Rehandling an Axe and Splitting Maul
A New Handle for Your Forestry Tools – Easy and Safe to Install
Axes, hatchets and splitting mauls are exposed to heavy loads during tree felling and forestry work. Even robust types of wood such as hickory and ash remain natural materials: weather conditions, temperature fluctuations and missed strikes can affect the material over time. This is why you should inspect, maintain and store your tools correctly, especially after the season.
Cracks in the handle are a clear sign that action is needed. Do not wait until the handle breaks during work. With a suitable OCHSENKOPF replacement handle, you can rehandle your tool professionally instead of throwing it away.
Hickory or Ash: Which Handle Is Better?
OCHSENKOPF uses hickory and ash, among other materials, for its replacement handles. Both types of wood are robust and suitable for use with axes, hatchets and splitting mauls. However, hickory offers particular advantages when the tool is exposed to high impact and shock loads.
Hickory is particularly dense, tough and durable. The wood absorbs heavy blows well and effectively dampens vibrations. This makes a hickory handle particularly suitable for demanding forestry and splitting work. Its high load-bearing capacity and resistance to wear also help ensure that the handle remains reliable for a long time, even under intensive use.
Ash is also elastic, durable and resilient. Compared with hickory, it is generally somewhat lighter and therefore offers comfortable handling. If you value lower weight, an ash handle may be the right choice. However, hickory offers particular advantages when maximum resistance to heavy blows and high loads is required.
Regardless of the type of wood, one rule always applies: check the handle for cracks and damage before every use and store your tool in a dry, protected place.
Identifying a Damaged Handle and Preparing the Tool
Carefully inspect your axe, hatchet or splitting maul after the season and before the next use. If the handle shows cracks or is broken, you must not continue using the tool. A damaged handle can fail during work and compromise safety.
OCHSENKOPF replacement handles are pre-machined for the corresponding eye and supplied ready for use. The appropriate securing components—the ring wedge and wooden wedge—are included. This provides a secure and firmly seated connection between the handle and tool head.
To remove a damaged ROTBAND-PLUS handle, you will need:
- twist drill
- hammer
- Torx screwdriver
- saw
- pin punch
- non-slip support
- suitable replacement handle
Removing the ROTBAND-PLUS Handle
Place the tool securely on a non-slip support. First remove the retaining plate by unscrewing the wood screw with a Torx screwdriver. The retaining pin initially remains in the wood; only the retaining plate needs to be removed to replace the handle.
Then check where the handle has broken:
- Break outside the eye: saw through the handle directly below the axe head.
- Break inside the eye: drive the wood remaining in the eye upwards or carefully tap it out.
If the wood cannot be driven out, the pressure inside the eye is probably too high. In this case, drill several holes into the remaining wood. This reduces the pressure and makes it easier to drive the wood out. Then remove all wood and adhesive residues from the eye. Only a clean eye allows the tool to be rehandled smoothly.
Installing a New ROTBAND-PLUS Handle Step by Step
1. Connecting the Handle and Axe Head
The handle protection sleeve is already preassembled on the replacement handle. Insert the handle into the axe head. Make sure that the markings on the handle and head are on the same side.
2. Driving in the Handle
Place the axe with the head facing down on a non-slip support. Drive the handle into the axe head using a suitable tool, such as a hammer. The handle protection sleeve must rest fully and evenly against the axe head.
3. Driving in the Wooden Wedge
Insert the tip of the wooden wedge into the prefabricated slot in the handle. Drive it in with a hammer until it no longer projects beyond the eye of the axe head. If necessary, saw off any excess material. You can grease the tip of the wooden wedge to improve its sliding properties.
4. Marking the Position of the Retaining Plate
Place the retaining plate on the eye of the axe head so that it completely covers the eye. Transfer the position of the holes to the handle using a pencil or similar tool. Then temporarily set the retaining plate aside.
5. Driving in the Ring Wedges
Drive the ring wedges into the handle next to the marked positions. Leave sufficient space for the retaining pin and screw. Since the ring wedge displaces a considerable amount of material, driving it in may require some force. A locksmith’s hammer is best suited for this task.
Make sure they are installed in the correct orientation:
- Drive the 18 mm ring wedge into the wide side of the eye.
- Drive the 16 mm ring wedge into the narrow side of the eye.
6. Securing the Retaining Plate
Once the ring wedges no longer project beyond the eye, drill the marked position with a 4–4.5 mm drill bit to a depth of approximately 60–80 mm. Then secure the retaining plate with the supplied wood screw. The countersunk hole must face outwards.
Align the retaining plate so that it rests fully on the axe head and completely covers the eye.
7. Checking the Connection
Finally, drive the supplied retaining pin through the retaining plate. It prevents the plate from turning sideways. Then carry out a thorough visual inspection. All components must be correctly installed and firmly connected to one another.
Does Your Forestry Tool Need a New Handle?
With a suitable OCHSENKOPF replacement handle, you can safely put your axe, hatchet or splitting maul back into service. Discover replacement handles and accessories for professional installation.
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
Replace the handle as soon as you notice cracks or other damage. A broken handle must also be replaced before the next use. Do not wait until the handle fails during work.
No. If the tool head is still intact, you can rehandle the forestry tool. With a suitable replacement handle and the specified securing components, you can restore the secure connection between the head and the handle.
You need a twist drill, hammer, Torx screwdriver, saw, pin punch, non-slip support and the suitable replacement handle.
Make sure that the markings on the handle and axe head are on the same side. The handle protection sleeve must rest fully against the axe head. Also use only the suitable replacement handle and the specified securing components.
Insert the wooden wedge into the prefabricated slot in the handle and drive it in until it no longer projects beyond the eye. Drive the ring wedges into the handle next to the marked positions. The 18 mm ring wedge belongs in the wide side of the eye, while the 16 mm ring wedge belongs in the narrow side.
Drill the marked position with a 4–4.5 mm drill bit to a depth of approximately 60–80 mm. Then secure the retaining plate with the supplied wood screw. The countersunk hole must face outwards. The plate must rest fully on the axe head and completely cover the eye.
Drive the retaining pin through the retaining plate and then check all components. The handle, axe head, wedges, retaining plate and retaining pin must be correctly installed and firmly connected to one another. Only use the tool after completing a successful visual inspection.
