How to Cut Wood with a Hatchet

You wouldn't think that cutting wood with a hatchet -- a tool that has no other function except to chop wood -- would be all that difficult. And you would be right in that assumption for the most part. There are a few techniques and safety measures you must apply when cutting wood with the mini-ax to keep yourself safe from harm, and to maximize your woodcutting potential.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the hatchet in a firm grip in your primary hand. Do not use a relaxed or loose grip, as the hatchet may bounce back and cause damage.

    • 2

      Swing the hatchet away from yourself. Do not swing down toward your legs or any other extremity that may be in the hatchet's path. This helps ensure you are not injured if the hatchet bounces off the wood at an irregular angle.

    • 3

      Strike the wood with the hatchet at an approximate 60-degree angle, rather than cutting straight up and down.

    • 4

      Alternate the direction of your cutting strikes. Cut two or three times from one direction, such as the left, switch direction to the right and begin cutting in the same place. This prevents the hatchet from getting stuck in the wood as you cut.