Gerber Axe Insert

thingiverse

An accessory for the Gerber Axes featuring hollow handles, which allows users to load up the handle with a variety of survival gear, including fishing hooks, matches, Bic lighters, car keys, and other essentials. My friend asked me to sharpen his axe while he was away, so I thought I'd surprise him with an upgrade. I inquired if there was ever a knife that clipped into the handle or anything, and he told me it came like that. So, I looked online and discovered that most hollow handle Gerber axes don't have this feature or a way to convert them into survival gear containers. Therefore, I measured the dimensions and designed this insert. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. Here are some instructions: Print "insert B" if you prefer not to fuss with getting it to fit. However, if you print "insert A," use 5-10% infill and two shells. Then, dip the end of the printed part into boiling water (I used a small glass bowl for dipping sauces and microwaved it for about 30 seconds). Next, quickly press it into the axe handle and let it form to the shape. Take a hot glue gun and heat it up. Press it through the holes in the axe handle with the printed part still inside to create a hole exactly where you want on both sides. Clean up the part with a pocket knife so that the pin can be easily pushed through. I used an original pin, dipped the wide end into boiling water, and quickly pushed it through the axe handle and printed insert. I then smooshed the end up against the handle to form it into shape so that there was no wiggle in the pin when the lock part is attached on the other side (mine was 2mm too short, so I lengthened the pin for you). You may or may not need to use a pocket knife to get the lock to clip onto the pin tightly. Finally, remove the pin and insert from the axe handle. Load it up with survival goodies and put the insert back in. Lock it in place with the pin and secure the pin with the lock part. Now go camping! Don't forget your axe.