Could use a little advice?

[Shep]

I found an old hatchet in my garage while I was cleaning up.  It looks to be full steel, but the rubber handle is in horrible shape.  After reading the posts here and looking up YouTube videos, I think I have the general idea of how to clean off the dirt, rust, and what have you.  Though any specific tips would be really helpful.

Also, what can I do about the handle?  Is there a tape wrap or something I could use or is there something specific out there?  I haven't been able to find any info on what to do with rubber handles, everything focuses on the more traditional wood handles.

I could probably go to the store and buy a hatchet at the store (love the look of the Estwing Sportsman's Axe or the hatchet by Fiskars), but I would like to take a crack of salvaging this one first.

Any thoughts, tips, or ideas?  I would really appreciate anything you can share!

[Mr. Whippy]

It actually looks to be in pretty good shape.  I'd just scrub off the surface rust with steel wool and oil and sharpen it up.

For the handle, it is mostly there.  Personally, I would buy a can of PlastiDip in as close of a color as I could find.  I would dip just the end until it was close to the same thickness as the original handle (it will probably take 10 or 12 "dips" --each dip requiring drying time).

Then I'd wrap the handle with tennis racket tape (for grip).

[Gareth]

It actually looks to be in pretty good shape.  I'd just scrub off the surface rust with steel wool and oil and sharpen it up.

For the handle, it is mostly there.  Personally, I would buy a can of PlastiDip in as close of a color as I could find.  I would dip just the end until it was close to the same thickness as the original handle (it will probably take 10 or 12 "dips" --each dip requiring drying time).

Then I'd wrap the handle with tennis racket tape (for grip).

That's about the only thing I can think of as well.

[Pacu]

i wonder ifin you add silica sand to plastidip if it would make for a grippy texture handle....or just make one big hell of a mess. 

 

[nuphoria]

Can you get glow in the dark Plastidip?

[Shep]

Thank you for your responses!  I was thinking of letting it soak in some vinegar before scrubbing it real well.

My concern with the handle is that it's cracked/beginning to split most of the way up and it feels pretty dried out.  Would it pay to coat the entire handle in PlastiDip?  I've never heard of the stuff, so I'll have to do a little research.

[Gareth]

Can you get glow in the dark Plastidip?

http://www.plastidip.co.uk/eStore/index.cfm?Plastidip_Glow_in_the_Dark_750ml&stage=3&colour=Luminous&pid=PLD-0140
 

[Sparky415]

Hows it coming along Shep?

(I wouldn't let the vinegar get under the rubber handle it might make the Ax smell bad forever)

[Shep]

Well, the handle came off without much effort from me.  I've bathed in it vinegar and it's cleaned up really well 'cause it wasn't in that bad of shape.

I'm actually going to try to pick up some PlastiDip this weekend and attempt to dip the handle.  I figure it will be an experiment since I've never used the stuff and I'm not sure how well it's going to cover such a large grip.

But thank you for inquiring about my progress!  I'll let you know how the PlastiDip goes.

[Gareth]

Looking good Shep.   Before you dip I suggest you check the handle for any big lumps or bumps that might show through the coating.  What colour are you thinking about using?

[Sparky415]

Watching with interest 

[Shep]

I ended up with black because that's all the store had.    I would have liked red, maybe.

The can of PlastiDip wasn't quite big enough to cover the entire handle, but I think it's OK.  After each dip, the liquid level dropped considerably.  The lower half of the handle, though, where my hand sits, feels pretty cushy.  I had considered taking a brush and painting the top of the handle, but I may not bother.

I'm also considering the tennis tape like Mr Whippy suggested.  I could wrap it once or twice and it would probably give a nice grip and protect the PlastiDip.  As of right now, I feel like if I were to really work with the axe, the grip would come off in my hand.  It may just need a day or two to really dry out.  I dipped it last yesterday evening.

It doesn't look that bad, does it?

[Gareth]

doesn't look bad at all Shep, nice job.

[Sparky415]

Looks like some good stuff  is that a makers stamp on the head? 

[Shep]

Thank you!  I was tempted a few times to just toss this one out and go buy a brand new tool, but this was fun to do.

Looks like some good stuff  is that a makers stamp on the head? 

It says "DROP FORGED", but it's really worn out.  It would have been awesome to find something a little more exciting under the dirt and grime.

[Sparky415]

Thank you!  I was tempted a few times to just toss this one out and go buy a brand new tool, but this was fun to do.

Looks like some good stuff  is that a makers stamp on the head? 

It says "DROP FORGED", but it's really worn out.  It would have been awesome to find something a little more exciting under the dirt and grime.

I'm always excited when I clean up rusty stuff there's no telling what you will find