Axe handle guard = Rope + Epoxy
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- čas přidán 14. 11. 2018
- This process uses Nylon rope and epoxy to make a tough handle wrap for your axe. It's easy to do and inexpensive, and it will take you far less time and money than it does to replace a handle. It also looks bad-ass.
Note to axe 'experts': yes, I realize that I'm using it as a maul. I also know that you shouldn't swing at a piece that's behind another- I did that for the demonstration, and luckily my handle guard proved as tough as I was hoping it would.
Consider that the video footage was mostly close-up in this video, but MATT is actually a pretty heavy axe with a long handle. I use it for splitting medium logs and dead wood.
And about the mushrooming: that abuse came from the axe's last owner. The mushroomed steel poses no threat, because I don't hit this axe with a sledge. - Jak na to + styl
Common complaints:
► *Just use a maul.*
Yes, I'm using an axe to split here. It is a heavy axe, so it works great for light splitting. I do not use MATT to halve full logs.
► *Mushrooming is dangerous!*
That abuse came from the axe's last owner. The mushroomed steel poses no threat, because I don't hit this axe with a sledge.
► *Learn how to split/aim.*
I struck at the back of the log on purpose, for demonstration. As you could then see, it can take a hit. I normally aim to knock a slice from off the side, and I never aim at a piece that's in the back.
You don't use MATT to halve full logs? what's MATT?
@@aggraphine Oh ok thank you
If the axe has been struck by a sledge or was used as a sledge in the past and the butt is mushroomed, it could have stress fractures within, up to and including the eye. A good test for that is having your tool tested with magnetic penetrate.. Hope you epoxy plan works out for you long term, but I’m not putting any money on it as epoxy does become brittle in time if not captured.. Good luck.
How's Matt holding up?
Amazingly well. The epoxy/rope combination is way stronger than I would have expected. Many hours of splitting now after four months, and I can totally recommend.
"You don't really want to see more epoxy footage, do you?"
*Peter Brown sheepishly raises his hand...*
LMFAO!!!!!!! Seriously, hahaha Peter brown Loves his Epoxy! A little to much if you ask me.
More like he slams his desk exclaiming that there isn't enough.
yes, yes we do.....
I used to watch your videos before I had any inclination for DIY or craft, just because they were interesting and relaxing videos to watch.
Now that i've developed an interest and built up a collection of tools, and projects to put them to use I have been rewatching these and learning so many valuable tips.
Just wanted to say thanks, DIY dad.
Great. Feel free to swing by any time to cut some grass. Just don't ask for any money.
I used an aramid fabric with epoxy to make a brace for my boy's axe. Layered aluminum foil over it as well to stop the fibers from degrading in sunlight, but mostly I think it just looks cool. It's much thinner than rope, which I like for handling, and thus far it's survived some zealous incompetence. It definitely prevents the neck from splintering, which is an improvement.
I really new to any woodworking, and only just bought my first hatchet since I was a Boy Scout about 45 years ago. I found a lot of this video very helpful both in its content and the comments. Thank you.
This morning I was going to add similar grips/guards onto the shaft and handle of a old shovel I'm restoring, but decided to be unproductive and watch some videos after I realized I only had short pieces of rope. (I didn't want to struggle/have weak joins that would fray over time or make it difficult to wrap in the first place; just one of those lazier mornings, what can I say). Well, leave it to Pocket to call me out on my procrastination/excuses! Call it serendipity or whatever you like that you happened to post this when you did, I'm just very appreciative of the time, energy, and effort you put into your videos- and currently very glad you encouraged me to suck it up and get started. So many things in life get delayed or avoided because we don't feel like we have the "perfect" conditions, materials or circumstances. You are always reminding me that with some creative/divergent thinking, motivation, and acceptance of the occasional failure, there is very little that is impossible (and very few excuses for not doing what needs to get done!). Thanks again; when I'm able to use my shovel before the snow starts falling it will be partly due to your inspiration and encouragement.
"If it's not abrasion resistant, then it's not going to resist abrasion" -pocket83, 2018
"people die if they are killed"
@@BrysinBarnwell "The Archer class really is made made up of archers!"
"No matter where ya go,......... there ya are"
@@Ervdawg57 And when ya get there ya can say "Here I Am!"
This is like an ASMR special.
I love the macro shots too.
I almost missed the picture you spliced in just after you peeled the epoxy off your brush.
Nice footage. Cool honest learning process, thank you.
Always excited when I see a new video upload👍😁
One of your many great strengths are those really good quality closeups. Nice video.
Thank you. Glad you liked it ;)
I enjoy watching you apply the epoxy. It's kinda relaxing.
The great axe saga continues!
Another great video pocket! I don’t know if anyone else noticed this, but one of the older copper wire epoxy stirrers that you used had a patina near the top, but the lower end that actually mixes the epoxy has been preserved by the residue left behind. Anyway, I thought it was interesting.
wow finally a new vid of Pocket. so i can sleep ( i been binge watching you to help me sleep)
I am using a piece of cord on my axe for 6+ years, and it works like a charm. I didn't use any kind of epoxy and I think that it is better, because the rope remains elastic and reduces the impact in case of a slip. Also I just knotted it on the handle with a knot we call "takling" in german.
I loved the video and the axe handle is beautiful great work !
Pretty cool!! Love the look of "Matt", nice tool!!
Nice. I use the same method with thread and superglue to repair smaller items, from headphone jacks to arms on eyeglasses. Thanks for sharing.
love the added frame thanks
Regarding epoxy tips and tricks: When trying to coat things with epoxy (like the top coat you applied), I usually add some acetone to the epoxy to make it more spreadable and to help it wick in.
For mixing, I just use an old glue-bound catalog. Rip one cover off, mix epoxy on the exposed page, when done, rip off the page and you're ready to go. It's free, it gives more room to work with than tape, and you can pick it up and move it if you need to reposition your work..
If I need a brush or spatula, I just use a putty knife or a hoghair flux brush. Clean up is quick and effortless. I have a jar of lacquer thinner that I use for cleaning small things. All it takes is a couple dunks and wipes with a paper towel.
I can't believe I watched 20 minutes of applying epoxy on an ax... and I ENJOYED it!
Well done!
-- Old Matt
I have used the exact process, only using thread, to fix my broken glasses, and used Super Glue. The finished product was stronger then the original joint, and once the thread was saturated in glue, it just looked like a piece of black plastic. I will use this technique often. Thanks.
And the axe restoration saga continues
Also those bloopers were spot on Lettuce Mayo And Onions
this isn't axe restoration, it's an upgrade, if it was restoring it you would be making it like new.
I have a pile of axes that I'm servicing, so it's kind of a mini-series.
@@pocket83squared best mini series in youtube
There is a knot called a frap that would work well for this. You make a loop on the surface and then wrap the cord around it. When you get to the end you tuck it into the loop and pull it under the wrapping and trim the other end. It leaves no exposed end to break off. I used it on a sword handle and it worked really well.
A common whipping knot is what the poster was describing and is arguably more simple than a square knot and leaves a much better finish.
Frapping is the word for wraps between the spars in some lashing techniques. I don't know how a square knot makes any sense in this context, unless Gary meant West Country whipping....
I did this to two axes in 1980 that are still good. I used a much smaller braid and made a couple or three wraps. Use the bottom of a beer can for mixing and you'll save a buttload of epoxy. i coated the braid on the outside making it durable as hell. The smaller braid covered in expoxy leaves a smooth, slick finish.YMMV
Just a suggestion:
When the back of an axe head starts mushrooming on the sides, you should grind the mushrooming off, because if you don’t it could break off and end up lodged in your head, or anyone (or any animals) near you. Along with this, I strongly recommend adding a slight chamfer (knocking the corners off) so the inevitable mushrooming can be reduced and slowed to ab absolute minimum. Just be careful not to hit the corners of the chamfers because they could also break off and fly at things or people, that is, if the axe is hardened.
Just wanted to give my two cents. A little safety goes a long way! :D
I no longer feel pain because of the axe fragment that's lodged in my brain. Until the day when it will finally kill me, my powers will continue to increase.
@@pocket83squared axe demographic huh?
Think of it as a Venn Diagram; there is a convergence of safety advocates and tool-specific proponents that will occasionally remind me that there is no safe place to hide here on CZcams. Advocacy groups are omnipresent, and no action or opinion is free from the dissuasive influence of criticism.
Crabs in a bucket, or the propulsion system of improvement? You decide. I just make the videos.
@@pocket83squared or you could call it "caring for you (? ..about you? ..just plain caring?), to ensure you can keep making great content"... Because in this case that's what it is... (I remember you being more appreciative when I reminded you of that before you carpolished the head XD) But if you really don't like suggestions that actually make sense, then why not turn off comments alltogether? =)
The first time I hear a suggestion, and as long as it's not too preachy, I appreciate it. After a dozen or so of the exact same thing, it gets pretty tedious. Especially when the 'danger' is exaggerated. On the whole, safety advice is no different than any other unsolicited opinion: did I ask? No? Then keep it to yourself.
Now watch as this useless piece of unrelated procedural dogma becomes top comment. That is, until I delete it. Also note that I don't use MATT as a wedge, so I am at zero risk. The mushrooming was from the previous owner.
I did similar with much smaller nylon line and used a couple wraps with epoxy between the layers and a layer of epoxy on the outside.
I'm still using both axes today. The very thin outside layer soaked into the twins leaving it slick and strong.
Nicely done and it sucks being so old and remembering when epoxy was almost impossible to purchase commercially . I sometimes use epoxy and fine sawdust for a wood filler . Thanks for your video and ATB .
The old time choppers here in Nova Scotia used 19 gauge galvanized wire to wrap a guard. Take about 20 feet and tie one end to the shed. Walk back and tack the other end to the axe handle right behind the eye. Pull tight and walk to the shed with good tension on the wire. Tap each row next to the other with an axe file. Get to the shed, unhook wire - tap a tack into the axe handle and snug wire around - tap tack into handle - done. Lasts for many years and really saves your handle from overstrikes.
Love the macro epoxy shots! Great video.
Thanks!
I find that it is easier to push the epoxy out when it is warm. So I will warm it with just body heat in my hands. Just a thought. Love your work!
Nice and relaxing video to watch late night before sleep👍
My solution is welded metal handles. I've made a 18" handle for a hatchet from a 1/8"x1-1/2" flat bar and it turned out pretty good and balanced. I have a fireman's axe head I made a 27" handle for from 3/16"x1-1/2" flat bar with oak grips. It's not designed for chopping firewood but I like it. I'm working on a double bit axe right now that I plan on cutting wood with.
To everyone thinking a maul is better. Some pepole like a maul and some like an axe, if the axe has the right profile (thickness at the cheeks) it will split like crazy. Or if the axe has a heavier weight it will also split well.
I find tarred twine works very well for this, no glue or epoxy needed it binds super tight and the tar causes it to grip and not come loose, I then sometimes will use leather over top for appearance but not always.
Wow. Great tip on the silicone.
Great idea. Thnx for the video
I wanted to cry when I saw the mushrooming on that axe
why
Ruger Rugged because the butt of an axe is not hardened, and not intended to be used as a hammer, unlike the butt of a maul. Using an axe in this fashion can cause significant damage, and increases the likelihood of metal fragments splintering from the head and contacting you.
@@rugerrugged9594 and it looks ugly mushroomed
@@airmobiledivision7759 it shows it was used as a hammer, which also can deform the eye, making it hold not nearly as well.
Those close up shots at around 13:30 were very well done
Well done!
Awesome video keep them coming
You can tell that Matt has suffered a lot of abuse in his life. I'm glad he's got you now to treat him right.
He was definitely in a tough relationship. Some people just expect too much!
I like the idea. Thanks for sharing. - Marco
Great idea! it should stays up very good
I LIKE it works 4 me. I LOVE EPOXY. Got alot of old slege hammers for work. Gonna go same route just make SURE I got enough rope. THANKS
great video!
This video inspired me to do the same thing with suede lace...did 2 layers, works super well....super strong. On my next, I'll go one layer lace, one layer solid heavy leather, which won't cut. The suede cuts, but doesn't break the axe.
In my former line of work we worked with epoxy a lot. We used cleaning vinegar to clean off residual epoxy. I thought it was neat way of getting “unsticky”
I love using epoxy and didnt know that alcohol trick thank you very much i always get the stuff on my fingers
you can try using a heat shrink that has a glue for water proofing inside it, put it on the axe and heat it up to shrink it on .the glue inside melts and then sets again when it cools down .two layers of this will last quite some time and when needed to be replaced just heat it up and cut it off while soft and then replace.
Overdrive sucks when cutting wood. You've inspired me to do a bit of tlc on my axe, thanks!
Overstrike*
Pocket83 is the only guy that can make a video about wrapping rope around an axe entertaining.
"Five minute epoxy".... that's just the name of it. Like the " 24 hour dry cleaners" I took my jacket to.
Nice job. I'll have to give it a try.
You fixed it for 3 dollars..ready to work next day = win ! Thank you for showing us some great tips and tricks.
I weld a steel wedge on the underside. It saves the handle and it also splits the wood that wrecks your handle.
Haha...love that!
For real though Matt looks super handsome! I would just worry that the apoxy will crack since it's relatively brittle. I'm loving all these axe videos! I really hope we get an update.
It’s been 4 years, update? Looks amazing
Subbed, due to how you dealt with the knobbers in the comments section.
That's exactly how i made my guard but without the epoxy.Took some fabric tape and put it around beneath the axe head,then I wrapped it in some thin climbing rope.Thing is as sturdy as heck
When it comes to the splitting logs like this - never try to acommplish in a first hit. Choose the path betveen branches, preferably butt log upward, make a first hit aiming to a corner towards from you. When the wood fiber cracks a little, proceed with a second hit on side closer to you from the log center. Thats how you never hit the handle and save energy. Nice axe and good luck ;]
Great project thanks! Is it still holding up well? What's your favorite epoxy for the money? Thanks!
Nice scarf, Matt!
Good job sir. I will do my axe the same
I was trying to find your video on the green handle ax and came across this one. I like the use of rope and the epoxy as the benefit and cost seem reasonable and apparently works well. I wonder if paracord would work just as well, but I am guessing that it's really the epoxy that is providing the strength and protection. Nice narrating with your video.
I had a leather expert wrap mine with laces on the back. Simple, strong, and looks good. The leather can take a strike better than the epoxy.
Rawhide could be interesting. Applied wet it will shrink/constrict when drying, if I remember correctly.
I wonder what the added compression will do for handle stability?
I have thought to use rawhide for an axe of mine. One can make an whole axehandle of rawhide too but probably only up to a certain weight and with a holeless bit. People on the prairie and steppe used bone and rawhide, lacking wood, for many applications.
Got some mushrooming to deal with there buddy, but nice job on the axe bandage! :P
Just slammed through the last 3 videos and bam a new one in the series appeared! Lol
I worked in the oil field and i used a rope as well on my sledgehammer to help with the impact and it helps
Wow. That sounds like a tough job. Respect from a former roofer.
You could use a length of STEAM PIPE that is used between train cars. This stuff is really tough and slips over the handle and is sometimes the right size to make it tight... Works for me...
I have used cotton fabric and epoxy to do the same thiing before, and it is amazingly strong. Just takes longer, as you do one layer at a time and repeat for the number of layers you need.
The only thing I worry about using paracord and 5 miinute epoxy is if 5 minutes is enough for the epoxy to fully penetrate the paracord.
There is no project where there is no approach with bike tubes or pvc pipe xD
Watching your videos always helps me to think out of the box, thanks
bike tube, pvc pipe... I'm sure up next he will find a way to improve his axes with golf balls. :D
Omg yes 😂 official request @pocket83² please find a way to incorporate golf balls into the design of an axe in a functional way. I DESIGN CHALLENGE THEE!!!
Homunkoloss I was waiting for a halved golf ball to show up
Awesome video... I think covering the rope with something like shoe goo might be better though. It's basically liquid rubber, which seems like it would take multiple impacts better since it's flexible.
love the videos
Thank you ;)
Enjoyed it as always. You really seem to be doing well with the "axe demographic" as you say.
Depending on how you value your own time, it would probably be easier / cheaper for most people to simply purchase a Fiskars splitting axe. But this is a cool idea, and I did enjoy the video.
Matthew Clausing good solution. Fiskars are reasonably priced. Steel sharpens easily.
Cool! My stanley knife got a neon pink paintjob!
I've done wraps like that. I usually secure the ends by drilling a hole perpendicular through the handle and running the end of the rope through the hole. I use a small wooden pin or wedge to lock the rope or cord in place. In the centerline, it doesn't affect the strength of the handle to any noticeable degree. For thinner cord, it's possible to tuck the ends under the wraps instead. Never used epoxy though. Mostly used paint or varnish to soak the rope/cord and adhere it to the handle. For an axe that'll see a lot of log-splitting, I prefer to make a metal guard.I've no idea about how much better it'd be according to some factual scale, but since you don't have to wait for it to set, a metal guard is probably overall faster to make. And less bulky, if that's important to you.
That epoxy ties in with the fibers of the twine and it'll take tons abuse. I've have good results with twine and latex chalk too. Good video. Thumbs up.
Just a little tip to anyone doing this, if you wrap some clear packaging tape around the epoxy while it’s a bit less runny it will keep it smooth so you don’t have to sand it down as much or even at all. Usually the cheaper stuff works better because it’s less sticky and easier to take off when the epoxy dries.
I had to laugh. As if the early settlers had access to two part epoxy. Nice video.
Interesting video.
When I mix up bondo or epoxy, I use cut up pieces of gift cards, they work really good to mix or apply the epoxy.
You must get a lot of gift cards ;)
Although it's an older video, I just wanted to mention that I've done the same thing with truck bed liner instead of epoxy. It soaks into the rope and gives it a nice feel.
I was about to suggest a road bike bicycle tube wrapped up at a .5 the with per turn rate so it overlaps double but you already thought of that...I just get good at axing
I use a simple wrap knot when whipping an axe or mallet handle.
What i normally do for my axes, is i first wrap with thin steel string (1mm), not the braided kind, but the solid ones.. after i've wrapped it all in a thin one, i then do another wrap in one thicker steel string like (2mm-3mm) lasts for ever :)
As far as expoying rope, I have seen similar applications done using a funnel. Feed the rope in the funnel first, then fill the funnel with glue and pull the rope through the other side. EDIT: Is that an actual bionicle
Indeed, I believe so.
That sounds like a great strategy
I love ur videos
I need to know. What is that heat gun amalgamation behind you at 16:44?
I hear you can grind off that mushrooming and use it to make stew.
Brilliant fix! What kind of epoxy do you use? I haven't found a good one that dries hard and not flexible! Thanks
Loctite. 5 minute set, general purpose. It's the cheapest, and it works great.
Thanks for the video, just wondering if you did anything about those mushrooms..bahaha😉
Seriously though looks fantastic, has it held up as well as you hoped for , would you do it again and or change any of procedure?
I find the safety comment conundrum fascinating. As a viewer I have found them useful for tools I don't have experience with, but I can see where having the same stupid comment over and over every time you use a tool in a video, cascading down through the years as the video remains on youtube... well, that would get annoying. And nothing is ever just dangerous, it's always extremely dangerous.
Of course, it could always be an opportunity. Write a mini booklet of safety advice for each tool you use, only $10 for the e-book version! "This video sponsored by the Pocket83 safety booklet! Buy now before supplies of this e-book run out!"
And if you act now, it's free, just pay shipping and handling(which is conveniently more than the cost of the booklet and a small profit)
Oooo man; that epoxy on the hands does a real number on the ole gooble gobbler on a cold, lonely night.
it works well to tuck the ends of the rope under itself, pulling it under and up. once it dries, you just clip off the tip sticking up.
I found jute twine follow by clear guerrilla glue then sanded with a 4 or 600 grit sandpaper makes for a perfect grip. 👍🏼
We used baling wire when we were young. Start with the end over the head of the axe handle. Go down about 4 inches below where the axe head will sit. Wrap up tightly to below where the head will seat and end up with the wire end running up under the axe head. Reattach the axe head, wedge it and the wire will be a strong and long lasting repair.
For many years I have wrapped handles in rope like that and then painted on multiple coats of Marine Spar Poly Varnish it will soak in and set up hard as a rock and is very very tough. It is also much easier.