Ventilation: How to use your Axe the Wrong Way

Using the flat side of your Axe can be much faster than the blade. Often the blade will wedge itself into the roof and you have to spend energy freeing it.

By using the blunt side it creates a wide path that doesn't trap the axe. This Works Excellent on light wieght roof construction with plywood decking. Richmond,ca Fire Academy instructor Marc Lucero is demonstrating on a pitched roof with 1/2" by 12" wood slats.

This is a much older roof with thick wood but the blunt side still kicks ass....Try it! You'll like it... It is a great techniuqe for getting through plywood on boarded up windows and door too. Don't be afraid to use both sides of your axe.

Courtesy Marc Lucero

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Comment by Cody Scott on November 30, 2007 at 8:56pm: Thanks for the Tip. Have to try it out next time the Saw don't work

Comment by SMOKEnPipesJim on September 8, 2007 at 10:42am: I like it, getting older, the easy way is always the best.. Often guys look at me abit funny when i say Using a pickhead to pull Plaster and lath starting high the weight of the axe does the realwork , with a bit of time Its like unzipping a zipper ...

Comment by Chris on September 4, 2007 at 4:10pm: Thats a great peice of info. I was told tons of ways to try to get your axe not to stick, but thats the most efficiant way to vent with an axe i've ever seen. It'll make the interior crews a little happier to i think.

Comment by Peter Lupkowski on September 4, 2007 at 2:04pm: I was waiting for the punch line, or the twist of fate at the end. Now I'm waiting to try it at my next roof job! Thanks for the tip.