Wood handles loosening

[Packard V8]

Here in the intermountain northwest, we have periods of 99% humidity in the spring and fall, then dropping to 20-30% in summer and winter.

This fluctuation results in wood handles loosening due to the repeated swelling and shrinking. Wooden handle axes not used regularly, if hung from the handle, will actually have the heads fall off.

Yes, soaking temporarily tightens the handle in the head, but when allowed to dry out, the swollen wood then shrinks more, making the problem worse.

In forty years, I've tried to bed them in epoxy, added wedges, but never found a lasting solution. Any suggestions which work for you?

jack vines

 

[Milton Shaw]

When they are good and dry soak them in hot antifreeze..or the safe version used for woodworking on keeping green wood from drying out after turning. That should soak in and never leave the wood again.

 

[Larryjones]

Soaking in boiled linseed oil is another fix. Soaking in water makes the problem worse because the swollen fibers are prone to breaking when they dry out.