An axe is a heavy-duty tool that requires care like other essential tools you have. If you want to use your axe for a lifetime, ensure you take care of it as much as it needs. Many of you might struggle to find the proper guidance about axe maintenance issues and solutions. This content about how to store an axe will provide you with the best ways to deal with your questions and ensure your axe’s most extended possible durability.
Things You Need to Store an Axe
- Pre-storage care
- Gun oil, 3-in-1 oil, machine oil
- Beeswax (if needed)
- Leather axe sheath
- Boiled linseed oil
- A clean piece of rag or cloth
Step-by-step Guide to Store an Axe
Step 1: Oiling the Axe Head before Storing
It is possible that you don’t use your axe for an extended period. Meanwhile, your axe might be affected by rust and become unworthy of use. So, before you keep it away for the wood chopping season, always oil the axe, as it might not be used for a long time. You can use gun oil, 3-in-1 oil, or machine oil.
Step 2: Whipping off Dirt & Moisture
Don’t use water to clean off your axe; that can make your axe even rustier. You can use a piece of dry and clean rag and pour adequate oil onto it carefully. Then, rub the oil over the axe blade to clean it off correctly.
Step 3: Scrub off Any Rust Spots
You can use a clean and dry rag, cloth, or steel wool to remove the excess oil from the blade. Rub it back and forth on the spot until they vanish entirely. Using steel wool gives an excellent finishing. It also protects the cleaned areas from getting affected by rust further.
Step 4: Rub the Oil into the Axe Head
Rub the oil into the axe head using your fingers back and forth in a circular motion. Coat the whole axe head. Once you are done oiling the metal, wipe off the excess oil from the metal with a clean and dry rag. Use the same process more than once if you want more cleaned metal.
Step 5: Applying Boiled Linseed Oil to the Wooden Handle
Again, it would be best if you took a piece of rag or cloth to clean off the dirt and dust from the axe handle. After cleaning, apply boiled linseed oil to the axe handle entirely with a brush or clean cloth for a few minutes. Then, wipe away the excess oil. You can make a more excellent protective coat if you apply this process repeatedly. This is how your axe can be a lost-lasting heavy-purpose tool for many years.
Step 6: Covering the Axe Head with a Leather Mask
To cover your axe head, you can slide a leather mask onto it and snap the mask’s strap into the right place to secure it. A leather mask is a kind of sheath that works as a protection of the blade from Moisture. Ensure protecting your axe blade; otherwise, it may injure others. So, before storing your axe, the axe blade must be in protected condition.
Step 7: Using Beeswax to Moisturize the Leather Mask
In this stage, you should put some beeswax on a dry and clean rag or cloth and rub it into the leather to moisturize it. After applying the beeswax, you have to wait some moments for the wax to dry completely. This process helps the leather to be more conditioned and long-lasting.
Related: How Long Does A Half Cord Of Wood Last: Full-On Analysis
Tips to Remember
Tip 1: Store at Ideal Temperature
It is better to store the axe between 40-70 degrees F. Don’t freeze it, which can create breakage of the axe handle. Ensure storing your axe out of the extra freezing atmosphere that can make the wooden handle pale and fragile.
Tip 2: Keep the Axe away from Moisture
Always remember to keep the axe from Moisture so that rust can’t affect the axe head or handle. It would be best if you cared more about the axe during the rainy season or humidity. Moisture atmosphere can damage the axe handle and create rust on the metal parts of your axe. So, find a suitable sheltered and dry location for the axe to store.
Tip 3: Don’t Leave the Axe Outside Longer
If you leave your axe outside your house for many days, you might forget to take care of it. As a result, the axe will start losing its purpose. So, it would be best to leave it at a work site.
Tip 4: Keep the Axe in a Safe Place
Keep the axe safe so that nobody can be injured by it. Storing it away from the children’s playground is a must thing to remember. A garage or a shed that is perfectly sealed can be an ideal place to store your axe.
Tip 5: Store the Axe Far from Heat Sources
Fireplaces or furnaces can create damage to the axe or shorten the axe’s longevity. So, avoid keeping your axe far from any heat sources.
Tip 6: Hang the Axe on a Wooden Wall When You Don’t Use It
A well-built wooden rack on the wall can be an excellent option to display the axe when it is not used. When it is displayed, you can’t avoid taking care of it.
Read: Why is Wood Glue So Strong: An Experimental Guide
FAQs
How can I prevent my axe from rusting?
You can prevent your axe from rusting by never putting it away wet. After each use, you can oil it very lightly. Oil your axe at least once or twice a year. In too much-wet condition, the axe needs frequent oiling.
What can I do to prevent damage to my axe?
Since an axe doesn’t work like a hammer, don’t drive it with nails or stakes. Never chop anything with your axe when it is cold. However, it would help if you warmed the axe head before using it in too cold weather.
What to do to care for my axe?
You must clean and store it properly to prevent any problems. Use steel wool and acetone for cleaning the axe head and handle. Using some fine steel wool and turpentine can be a good choice for a comparatively less dirty axe.
How long can I use an axe for my work?
The longevity of an axe primarily depends on the type of work and your care for it. A good quality axe lasts a lifetime, but you must use and maintain it correctly.
How should I clean my axe?
You can use a cloth or paper towel to clean the extra water from the axe blade. Use a wire brush to remove stubborn wood sap on the axe head. A knife works well to scrape off the larger wood sap easily.
Also read: How To Use A Belt Sander To Sharpen Knives: 7 Easy Steps
Final Thoughts
In addition to ensuring proper maintenance of your axe, you can’t also avoid storing it to give it a longer life. It would help if you remembered the basic maintenance strategies; keeping the axe away from humidity or extreme temperature will help your axe sustain a fantastic condition for so many years. Hopefully, this content on how to store an axe fulfilled your questions regarding storing it in different places and conditions.
