Axes, Hatchets, Picks and Mauls

Head weight and handle length per job

Pick the tool by the work. A felling axe has a thin edge for cutting across the grain; a splitting maul has a heavy, wedge-shaped head that forces wood apart along the grain; a hatchet is a one-hand tool for kindling and camp chores. A pick mattock combines a pick and an adze for breaking hard ground and cutting roots. Heavier heads do more work per swing but tire you faster, and a longer handle adds speed and reach, so choose a weight you can control for a full session.

Eye sizes, replacement handles and safety gear

Handles wear out before heads do, and a replacement must suit the head's eye, the hole it passes through. Listings give the handle length and the eye size or number, such as a 36 inch fiberglass pick mattock handle sold for a #6 eye, so match both. Fiberglass handles shrug off weather and resist breakage; hickory absorbs shock and is easier to shape. Axe, maul and sledge heads are usually wedged, while pick and mattock heads seat on a tapered handle end; a loose head is dangerous. Wear eye protection and gloves, and keep bystanders well clear of the swing.

Questions about Axes, Hatchets, Picks and Mauls

What is the difference between a splitting maul and an axe?

An axe has a thin, sharp edge made for cutting wood fibers across the grain. A maul has a heavier, blunter wedge-shaped head that splits logs along the grain by force. A maul is poor at felling and an axe is poorer at splitting large rounds.

Can I fit a new handle to an old axe or pick head?

Usually yes, if the replacement matches the head's eye shape and size and is long enough for the job. Seat it fully and fit a wedge or the retaining hardware the head calls for. If the head is cracked or the eye is damaged, replace the whole tool.

What length handle should I choose?

Longer handles, often around 30 to 36 inches, build speed for chopping and splitting but need more room and control. Short handles suit hatchets and tight spaces. Choose the longest handle you can swing accurately and safely.