The Proper Way to Hand Off an Axe

An axe has a sharp blade on the end of a wood handle. Because of its design, an axe provides versatile power for a variety of tasks. With an axe, you can chop down trees, chop them into logs and split logs into firewood or fence posts. A sharp axe is the safest axe because an axe with a dull blade may glance off your chopping surface and may cause injury. To prevent serious injuries when working an axe, follow safety rules for the proper way to hand off an axe to someone else.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the axe in your dominant hand, grasping the head with your hand firmly around the wedge of the axe. The wedge of the axe is the part of the head that attaches to the handle. Make the blade of the axe point forward. The handle should point up toward your shoulder.

    • 2

      Stand beside the person you're handing the axe off to. You should both be facing the same direction, shoulder-to-shoulder and your hand holding the axe should be closest to the person.

    • 3

      Hand over the axe to the other person. Carefully put the axe head in the other person's open hand.

    • 4

      Grasp the axe head until you know that the person has a firm hold on the axe. Say something such as "Got it?" Wait for a confirmation from the person before you release your grip on the axe.