This axe and hatchet information will help you choose the best type for your job at hand.
Axes & Hatchets Safety Tips
Single-bit axes should never be struck by another striking tool.
Axe heads for single bit axes should never be used to strike splitting wedges, steel posts, stone or any hard object.
Safety glasses should be worn when using these tools. In addition to possible chipping of the tool, flying wood chips could strike the eye of the user or someone nearby.
Never use an axe or a hatchet with a handle that is loose or damaged.
Discard any axe or hatchet if the head is cracked or chipped.
If the handle is damaged, it most likely can be replaced.
When redressing the cutting edge, always restore to its original shape.
Single-Bit Axe
Most popular style of axe, the single-bit axe is used to fell, trim or prune trees, to split or cut wood.
The easiest and safest axe for inexperienced woodcutters to use because it only has one cutting edge.
The other end of the head, the poll, forms a hammer for driving wooden or plastic stakes. It should never be used to strike splitting wedges, steel posts, stone or any hard object.
Handles for single-bit axes are curved to help increase leverage. Axe handles are made of hickory and range from 20″ to 36″ long. The most common is 36″.
Common head patterns include Michigan, Dayton, Kentucky, Connecticut and New Jersey.
Double-Bit Axe
Performs the same function as single-bit axe, but has two cutting edges—one on each end of the head.
Generally used by professional lumbermen.
Double-bit axes have straight handles because the handle must be symmetrical with the double-edge head.
Common head patterns include Western, Michigan, Swamping and Reversible.
Shingling Hatchet
Generally used for installing wood shakes and shingles made of wood, fiberglass and composition.
Some models have a replaceable adjustable gauge that helps installer determine the exposed length of a shingle.
Many models also include nail slots and draw knives built into the head.
Handles can be made of hickory, fiberglass, tubular steel or solid steel.
Splitting Maul
Similar to a sledgehammer, but one end of the head is wedge-shaped.
Used to make a starting notch in wood.
A wedge is then inserted and struck with the hammer end of the maul head to finish splitting the wood
Splitting Wedge
Tool used to finish splitting wood when struck with splitting maul after a starting notch is made.
Made of steel, aluminum and plastic.
Steel wedges are forged from a solid piece of high-carbon steel and may be heat-treated.
Aluminum and plastic wedges are designed primarily for use with chain saws and crosscut saws to hold the kerf apart to prevent binding.
Wedges should be struck with a sledge or woodchopper’s maul having a larger striking face than the head of the wedge.
Never strike the steel wedge with the cutting edge of the maul
Carpenter’s Hatchet
Also called a half hatchet.
For general use of felling and trimming trees or notching wood.
Other popular hatchet models include Hunter’s Hatchets, Broad Hatchets, and Camping Hatchets.
