For years my Dad has had an original Sotz Monster Maul, and I grew up splitting wood with it from when I was big enough to swing it. I've always wanted one of my own, and thought that the Bailey's Mega-Maul was the ticket. I bought the Bailey's maul in the spring and was disappointed from the minute I opened the box. The biggest issue with the Bailey's maul is that, unless you're under 5-4, the handle is too short. The Sotz maul we measured at 33", but over time, the handle developed somewhat of a distinct curve as impact after impact caused the thin-wall pipe to bend. The Bailey's maul came out of the box at 27" (bottom of the head to the end of the foam grip) and that didn't work. They should include a pair of steel-toed boots with every purchase.
Well, yesterday I brought the maul to a buddy who is an expert TIG welder and specializes in off-road buggy and motorcycle frames - i.e. he can weld and repair pipe. He cut off the old handle about 3" below the head (made the sleeve about 1/2" shorter) slid the old piece of handle out of the sleeve (the handle is not directly welded to the head, only to the sleeve), and installed a 3' scrap piece of T304 stainless heavy-wall pipe in it's place. Now I have a good handle, at 34-1/2", it's much easier to swing for me, at 6' tall; and at least the handle won't rust. The weight including the handle is a couple ounces shy of 16 lb. I'm going to paint the last 6" of the handle with Rustoleum Grip-Guard paint, and polish the rest for an easy gloved-hand-slide. Best part is, it cost me nothing but a case of beer for his trouble.
Well, yesterday I brought the maul to a buddy who is an expert TIG welder and specializes in off-road buggy and motorcycle frames - i.e. he can weld and repair pipe. He cut off the old handle about 3" below the head (made the sleeve about 1/2" shorter) slid the old piece of handle out of the sleeve (the handle is not directly welded to the head, only to the sleeve), and installed a 3' scrap piece of T304 stainless heavy-wall pipe in it's place. Now I have a good handle, at 34-1/2", it's much easier to swing for me, at 6' tall; and at least the handle won't rust. The weight including the handle is a couple ounces shy of 16 lb. I'm going to paint the last 6" of the handle with Rustoleum Grip-Guard paint, and polish the rest for an easy gloved-hand-slide. Best part is, it cost me nothing but a case of beer for his trouble.
He did a nice job...I'd like to learn to weld.
