Which ax is better: hammer, sledgehammer, cleavers, carpentry, rating, tool handle, what to look for when choosing, price, photo

The first tool that was made by man 5 thousand years ago and is still used in everyday life or in nature is an ax. With the development of technology, this tool also changed, became more ergonomic, smaller, lighter and sharper. You should know what parameters you need to pay attention to before buying it.

What to look for when choosing an ax

In order not to make a mistake in the functionality of the ax, you need to follow the recommendations:

1. What is the head made of. Today, the working parts of the cutting tool are made of steel. Manufacturers choose tool, alloy or carbon head. The canvas is attached to the handle with a butt. It is necessary to pay attention to the shape of the working part itself, since the purpose of the tool depends on it. A product with a wide blade can be used for cutting large trees. Narrower blades on axes for hikers, gardeners, and carpenters. It does not require much effort, as when working with wide logs. There are axes with a very narrow blade for firewood. They are convenient to prick, plan out wedges or chips.
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2. Sharpness of steel — is also a significant parameter. A sharpened blade that is too sharp becomes more brittle and can crack if it makes improper contact with the wood. It is important to choose the correct angle of sharpening the ax. Finnish technology is considered suitable for any work, i.e. the toe is sharpened at an acute angle, and becomes blunt at the top.
3. What is the material of the grip. The handle is traditionally made from wood. Ashes, oaks and birches are considered strong. On a wooden ax handle, the veins should run along part of the tool. The handle is selected whole, without damage and traces of pests. If you often work with an ax with a wooden grip on the street and store it in a damp room, it may darken or dry out over time. To avoid this, you need to purchase painted models or varnished.
4. Tool weight. The convenience of work depends on this parameter. For small carpentry manipulations, a light ax will do. But for cutting a “true giant” in the forest, you will have to work hard with a heavy canvas and take a bigger butt.
5. Equipment. Firms that make hand tools often add bonuses to the product that customers appreciate. For safe storage and carrying, a plastic protective cap is attached to the blade. For careful storage, new axes are placed in cases. Some of them can be attached to the belt with a special cord so as not to interfere on the road.
6. Production. Before buying a tool, it is also important to choose a reliable manufacturer. Of course, it's cheaper to go to a hardware store and not get hung up on the brand. However, well-known companies manufacture their products on reliable equipment and use certified materials, which greatly increases their quality and performance.

There are all-metal varieties of axes on sale. They are a single frame of the handle and blade, which makes them especially strong, but heavier than wooden ones. To make the iron model comfortable to hold, a rubber pad is put on it.

In the store you can find axes with a fiberglass grip. This is a new material that is distinguished by high working qualities: reliability, durability, ergonomics.

The best travel axes 

For lovers of holidays in the mountains or on the lake, an ax is a must-have thing that you need to take with you. It may be needed when making a fire, strengthening a tent or repairing other camping equipment. To understand which ax is better, you need to compare models of different brands included in the top.

Tramp TRA-179

The tool is suitable for tourists traveling both on foot and by car. The tourist ax takes up little space, which is convenient even for hiking. At the same time, they are comfortable and fast to work. It costs 2250 rubles.

Pros:

• small length (35 cm);
• there is a plastic case;
• handle material - reliable fiberglass;
• polymer-coated steel head.

Flaws:

• The rubber pad on the handle has an unpleasant odor.

Gerber 14″ hatchet (formerly sport ax II)

Firm Gerber&mdash has been on the tourist equipment market for a long time. The novelty from the Finns is made of high quality steel and is productive when cutting wood. It costs 2700 rubles.

Pros:

• does not grind for a long time;
• ergonomic handle design slightly widened at the end for a more complete grip on the tool;
• the chain for attaching the ax passes through the handle;
• light body material;
• company guarantee.

Flaws:

• too light.

DDE Dynamic AXE9

Universal tool for hunters, tourists and fishermen. They can not only chop wood for a fire, but also split logs. It costs within 1500 rubles.

Pros:

• fiberglass handle does not crack due to temperature fluctuations;
• non-slip handle;
• forged steel blade;
• the case has a strong clasp;
• long period of service.

Flaws:

• longish;
• heavy, weighing almost a kilogram.

The best hammer axes 

A subspecies of an ax-hammer is used in construction and in the preparation of firewood. In addition to the ability to chop, they can hammer a nail or demolish a small partition. If there is no space to store many tools, this combination in one tool will solve the problem of small space. The best hammer axes are produced by the following manufacturers.

Fiskars Hammer Ax 

It is useful for use in a country house when performing various tasks on the site or indoors. It is highly durable and can last for many years. A hammer from a Finnish manufacturer should be used when installing a fence or building a barn. It costs about 6000 rubles.

Pros:

• you can perform several tasks with one tool;
• impact resistant;
• the steel is treated with a unique friction reducing compound.

Flaws:

• expensive;
• no case included.

Tactical Ax Hammer

The ax of small size and light weight has a double-use butt. The handle is reinforced with fiberglass and impregnated with an anti-slip solution. Steel 3Cr13Mov is famous for its strength and reliability among builders. Worth: 1800-2500 rubles.

Pros:

• compact size;
• there is a case with the function of fastening on the belt;
• easy.

Flaws:

• there are not always discounts for the model.

We bring to your attention the article: 20 best hacksaws for wood and metal.

Ax-cleaver-hammer "Swissman" Leonhard Mueller 3000 grams

The tool from the Austrian company is a "three in one". The butt is made in the form of a sledgehammer. And the shape of the blade allows you to accurately chop wood. The durable wood handle will last for decades. The ax weighs about 4 kg. You will have to pay 6400 rubles for quality.

Pros:

• hardened steel working part, durable;
• The handle has an insert made of beech, which makes it stronger.

Flaws:

• weighs a lot;
• no case included;
• not everyone can afford.

The best sledgehammer axes 

Sledgehammer axes are the leaders among products for cutting, splitting and breaking. Such models are additionally reinforced by the manufacturer so that they can be used when working with wide and long logs, as well as brick walls, stone and concrete buildings, ceilings.

The blunt side of the sledgehammer is a steel surface that is the same along the entire length. With such an ax, you can break the necessary obstacle without difficulty. You just need to have the skills to work with heavy objects and be in good physical shape. As a rule, the handle and butt are fastened together with wedges made of steel and wood, which ensures the safe use of equipment.

Hammer ax HUSQVARNA 

This is a powerful tool for dismantling or driving large nails when assembling large parts of the room. The Swedish company has long been building heavy equipment for gardening and construction operations. It costs 13100 rubles.

Pros:

• small weight for such a tool;
• there is a manufacturer's certificate;
• made of durable material.

Flaws:

• high price;
• there are no discounts.

Ax-sledgehammer FISKARS

The model has a handle of optimal length 920 mm, made of fiberglass and supplemented with an anti-slip coating. The manufacturer uses the highest quality hardened steel, which guarantees results from the very first swing of the tool. It costs 9400 rubles.

Pros:

• comfortable handle with a rubber nozzle;
• reliable fastening of the butt to the handle.

Flaws:

• weight over 5 kg;
• high price;
• It is not always possible to achieve the goal the first time.

Sledgehammer GARDENA 1600S

A small ax can be used when harvesting medium-sized wood, splitting logs. This small tool is designed for chopping wood. The head is treated with a special composition that helps to work effectively on the site. The ax handle is reinforced with fiberglass, which makes the handle seem light but reliable.

The handle is encased in a stainless steel case for protection in case of a miss. The model incorporates a combination of an optimal steel formula and a light grip, which allows you to adjust the impact power. The sledgehammer function will help when clogging bulky rebar. It costs 8300 rubles.

Pros:

• light weight;
• comfortable to hold.

Flaws:

• for some, the handle is too light.

The best splitters 

A cleaver is an ax specially designed for splitting wood. Usually the head of such an instrument is attached to a long handle. Cleavers have proven themselves well in rural areas where there is no central gas supply, and you have to heat with firewood. These are irreplaceable axes for a summer residence, a garden or a country house. There are several well-known companies that make this type of instrument.

Cleaver GARDENA 1600S

A small cleaver will become a reliable assistant in chopping firewood. The steel point is hardened and coated with a compound that facilitates sliding into the depths of the tree. The geometric shape of the blade is best suited for working with medium-sized logs.

The handle of the tool is reinforced with fiber glass. This approach to the manufacture of tools made it possible to make the handle light, but firmly in the hand. Also, the handle is protected by a stainless steel contour, which is a protective coating in case of a miss. It costs 7900 rubles.

Pros:

• optimal handle length;
• light weight;
• anti-friction coating of the blade.

Flaws:

• comes in an uncomfortable case;
• too expensive;
• someone may find it easy for this type of instrument.

Cleaver PATRIOT PA 711

The PATRIOT splitter perfectly copes with its purpose - to split firewood. The hardened steel blade is treated with antifreeze, which makes it easier to work. It is used for processing small wood. Despite the fact that the tool is made in China, it is not much different from its European counterparts. Chopping wood is easy and comfortable. It costs 3500 rubles.

Pros:

• forged ax;
• the working part is made of carbon steel;
• lightweight fiberglass handle;
• good combination of price and quality.

Flaws:

• wears off quickly;
• cover does not fit well.

Stayer 20623-20

This cleaver is made in Germany. Kraftool has been producing hand tools for 20 years. According to customer reviews from different countries, it produces strong and durable inventory. The Stayer 20623-20 has a fiberglass grip that is held together by two fasteners to withstand heavy impacts without cracking.

At the end of the handle there is a protrusion that prevents the ax and hands from falling out. Steel is used tool, specially designed for such a tool. The head is strong, calmly takes the load. The combination of a long handle and a heavy working part makes it easy to handle wide logs. It costs 6740 rubles.

Pros:

• sharply sharpened;
• ergonomic handle;
• good weight;
• There is a storage case.

Flaws:

• may seem too long.

The best carpenter's axes

For a worker who works with wood, builds wooden buildings or creates furniture, a professional ax is a must-have in the workshop. The main difference between this tool and those considered earlier is that the carpentry tool does not split, but cuts the material.

An ax for carpenters is always an even, up to 10 cm finely sharpened point at an angle of 35˚. Such sharpening helps to break off chips from wood and get a smooth chopped surface for further processing. When handling a carpenter's ax, it is important not to allow the blade to come into contact with stones and sand. They can damage the spiciness.

There are several good brands in this category. Below are the best carpentry axes.

Carpenter's Ax Archimedes 

A simple model that can perfectly embody carpentry fantasies. Made from durable materials. It cuts wood blanks well. The ax is made in a comfortable curved shape, which ensures a secure hold in the hands. It costs 1200 rubles.

Pros:

• inexpensive;
• easy.

Flaws:

• handle not securely fastened.

Carpenter's ax Park AXE8PR

This ax should be in every owner's country house. It has small dimensions. Lightweight fiberglass handle for easy carpentry work. The handle is equipped with a thermoplastic rubber insert. Its wear resistance allows you to use the ax for a long time and without fear of dropping it out of your hands during work. It costs 800 rubles.

Pros:

• rounded blade of great length;
• not only cuts, but also cuts the material;
• low price.

Flaws:

• the blade is not too sharp;
• re-sharpening does not give a result;
• low-quality plastic handle;
• mild steel;
• no case.

Carpenter's ax Vira 900113

With the Vira ax you can split firewood, split wood, carry out small processing of wooden products. The head is securely connected to the handle so that they seem to be a single whole. The steel is sharpened at the optimal angle for carpentry tools, which ensures the deepest possible penetration into the wooden surface. It costs 1000 rubles.

Pros:

• does not require frequent sharpening;
• has a light but strong handle;
• manufactured according to German production standards.

Flaws:

• blunt;
• the ax is staggering;
• the price is disturbing.

Buying an ax is an activity for which you should prepare in advance. It is important to understand what kind of work you need a tool for, how often it will be used. The size, weight, shape of the base and the length of the ax handle depend on this.

Another aspect is the choice of the manufacturer. There are firms that have been producing tools for a long time and are already known for the quality of their axes. It is worth studying their rating and making a choice that meets a specific request.

And what kind of ax do you prefer to work with and how often do you sharpen it? Share the link on social networks and bookmark the article.