Collins axes and hatchets

[gila_dog]

I have a small axe and a hatchet, both made by Collins in Mexico. The wood and steel seem to be fine. But both had a little round tube-like thingy pounded into the wood inside the head, instead of wedges. Both loosened up. What I did to put these tools back into reliable service was to remove the round thingies and replace them with wooden and steel wedges (bought as a kit from Ace Hardware). I also soaked the ends of the handles, inside the heads, with motor oil. That way they won't dry up and shrink.

Both of these tools are ok, and the price was right. But I don't know why they used the silly round tubes instead of wedges. Probably cheaper and easier for low-skilled factory workers to install.

 

[wesakachino]

I have a small axe and a hatchet, both made by Collins in Mexico. The wood and steel seem to be fine. But both had a little round tube-like thingy pounded into the wood inside the head, instead of wedges. Both loosened up. What I did to put these tools back into reliable service was to remove the round thingies and replace them with wooden and steel wedges (bought as a kit from Ace Hardware). I also soaked the ends of the handles, inside the heads, with motor oil. That way they won't dry up and shrink.

Both of these tools are ok, and the price was right. But I don't know why they used the silly round tubes instead of wedges. Probably cheaper and easier for low-skilled factory workers to install.

Those are not original collins axes, they sold the company to somone in mexico or south america and ever seince then, the tools are NOT the same!!, original collins products made in Collinsville,USA where a tottally diffrent product! But if it works for ya in the bush, for the price ya cant beat it!!

 

[Aguineapig]

The round wedges are usually pretty good. My wetterlings both have em and I have had no problems with those loosening up. Sounds like a shoddy hanging job over all on their part.

 

[chinookpilot77]

I just cleaned up a 20 year old collins ax thats been in my toolshed for at least 15 years. Gave me a whole new respect for them! Love the ax now as much as I did when I bought it!

 

[Double Ott]

Vintage Collins = Premium steel

I have a small collection of vintage axes. Collins are a feature in my collection.

EDIT: VINTAGE Collins axes were made in the USA (CT)!

Several are Collins Legitimus axes, their premium line of axes. Their steel is as fined as anything one can find on the market today.

In my collection; All manufactured prior to 1966:

1. Hudson Bay
2. Hudson Bay Legitimus (Military issue stamped U.S. )
3. 4# Single Bit Legitimus
4. Double Bit Cruiser/Saddle Legitimus
5. Double Bit Legitimus
6. Double Bit

They were considered to be some of the finest axes that money could buy in their day. They were prized possessions of loggers.

It is surprising that one can often find them at garage sales. A few of my collection where purchased for less than $5 each. I enjoy cleaning them up and restoring them to a functional use.

Treated right they will all outlast me and go to my Grandson.

Regards, Double Ott

P.S. I'll have to post some pictures soon.

 

[3fires]

I've seen first hand some low paid factory workers in Mexico. But, I can't say any of them were low skilled, just low paid. In fact, I trained quite a few of them back in the 90's right around the time of NAFTA. I have seen some low-skilled engineers and managers in Mexico. But, their marketing managers were top notch.

Personally, I wouldn't buy anything made in Mexico regardless of the quality or price.