Hunting for the Perfect Axe Handle: Big Box Store Tips

Today we start out on the road heading to a few of our local area big box hardware stores, hunting for a quality axe handle. I go through the things that you want to look for when you are buying an axe handle to ensure that you get the best quality handle you can.
Head over to Whiskey River to find quality axe handles, by using this link, whiskeyrivertrading.com/CRAFTSMANSHIP , and use promo code CRAFTSMANSHIP at checkout to get 10% off your entire order.
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[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

Glad (or sad, really) to see I'm not the only one who's made multiple trips to "the stores" for axe handles and not been able to find one worth buying. In my location i also have the RK variety as well as the TSC type. Thanks for the handle reference. Much more affordable than i expected. That might be able to save myself the time of carving my own ash handle, now.

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

I used to work at HD 20 years ago and they had inventory people who would keep inventory straight. HD is out because they don't have the inventory folks checking inventory daily.
I tried to buy some paint that showed 5 in stock on their website but had 1 on hand in the store. Asst Mgr told me that she would lower the quantity to 1 and that would cause HD to ship them some stock. In the axe handle case, they probably showed several in stock which was preventing new stock from being shipped to them. The lack of purchases of the handle also "showed" the system that axe handles were not selling, so they had another reason for not shipping handles to the store.
Assuming the inventory count was wrong, an Asst Mgr could have remedied the situation and they would have axe handles within a week. HD receives shipments daily.

[@ShovelheadMatt]

Literally just did this. Lowes had the best. I found one missing the wedge, so I got 50% off.
$9 for a handle with a little sanding and shaping is a win for me.

[@66bigbuds]

I buy from an old hardware store in the Carolinas that I discovered on line. All proper number ones, and old prices last I knew. Make sure your buy ash or hickory. Now a days there are other woods used and they aren't good.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks

[@egbluesuede1220]

My guess is the Orange store didn't even realize they were out of axe handles and didn't know the diff between the sledge handles. Stocking mistake? BTW - Nice shout out to Whisky River.....you can't go wrong getting your axe stuff from them.

[@ArcaneTinker]

I suspected something was up when you were in Ace and allowed to walk through the aisle more than 2 steps without being asked if there was something they could help you find.

[@The_Disgruntled_Vet]

Dome Hepot is always out here as well. Maul handles, hatchet handles (sometimes), and hammer handles. I’ve never seen an axe handle at the orange store. Just a price tag.

[@Miguel_ON65]

As usual, perfect job Dustin! Your country is perfect….. a lot of options to choose from a tool as it must be! Greetings from Spain

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks my man!

[@darrellchitwood9167]

I’ve added a palm swell to a blue store handle, turned out pretty well.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

That’s a great idea!👍🏼

[@nonamejoe6594]

You might want to look for the Flame King brand. Some Ace Hardware stores carry this brand. They are the best I've found around today. Our local Lowe's stores charge extra for the wedge to fit the handle to the axe.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks. I’ll keep an eye out.

[@averymixon]

A 2-Chamfer video! This is the drinking game I play with your videos😂. Thanks for the video. Whiskey River is about the same price with much better reliability.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I love this soooo much!😂

[@jamessotherden5909]

Thats information that I never knew. Thank you.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Glad to help

[@kyleree6757]

Every time I've found a decent handle at a box store I've thrown the wedge away. The way they tape them to the handle they wind up so warped that they're useless

[@buck1978]

I usually get my handles from Lowe’s if I don’t get lucky at a flea market lol

[@jamesblair4454]

Great tips

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@66bigbuds]

Those stores sell seconds.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Hmmmm. I was not aware of that.