How to Attach an Axe Head

Take the handle to the store when searching for a new axe head. Not all axe heads will fit all handles. Test the handle with several heads to find one that will fit snugly. The head should fit over the handle over one inch of the wood and fit snugly enough so that it does not wiggle. If it is difficult to slide the axe head over the handle, then that is a good fit.

Sand and whittle the handle down to the correct size to fit into the axe head. The wood should slide all the way to the top of the axe head, but fit very snugly. Only sand or cut the wood where necessary to get it to just fit inside the head.

Apply about 1 tsp. wood glue around the inside of the hole in the axe head.

Fit the handle inside the hole in the axe head. Turn the axe upside down, so that it rests on the ground. Hammer the bottom of the handle with a rubber mallet until the handle sits firmly inside the axe head.

Place the axe head inside a vice grip secured to a table or other work surface. Place the handle wedge in the split between the center of the handle. Hammer the wedge in place using the rubber mallet to secure the axe head. Cut off any part of the wedge that extends from the axe head with a jigsaw. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using the axe.