Hatchet, Rig Builders

Robust product. I like it. But it came without the notch for the nail as in the image.

This axe was a great buy for my needs. I used this to roof a house and frame a small shed, worked great! Handle still fits perfect and the waffle face on the hammer is still in good shape. Bit of a heavier hammer so be warned it's not for detail work. For rough in jobs it works great! Two gripes, which I've seen on every other one I've bought, is the handle had some nasty feeling varnish on it and the axe was really dull. Bit of time in the garage with it and both those problems were solved easy-peasy.

The only downfalls were the factory edge and a mild bend to the hatchet. Upon arriving, the edge or lack thereof was immediately noticed. The bevel seemed to be about 45° and very dull. It took some work on a 45 grit belt grinder followed by progressively finer grits to get to an acceptable edge. After the edge was established, I noticed a slight bend to the hatchet portion. These were my complaints. After the corrections were made, this tool seems exceptional for its tasks. So far it made short work chopping pinion wood and the hammer seems more than adequate. If you willing to address the issues, this is a great tool.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: Note does not come with nail puller it's brake point anyway so I don't care. Thick lacquer scraping worked for me.

If you have some things to chop, this is the tool to have. You could swing this thing for a while without becoming fatigued.

I had one of these when I was working in Land Surveying for putting in stakes, pavement nails, and lath. An excellent hammer, good weight, easy to control and a powerful swing. Going by the picture on the website, I ordered it. When it arrived, it didn't have the nail pulling notch illustrated on the Amazon website. I'm not sure if Vaughn is not putting the notch in the hatchet anymore. I was disappointed, and returned this. If it's going to be advertised, then it needs to have the correct item pictured. I've seen others that have said it didn't have the nail pulling notch, but thought maybe it was an anomaly. What's the point of a hammer that's designed to put nails in if you have nothing to pull them with?

I've owned several of these throughout the years. I read several reviews complaining about nail removal notch was missing. I've made my notch with a hand held grinder and it's worked like a charm.

Rig axes are wonders at driving nails for framing. They are the parent of the California Framing hammer designs. That was a creation of Larry Haun, well known framer and author. Don't over estimate the need to pull nails with it. Carry a Cat's Paw and its not an issue. BTW, they are NOT supposed to be "Sharp". Sharp enough to cut lumber bands is all you need. Yes, you will break a handle or two if you abuse it. Highly recommended. by a retired Carpenter. Old school is the best one.

Not what is advertised. Specifically bought this because of the nail puller notched into the hatchet. The item I received did not have the nail puller. False advertising at its finest.