Vaughan 28oz 17-inch Rig Builder Hatchet

The Vaughan RB28 Rig Builder Hatchet delivers what heavy construction demands — a 28 oz polished head with an extra-large milled face hammer and a 3.5-inch blade edge. Built for professionals who need striking power and chopping capability in one tool, this Made in the USA hatchet combines over 150 years of American craftsmanship with specifications that matter on demanding jobsites.

Professional-Grade Construction Specifications

The hatchet measures 17.5 inches in overall length, with a 6-5/8 inch head and a 1.5-inch hammer face diameter. That extra-large milled face provides the striking surface contractors need for driving stakes, adjusting forms, or persuading stubborn framing members into position.

Specification	Value
Total Length	17 inches
Head Weight	28 oz steel
Cutting Edge	3-1/2 inch
Head Length	6-5/8 inch
Hammer Face Diameter	1.5-inch

The deep throat face design adds leverage where it counts — getting under nail heads, prying apart assembled components, or working in tight spaces where a standard hatchet face won’t reach.

Heavy-Duty Design and Materials

The hatchet has a total length of 17 inches, making it suitable for versatile use in construction, carpentry, and rig-building applications. The handle is crafted from high-density American hickory, providing a sturdy and comfortable grip that stands up to the shock loads of heavy striking.

The flame-treated hickory handle undergoes heat treatment that increases density and durability — critical when you’re swinging 28 ounces of steel repeatedly. The hatchet is forged from high carbon steel for durability and strength, with a fully polished head that resists corrosion better than raw steel finishes.

This combination of high-carbon steel blade and premium hickory creates a tool that handles both precision cutting and heavy striking without compromise. The polished finish isn’t just cosmetic — it makes cleaning sap, tar, and jobsite crud easier at day’s end.

For Montana contractors dealing with timber frame construction, post-and-beam work, or heavy framing, the Rig Builder’s specifications match the demands. That 28-ounce head drives with authority, while the 3.5-inch blade handles notching, shaping, and clearing tasks that lighter hatchets can’t touch. The 17-inch handle provides the reach and leverage for overhead work without the fatigue of longer-handled tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the exact dimensions of the Vaughan RB28 Rig Builder Hatchet?

The Vaughan RB28 measures 17.5 inches in overall length with a 6-5/8 inch head and features a 3.5-inch cutting edge. The hammer face diameter is 1.5 inches, and the total head weight is 28 ounces.

Q: Is the Vaughan Rig Builder Hatchet made in the USA?

Yes, the Vaughan 28 oz Rig Builder Hatchet is made in the USA with global materials. The handle is crafted from high-density American hickory, and the company has over 150 years of American manufacturing history.

Q: What type of steel is used in the Vaughan RB28 hatchet head?

The Vaughan RB28 features a high-carbon steel blade that’s fully polished for corrosion resistance and durability. The 28 oz steel head is forged for strength and designed to withstand demanding construction tasks.

Q: What makes the Vaughan Rig Builder different from a standard hatchet?

The Vaughan RB28 features an extra-large milled face hammer and a deep throat face design that enhances leverage for prying and getting under nail heads. Its 28 oz weight and 3.5-inch blade make it heavier and more robust than typical hatchets, specifically designed for rig building and heavy construction work.

Q: What type of handle does the Vaughan 28 oz Rig Builder use?

The hatchet uses a flame-treated hickory handle that’s 17 inches long, made from select high-density American hickory. The flame treatment process increases the wood’s density and durability to better withstand the shock loads of heavy striking.