The Miners’ Axe (US, UK & Other Variations)
The Miners’ axe (sometimes called a Colliers’ axe or Collie axe) was used to shape and fit timber support posts and drive wooden post caps within the mine. Some models were also used to help shape and lay track ties underground. These axes were used well into the mid-1900s.
For centuries, axes were used underground in the mines. Wooden supports needed to be shaped and adjusted at every step to fit snugly and support the uneven and jagged rock surfaces. The wooden support posts would be cut slightly smaller than the tunnel height to allow them to be stood upright, then wood caps and wedges would be shaped to ensure the tightest fit and maximum support.
While the design of Miners’ axes varied by region and age, they typically had heavy heads (3.5 – 7 lbs) and short handles. Underground, space and efficiency were critical. Miners’ axes provided a single tool that could be used to shape the wood supports and hammer the shaped pieces into place.
While “Miners’ axe” is the most common term used today, you will also see them referred to as a “Colliers’ axe” or simply a “Collie axe”, especially in Europe. A “Collier” is the official name for a coal miner.
American Style Miners’ Axes
Image shared by ithinkverydeeply from his collection
American Miners’ axes were designed primarily for fitting the timber supports in confined spaces of a mine. They have a standard full-size 3-5 lb head on a short straight handle, between 19″ – 26″.
Interestingly, there is not a single “mining pattern” head. Miners’ axes used a variety of common full-size felling heads. It’s the combination of the full-size felling axe head on the short straight “Miners’ handle” that makes a Miners’ Axe.
A common axe pattern used was the Dayton (shown above), as it has a wide, flat poll which is perfect for driving wooden wedges and beams, and a wider blade for shaping wood. Although Yankee, Jersey, and Rafting pattern heads were also used.
Image shared by ithinkverydeeply from his collection
Use Out of the Mines
Outside of the mines, the Miners’ axes became a much more broadly marketed axe style as well. In particular, with the wide adoption of the chainsaw, they became a popular model of axe for use hammering wedges to fell trees, and for use “grubbing” – clearing low-level brush, and roots.
And for that reason, American-style miners’ axes are still sold (example) and handle companies like Whiskey River offer 20″ and 24″ straight handles for those who want them.
British Miners’ Axes or “Collier Axes”
Axes shown are from the Lehmann Collection shared by Hans Brunner Tools
British miners’ axes have a distinct shape and larger head design than the American design.
British miners’ axe heads were typically between 5-7 lbs, with an extended poll to help drive posts, caps, and track ties. The heads have a large eye to support the heavy head. The large eye was important given that the local lumber (Elm, Beech) used for handles in the UK was not as strong as the American Hickory that is globally used today.
The handles have a double-bit style tongue with wide shoulders on the front and back. The distinct curve in the handle was designed to aid with swinging in confined spaces and possibly also to help work around obstacles (like hammering around other supports).
Coal Mine Deputy’s Axe
Axes shown are from the Lehmann Collection shared by Hans Brunner Tools
A Coal Miner Deputy’s Axe (or “track axe”) is a smaller miners’ axe, used by supervisors (Deputy’s) underground in the mine.
The Coal Mine Deputy was the supervisor responsible for overseeing and managing the operations of their designated area underground within the mine.
The head deputy’s axe is smaller than a full-size (British) miners’ axe, at between 3-4 lbs. But, it shares a similar shape and extended poll, so it could still be used for driving props and caps and for laying and shifting timber trolley tracks underground.
The handle was usually cut to be 2 feet long so it could be used as a track gauge by the supervisor (The standard for track ties was 2ft).
Miners’ Track Hatchets
Shared by: Whiskey River Auctions.
Smaller still were track hatchets, used in both the UK and the US. These small hatchets have an extended hardened poll so that they can be used for hammering the spikes to hold down the tracks, without risking the handle hitting the track.
The blade was likely not used much for shaping more than shims, but could be used to help pry pieces and loosen ties if needed.
European Miners’ Axes
Axes shown are from the Lehmann Collection shared by Hans Brunner Tools
Axes were used in the mines all across the world, and many other regions had their own take on the Miner’s axe. But the general premise is consistent: a short-handled axe with a heavy head, often with a hammer component.
Another good reference of other European miners’ axe patterns can be seen at the Het Mot Museum (Holland).
Help the site grow!
Do you have a rare or unique axe? Did I get something wrong? Please share any pictures, information, or any insights to help improve the archive.
Email: museum@axeandtool.com
Sources
- Library of Congress
- Hans Brunner Tools
- ithinkverydeeply
- Whiskey River Trading Company
- I have more I misplaced… I’m tracking them down.