My hatchett became heated and loose, as it was left sitting too close to the fire overnight. The handle is some type of wood composite, with a rubber grip. I think it can be saved, but it needs to be safe as well. Also, the blade was heated, but not warped, do I need to harden it again to keep an edge, even if it was never "red hot"?
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If it did not get red hot there is no need to harden it again. Even if it did, I doubt that you can get it hot enough, evenly enough to put a proper temper on it. Heating it again in an attempt will just worsen it.– Frames Catherine WhiteMay 31, 2015 at 11:58
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1 Answer
Wood shrinks when dried. Attach the head loosely and soak the head and handle in water a day or two (if completely immersed, the head should not rust noticeably). Unless the hatchet was hot enough to burn the handle, the blade should be OK.
If there is no wedge, you'll need to add one for safety, see here.
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@ZachWade, also leave the axe to soak a bit when you're planning on using it. This will prevent the axe head from detaching while working with it.– CustomXFeb 2, 2015 at 13:08