Axe handle: Fiberglass or wood replacement?

[wobble]

I think this question fits under the broad category of outfitting:

Could I get a few opinions on whether to replace the handle on my log maul with a fiberglass handle (solid core or steel core) or just stick with a hickory stick? Are there any advantages to fiberglass? I would imagine fiberglass would offer some dampening (sp?) and maybe wet weather benefits. The only reason I am asking is that I have seen a lot of fiberglass handles on axes and mauls these days, albeit it on the ones available at big box stores. On the other side of the coin, I haven't seen any snow and nealleys or other similar makers with fiberglass handles

Any input would be appreciated
thanks for looking.

 

[nakman]

I split 2-3 cords by hand each winter- I've been running the yellow fiberglass handle for 2 seasons now, still holding up fine. before I was running hickory handles and would go through about 2 per season. I tend to miss a lot though, depending on relative footing, size of log, gloves or no gloves, amt. of consumed, etc.

They don't grip so well when wet with gloves on, and if you do hit the handle it sends a jolt up your arms that's worse than it would've been with a wood handle. But they have a little "flex" to them and when you find the zone and get your swing down you can pop through stuff like crazy. Similar to a graphite driver shaft compared to aluminum?

 

[wobble]

thanks for the info and recommendation. I split a fair bit less each year (1-1.5 cords mixed hardwoods) and tend to replace my handle ever year or two. The fiberglass replacement kits look easy to use, pretty much mix and pour epoxy. However the grip in wet weather is worth considering, since in the area I am in it tends to rain instead of snow
.

 

[fzj80kidpen]

Best $20 I ever spent.
I have never had a problem with being slick when wet but then again how often do I split wood in the rain.(Never) Certainly not slicker than my leather cloves.
I just went through a Hickory tree in about 3 hours total.
It was about 30 years old with a good many limbs.
Makes redoak just jumps apart.
All I have to do is think about work and the wood just flies apart

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

For whatever reason, I find that fiberglass handle axes have too much 'buzz' to them. We do have a splitting axe with a fiberglass handle, but I don't really love using this axe. For a standard felling axe, I much prefer a nice traditional axe ( I have a Gransfors that I really like - http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=1&p=20129&cat=2,45794&ap=1 )

Cheers, Hugh

 

[NMuzj100]

I like Fiberglass handles for all my outdoor tools and have never had any trouble with them being too slick. I don't split much wood though so I can't tell you how the "feel" will be different. The thing I like best is about fiberglass handles is the abuse they will take.

 

[stevezero]

I was tasked with splitting almost 2 chords of black walnut, oak, and some pine (ugh!!!) while at a campsite cleanup project. I brought my wood handled axe (which broke about 1/3 way thru the day). One of the other volunteers was a professional landscape guy, and he brought out his axe. It had a handle that was made out of the cutting board type material. Very high quality. That thing was the bombdiggity. It absorbed off hits well, didnt pass as much vibration as I was expecting. I need to buy a new axe, so I'm going to try to find one of those plastic/cutting board handled ones.

You can always wrap the handle with tennis raquet grip tape if it gets too slippery. Or put a lil bit of stickum or tacky spray on your gloves.

 

[e9999]

if you use a wooden one, it helps to wrap a bunch of duct tape around the shaft next to the head to minimize damage from poor aim etc...

 

[rusty_tlc]

Last time I checked at the Home Depot the synthetic replacment handles for axes were about the same price as a new axe.
So I just stuck with the (much) cheaper wood replacment handle. Is there a less expensive source for these handles?