Remember when you were a kid, you were taught to always put the trademark up on a bat so you wouldn't break it? The trademark is oriented so the growth rings in the bat are horizontal and in line with your swing. Turn it 90 degrees and you really can break your bat. The same rule on growth rings applies to wooden tool handles, too. Internet sellers of tool handles are not paying attention to that. I was about to order a couple axe handles, and saw this photo on the page I was on.
So, we went to town to one of the big hardware/lumber yard stores and I looked at handles there. Here is what we found.
At least you get to inspect and choose when you are in a store. Also check the grain along the length of the handle. If it runs out either side it is also prone to breaking. We bought the one on the right.
In addition to wanting a straight grain oriented in the correct direction, a fine grain (12 grains per inch) is very desirable compared to a coarse grain. Ash or hickory (and all hardwoods) that grow quickly are not as strong.
ReplyDeleteGood advice here, I didn't know that suppliers were getting sloppy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the refresher. I remember learning that in my youth but had forgotten it. Another trick is to coat he handle in a light weight motor oil and set it down with the head on the ground and the handle sticking up during the hottest time in the summer. Wipe it down to remove excess after two days and again on the forth day. Then give it a light coating of boiled linseed oil.
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