Olympia Tools, which distributes the Roughneck brand of hand tools and workwear, has just launched a new range of axes which challenge traditional thinking to deliver major improvements in ease of use and ultimately performance.

Vahe Der Kureghian, purchasing and marketing director at Olympia Tools, explained:  “When it comes to striking tools like hammers and axes there’s a common misconception that the heavier the tool, the more effective it will be.

“In reality, it’s less about weight and more about velocity and the subsequent striking force transferred. It’s for this very reason that the new Roughneck axes benefit from a number of design innovations with one of the most notable being hollow, rather than solid, handles.”

The use of hollow handles by the new Roughneck axes reduces their weight and enables higher swinging speeds to be achieved with marked benefits at the point of impact. This reduced weight also minimises user fatigue and allows the new Roughneck axes to be used more effectively and accurately for longer. Despite their light weight, the new Roughneck hollow handle axes are still incredibly robust and durable.

The handles are made from almost indestructible, fibre-reinforced, shatterproof nylon whilst the handle and head are moulded together making them inseparable. In addition, the head is made from forged steel which has been both hardened and tempered.

As part of its focus on intelligent design, Olympia Tools has also given careful consideration to the angle of the head in relation to handle. This has been specifically calculated to ensure blows can be struck as efficiently as possible.

The head weight to handle length has also been exactly matched to ensure the axes are well-balanced and easy to use to their full potential. Everyone from the novice user splitting kindling in their back garden to the professional tree surgeon removing branches or splitting logs can use the new Roughneck hollow handle axes to impressive effect.

The new Roughneck hollow handle axes are available in three sizes; 0.8kg, 2kg and 2.5kg. All three sizes are also approved to VPA/GS standards.

Concluding, Vahe added: “At Olympia Tools, our aim is to make the Roughneck brand synonymous with technologically advanced, technologically superior hand tools. That’s why we continue to seek out and embrace advances in a range of areas related to hand tool design and manufacturing – from raw materials to ergonomics.

“The new Roughneck hollow handle axes reflect that commitment and are the latest addition to a growing portfolio of other equally innovative products.”