesn\u2019t crack. So long as you sharpen it when dull<\/a> and store it properly, you can use it for a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Other Common Axe Problems?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCommon problems you encounter with an axe include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Shrinking or Splitting Handle<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Since the axe handle is wood, it\u2019ll shrink if left in an unfriendly environment. Also, it could split when it encounters harder materials. Proper storage and maintenance will help avoid this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Rusting Heads<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The axe head is steel \u2013 and steel rusts<\/a> \u2013 so you should expect this. Rust will occur if your axe head constantly comes in contact with moisture. You can prevent it by properly cleaning and storing the head after each use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08Schematic of axe wedge\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Linseed oil<\/a> swells wood. So, making your axe handle and wedge fit perfectly into the head\u2019s hole is a good option. In other words, it can stop your axe head from loosening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what you should do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The linseed oil will harden the wood to stick firmly to the axe head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (The axe cleaved the wood)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A third option to fix a loose axe head is to hammer in nails. In particular, three to four nails should do the job. It\u2019s a quick and simple fix, yet worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, get sturdy wood nails. Then, hammer them through the head hole into the middle of the handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The nails won\u2019t bind the head and handle together. Of course not; the head is steel. Instead, they\u2019ll spread out the wooden handle so it gets a tighter grip on the axe head. A tighter grip means the head is less likely to fall off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \uff08Hammer and nail for axe handle\uff09<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like linseed oil, water can harden the wood<\/a>. When water gets into the wood, it softens it<\/a>, causing it to swell and expand. And when the wood dries, it maintains its swelled, expanded shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you don\u2019t want to swell the entire handle. Your target is the area that goes through the head\u2019s hole. So, only place the axe head inside a bucket of water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do this with the handle attached by keeping the axe upside down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A loose handle means a loose head. As a result, you can solve the problem by rehandling the axe. In simpler words, you can get a replacement handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehandling an axe is not always easy; getting a different handle<\/a> to fit your head perfectly is challenging. Most often than not, you\u2019ll still need to shape the new handle after getting it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, you may need other supplies like a new wedge kit, glue, and sandpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (An axe with a brown handle)<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can stop your axe head from loosening when you follow the below tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proper storage increases the shelf life of any tool. And it\u2019s most important for tools with wooden parts<\/a> like axes. Without proper storage, causes like temperature and humidity will weaken the axe handle over time, causing the head to loosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \uff08Toolbox for storing axe and other tools)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As explained, oiling your axe head will harden and tighten the handle. You don\u2019t have to wait until your axe head is loose before you do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From time to time, run the area around the head hole with linseed or similar oils. Besides stopping the head from loosening, it\u2019ll also prevent rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before concluding, look at some frequently asked questions on axe heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An axe head can last until infinity. It\u2019s made of durable, thick steel<\/a> that doesn\u2019t crack. So long as you sharpen it when dull<\/a> and store it properly, you can use it for a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common problems you encounter with an axe include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the axe handle is wood, it\u2019ll shrink if left in an unfriendly environment. Also, it could split when it encounters harder materials. Proper storage and maintenance will help avoid this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The axe head is steel \u2013 and steel rusts<\/a> \u2013 so you should expect this. Rust will occur if your axe head constantly comes in contact with moisture. You can prevent it by properly cleaning and storing the head after each use. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMethod 2: Dip the Loose Head into the Linseed Oil Bucket<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMethod 3: Hammer the Nail<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMethod 4: Soak the Axe Head in the Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Method 5: Rehandle the Axe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips To Keep Your Axe Head From Loosening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does an Axe Head Last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Are Other Common Axe Problems?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Rusty](\"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/6-23-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n