Safety Instructions for Axes & More
Inspect the Tool Before Every Use
Carefully inspect your axe, splitting maul and other tools before every use. The tool head and handle must not show any cracks or other damage. The handle must be firmly and securely connected to the head. If the head is loose or the tool is damaged, carry out maintenance or repairs before using it.
For safe replacement, it is best to use original replacement handles and wedges. These components are matched to one another and ensure a secure, firmly seated connection between the head and handle.
Work as Intended and Use the Right Protection
Use every tool only for its intended purpose. An axe, for example, is not a hammer and must not be misused to drive in other objects. Never use an axe, splitting maul or hatchet as a lateral lever. This can damage the tool and workpiece and may cause you to lose control of the tool.
Suitable protective clothing is important. Safety goggles, protective gloves and safety footwear help protect your eyes, hands and feet against injury. Also make sure that you have a secure stance and maintain sufficient distance from other people.
Important: Never strike steel against steel. When two steel surfaces collide, material can chip off and cause serious injuries.
Drive in Wedges Safely and Remove Burrs
The same rule applies when working with wedges: never strike steel against steel. Steel wedges must therefore only be driven in using a hardwood or plastic hammer.
Use only suitable tools for driving in aluminium and plastic wedges—for example, a splitting maul. Its specially designed construction makes it suitable for this application over an extended service life.
Also inspect the striking plate of aluminium wedges regularly. A sharp-edged burr can form there during prolonged use. Remove the burr by carefully grinding it away before using the wedge again.
Safety Instructions at a Glance
- Never strike steel against steel—not when using axes and hammers, and not when working with wedges. Otherwise, dangerous material fragments may be produced.
- Use tools only for their intended purpose. An axe must not be used as a hammer.
- Inspect the tool head and handle for cracks and other damage before every use.
- Use only tools whose head is firmly and securely connected to the handle.
- Do not continue using damaged tools. Replace the handle or the entire tool.
- Use only original replacement handles and wedges for repairs.
- Wear safety goggles, protective gloves and safety footwear.
- Never use an axe, splitting maul or hatchet as a lateral lever.
- Use only suitable tools, such as a splitting maul, to drive in aluminium and plastic wedges.
- Drive in steel wedges only with a hardwood or plastic hammer.
- Regularly check the striking plates of aluminium wedges for sharp-edged burrs and remove them, for example by grinding.
- Make sure that you have a secure stance and maintain sufficient distance from other people.
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Answers to the most frequently asked questions
Replacement is necessary if the handle has cracks or other damage, or if the axe head is no longer firmly connected to the handle. Use only original replacement handles and suitable original wedges for replacement.
Inspect the axe before every use for cracks, damage and a secure connection between the head and handle. Use it only for its intended purpose, wear suitable protective clothing and make sure that you have a secure stance. Lateral levering and striking steel against steel must be avoided at all times.
When steel is struck against steel, particles of material can chip off. These fragments may fly away at high speed and cause serious injuries. This also applies when working with steel wedges.
Steel wedges must only be driven in using a hardwood or plastic hammer. A steel hammer or another tool made of steel is not suitable for this purpose.
Use only a suitable tool, such as a splitting maul. Its specially designed construction makes it suitable for driving in aluminium and plastic wedges over an extended service life.
At a minimum, safety goggles, protective gloves and safety footwear are recommended. Protect your eyes, hands and feet against possible injuries when working with axes, splitting mauls and wedges.
