How To Store An Axe – Ideas, Steps, And Tips

Storing an axe is important for a regular axe user. Such as, a lumberjack uses an axe for daily purposes. So, taking care of an axe is mandatory for him.

In the same way, if an axe gets proper care, it can last a long time. So, the basic thing is, the more you use the axe, the more care it needs. But it can be a big concern for a user, who do not know how to store an axe.

Usually, axes should be kept in a dry place, but the space should not be too dry or warm. Because an excessive temperature can make an axe handle shrink. In the case of transportation, axes should be carried in a box. 

Including this our Thetoolwise expert is going to tell you the details of axe storage.

Storing An Axe: Essential Preparation

The main goal of axe preservation is to keep it free from corrosion. Corrosion is the axe’s worst enemy. When a metal pulls oxygen electrons away from it, it collapses.

Because of this, dirt and moisture attract corrosion, so don’t store your axe when it’s dirty or wet. To protect the axe head, apply some oil or vinegar to remove rust.

To store axes, some pre-preparation and post preparation is needed. 

Pre-Axe Storage Ideas

Pre-storage tips are essential for axe starting, but there are a few things to keep in mind before using them, such as cleaning the head with steel wool and acetone to remove any sap or tannins.

Suppose, the surface isn’t too dirty, extra-fine steel wool and turpentine can be used. But, in the case of a dirty blade that has been exposed to the elements, hand sand it until it is smooth. 

Here are a few pre-storing steps for the axe. 

1. Oiling the Axe

Apply oil on your axe whenever you are done with chopping. To prevent rust from the axe, use a general-purpose oil, such as 3-in-1 oil, metal-parts oil, or quick-drying gun oil or boiled linseed oil. 

2. Make Use of a Rag

Pour enough oil onto a clean, dry rag to dampen it without making a mess. Rub the axe cheek with oil to keep it clean. Stop cleaning an axe head with water because it will absorb rust quickly. 

3. Rub the Rust from The Axe

Use a fresh cloth to wipe away the excess oil. Next, rub a piece of steel wool over the rust spots and strength fully drag them thoroughly until they disappear. Steel wool also works nicely on a metal surface, which helps to prevent rusting in the particular cleaned areas.

4. Spread Oil with Your Finger

Rub the oil into the axe metal with your fingers in a circular motion. While applying, make sure the entire head of the axe is covered, including the top, bottom, and both sides.

Suppose someone wants to clean the metal of the axe. They repeat the process of wiping down the axe head with a clean rag and applying the oil to the metal with their fingers for the second time.

5. Use Boiled Linseed Oil

Boiled linseed oil has a great effect to keep a wooden axe handle up to date, using boiled linseed oil can make an axe handle storing process long-lasting. To apply the oil to the axe handle, first of all, wipe the handle clean and let it dry to remove any dirt.

Next, apply the necessary amount of boiled linseed oil all over the handle with a clean cloth or paintbrush. After applying the oil, the user should wait a few minutes, and then the oil should be wiped out.

Continuous usage of linseed oil creates a nice protective coat on the axe head that extends the life of a wooden axe handle. To get a proper outcome, learn how many coats of linseed oil are needed for a particular axe. 

6. Using A Leather Mask

A leather mask can create a sheath and protection the blade of an axe. Which can give the axe a secure position. A leather mask also saves an axe from moisture. An axe without a mask can be a cause of injuries. 

7. Use of Beeswax

Beeswax should be applied with a clean cloth or leather. Allow the wax to dry completely before polishing the leather. A waterproof leather mask can extend the life of an axe.

The Factors of Place and Location

Not only pre-preparation axe storing techniques also depends on location and environment too.

1. Put Your Axe in A Dry Place

Never keep axes in a wet place. Because moisture is harmful to an axe, it creates rust and corrosion on the axe blade. Do not place your axe in a place where the axe blade becomes stuck and the handle is locked in a messy place.

2. Do Not Store Axe at A Freezing Temperature

A freezing temperature is harmful to an axe handle. It makes the handle vulnerable. An axe should be stored at a temperature of 40–70 °F (4–21 °C).

3. Stay Away from Excessive Heat

Keep your axe away from heat sources such as stoves and fires. So that the handle doesn’t dry out and come loose from the axe head. For example, do not keep your axe in a boiler room or against a fireplace. 

4. Select A Garage in Which to Keep an Axe

Place an axe in a secure area of a garage or shed. But if the temperature drops below freezing, don’t store the axe there. When placing an axe in a garage, maintain safety when choosing a location to avoid accidents. 

5. Hang the Axe to Keep It Safe

Build a mount or a rack to store an axe in a hanging position. As an axe is a heavy thing, so use the hook in a stable wall to store the axe safely. 

6. Use A Trunk or Box While Transporting

A safety precaution may be needed while transporting an axe. Otherwise, the blade or the handle can be damaged. Moreover, to avoid damaging the axe’s handle, don’t stack anything heavy on top of it.

Put your axe in the bed of your pickup truck or use a long toolbox. 

Tips For Maintaining an Axe

Including storing axes, maintaining an axe is also important. If you are concerned about how to maintain an axe, then avoid cutting the knot and keep the axe near a window.

So that moisture will not accumulate on the axe due to the airflow. And lastly, set up the axe rack around a boiler. It will protect the axe blade from rusting.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, to know how to store an axe, a user must focus on every detail of the process of storing the axe. Make sure you’ve used high-quality grease, that you’ve used a good sheath, and that the axe rack is solid.

If you cannot store your axe, then use the rack or toolbox to secure the axe. Then, take proper care of your axe. And to know this deeply, gather knowledge about reprofiling an axe or how to change an axe handle.

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