The Laughing Wolf

Getting A Handle On Things

I was seriously beginning to doubt myself. After all, it was only an axe handle.

A couple of weeks ago, I realized that an axe used by some friends was in sore need of a new handle. While changing handles can be a pain, it is something I have done a number of times before without a whole lot of difficulty. So, a quick trip to the hardware emporium and a couple of new handles were procured (another axe handle will need replacement soon).

This time was different. The handle being removed fell apart at the start, but the section inside the axe itself stayed intact, and would not budge. I ended up bringing tools from home to work on it, to the point of using a drill, a Dremel, and more in my quest to get the bleeping section out. I was also trying to save the very nice metal wedge, but even that began to pale in the struggle. Even wielding a sledge hammer in one hand, and holding chisels, punches, and more in the other, and hitting with considerable force did nothing. It was like it was bonded to the axe.

I spent a chunk of yesterday morning and the afternoon drilling out as much of the wood as I could. Even though the drills, routers, and such were not happy with the wood. An easy time of removal it was not. Finally, with some excellent assistance from a friend, the wedge came out -- the wood stayed. Finally, amidst much indecorous language, strong invective even, on my part, the wood was finally -- finally! -- punched out.

Let me just say that epoxy or any other resin may be a way to make sure that axe does not wiggle on the handle, but it is a lousy thing to do to the person who has to replace said handle later. Especially when enough time has passed that the obvious signs of same are faded or covered with stuff. Mutter, Grumble.

LW