How to fasten a pickaxe head?

[Mohawk Dave]

THE HEFT IS SLIGHTLY TO SMALL TO LET GRAVITY AND MOMENTUM SECURE IT!

That being said, do I cut a slot and hardwood wedge with metal wedge it from the end, or

do I make wedges that slide in from the bottom so the head can't slide back down, or

do I maybe drill a hole all the way through the head and heft and put a solid rivet through it?

What do you think?

 

[Outlawmws]

If it isn't locking in when dropped on, and then tapped (Slammed?), head down on concrete or a large rock, then it's not fitting properly, or there is too thick a layer of rust on the inside of the socket hole.

There should be a good amount of the handle still above the pick head.

 

[Trash Mech]

Soak it in antifreeze overnight. Should be good for a while.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

If it isn't locking in when dropped on, and then tapped (Slammed?), head down on concrete or a large rock, then it's not fitting properly, or there is too thick a layer of rust on the inside of the socket hole.

There should be a good amount of the handle still above the pick head.

Hi Outlaw,

I disassembled it and sanded down the heft, filled small cracks, sanded, and linseed oiled the heft. Head was cleaned, muriatic acid dipped, then primed and painted.

There is no heft sticking above the head, due to time, age, wear and tear, but the fit is still close, close enough that I feel ok using it, just not as tight as new.

I'll get a pic...

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Soak it in antifreeze overnight. Should be good for a while.

No offense good sir, but soaking handles in water is a not advised. It is more of a band aid than proper. And water and wood don't mix, it will create rot over time. The heft is sealed with boiled linseed at this point.

 

[Outlawmws]

If the handle is recessed, it's basically worn out, but try setting something say the size of a large socket on the ground and try hitting the pick handle on that so it gets driven in deeper. Just realize that you are past it's practical life...

 

[Mohawk Dave]

If the handle is recessed, it's basically worn out, but try setting something say the size of a large socket on the ground and try hitting the pick handle on that so it gets driven in deeper. Just realize that you are past it's practical life...

I know. But I got it a yard sale for a buck, and when I refurbed all the hand tools I did this one as well.

I ended up slotting, hardwood wedge, 2 metal wedges. The heft is about 1/4" below head, but I still have almost 2.5" inside, so it won't fail anytime soon. I have several other pickaxes, so this can just be a back up.

I'll go ahead and fill the top with some epoxy and call it a day.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I know. But I got it a yard sale for a buck, and when I refurbed all the hand tools I did this one as well.

I ended up slotting, hardwood wedge, 2 metal wedges. The heft is about 1/4" below head, but I still have almost 2.5" inside, so it won't fail anytime soon. I have several other pickaxes, so this can just be a back up.

I'll go ahead and fill the top with some epoxy and call it a day.

That last bit is actually very important ! Do NOT use an epoxy paste ! Regular epoxy will fill in any small crevices that are open and prevent the head from wiggling on the handle. Works great on an ax also !

 

[Mohawk Dave]

That last bit is actually very important ! Do NOT use an epoxy paste ! Regular epoxy will fill in any small crevices that are open and prevent the head from wiggling on the handle. Works great on an ax also !

Thanks. Can you explain why epoxy paste is a no go? I just want to learn.

Also, what type of epoxy do you use for these type of things?

 

[retrobuilder]

Go to a old school source for info..call em-

http://www.tennesseehickoryproducts.com/products.shtml

I get my axe resto handles from there.