Hammer handle fitting advice ....

[Mikey D]

Morning people ,
Broke my nice roebuck hammer handle need some tips for fitting new handle please , I'll drill out the old end and reuse the wedge , new ash handle waiting ......

 

[Arc Tourist]

I would shape the end of the handle to fit the head as best as I could, then goop it with epoxy, push the head on and drive the wedge in. let it cure, and clean it up to your satisfaction. The epoxy from the Pound Shop works well enough.

 

[Parm]

shape Handle to fit. Cut a slot and drive in wooden wedge, trim then a metal wedge across the other way

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Where's @The_Yellow_Ardvark when you need him? [although others have provided the solution]

 

[Arc Tourist]

Where's @The_Yellow_Ardvark when you need him? [although others have provided the solution]

I think they hibernate during the winter.

 

[h-dom]

Trim handle to fit head snugly, don't hit the head onto the handle, hand upside down and hit the end of the handle with a mallet. Keep going until it doesn't move anymore. Turn upside down, clamp in vice with leather glove wrapped around handle. Use chisel to create a split down the centre of the end sticking out the top. Cut a hardwood wedge to fit the split. A dab of wood glue on the wedge, drive into the split until it won't go anymore. Let glue set then stand upside down in a bucket of boiled linseed oil for a few days. Remove from bucket, wipe down, burn the rag outside so it doesn't spontaneously combust and then use hammer. The end

 

[frank horton]

the new shaft needs to be really really dry.....leave on a working rad for a couple of days, even heard of using a micro-wave if it's a short un.....
I trim mine down to rough shape allowing for the taper inside the head......
with the split pre sawn I then use my hyd press to fit it.......then use a metal wedge.....
I found glue and wooden wedges aren't reall nec......but each to there own.....
tats if u can still buy the shafts....been finding it quite diff......
the last one I fitted was made from an olive wood branch (from the fire wood store).......it has a nice knot / bulge on the end.....

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Shape teh shaft to fit the hammer hole. You want a tight fit.
But bot too tight you damage the shaft when doing thest fits.

You will want 1/4 or 6mm of the shaft above the head when finished shapping.
Cut a slot 2/3 the depth of the head into the shaft.

Prep up the wooden wedge. The length you need is as deep as the saw cut and 1/4"

I like to warm the head before I do the final fit. But thats up to you.

Fit the shaft. If it is warm you will get more that 1/4 above the head.
Make sure the head to shaft is true.

Fit the wedge.

Allow to cool.

Trim the surplus shaft and wedge off.

Now if the shaft is not a perfect fit, woory not.

5min 2 pack glue will fill the hole.

Oil or wax teh shaft.
Use and enjoy.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

I think they hibernate during the winter.

No, some of us work and then when we have time we look on here.

 

[Mikey D]

Thanks for all your replies fellas , the original had a wooden wedge as well as metal , so guess I need to cut two slots with tenon saw or one if I just use metal wedge .... as for oiling handle I have some decking oil ??I need to nourish a few spade handles too
I'll leave new handle above wood burner to dry properly .

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Thanks for all your replies fellas , the original had a wooden wedge as well as metal , so guess I need to cut two slots with tenon saw or one if I just use metal wedge .... as for oiling handle I have some decking oil ??I need to nourish a few spade handles too
I'll leave new handle above wood burner to dry properly .

The one wooden wedge should be good enough.

If you want to fit the metal one at 90Deg to the wooden one.
The wodoen one should wedge teh shaft side ways, the meyal fore n aft.