Hammer handles

[Screwdriver]

Some time ago I lucked out and bought a collection of small metal forming hammer heads.

Alongside you can see some beech handles off eBay, @2.99 each I thought I couldn't go wrong. But they look a bit too big and chunky.

This is the least worst one:

But the smaller heads would "look" a bit silly with such a chunky handle. I'm sure I could fit them up ok and there's a case for using the handles as stock and just cutting them down to size. But there's eight of them and a fair bit of wood to remove.

I'm looking for something more like this:

One of my favourite little hammers with a super slim shaft. Anyone know where I can acquire the shaft only? eBay is a minefield and I can't stretch to £8 or £9 each for eight off handles.

Once I have a handle solution I can start refurbishing and make a video of the process which I will share here.

 

[Ruffian]

Wood lathe and shave those cheap ones down a bit??

 

[Screwdriver]

Wood lathe and shave those cheap ones down a bit??

If I could mechanise the process I might be tempted but the handles are of course oval, not round. It is possible to offset turn each handle but at such a small size, a fiddly process. Ideally I'd like to find a good source of matching handles for these relatively tiny heads which I can just buy then trim slightly to fit.

 

[Agroshield]

I just searched for 4 oz hammer handle and some of the results that came up call themselves 'pin hammer handle' so that (search by weight) might be a fruitful avenue to pursue.

Having said that, the eyes in your unhung heads look bigger and rounder than the shafted one you show.

 

[outofthefire]

We'd have some, I can measure them up and take some photos if you want, can't see them costing too much.

 

[Screwdriver]

Yes, I had to go with a larger handle to accommodate some of the larger eyes.

Thanks for the language too, much easier to search for a specific result with the correct terminology!

 

[pedrobedro]

You can get thinner shafts for pinning hammers if you look around. Faithfull did one in hickory for about what you paid but they may still be big for those tiny hammer heads. I'd get the spokeshave out and trim what you have down to what you want.

 

[Spark plug]

Farriers nailing on hammers tend to have very thin shafts and may be suitable, there’s a selection hear:

https://www.richardashhorseshoes.co.uk/farrier-tools/hand-tools/hammers/hammer-shafts-1/

 

[Screwdriver]

We'd have some, I can measure them up and take some photos if you want, can't see them costing too much.

I may be chasing ghosts here trying to come up with a single handle type to fit all eight heads.

Maximum eye dimensions are 20mm x 14mm (average 16.5x12). It might not be possible to find a single handle that would fit all of these heads.

 

[outofthefire]

I may be chasing ghosts here trying to come up with a single handle type to fit all eight heads.

Maximum eye dimensions are 20mm x 14mm (average 16.5x12). It might not be possible to find a single handle that would fit all of these heads.

We have 5 handles that fit 95% hammers, but loads of older handles that get used for rest.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Obviously you need the handle to fit the eye, but after that you want it to fit your hand.
Most of the farriers ones are supplied 'oversize'
Fit it to the eye then take it down to size/fit with a farriers rasp. Makes quick work of it.
Ok, it will still take a while if you have 8 to do but the time savings over the rest of your life using a correct size handle will more than make up for it.

Having the handle fitted just right to your hand makes it a lot more accurate. Especially with something like a panel/forming hammer where one wrong hit means 6 more hits to correct it!

Or a farriers nailing on hammer where one wrong hit means a broken leg!

 

[Screwdriver]

You can get thinner shafts for pinning hammers if you look around. Faithfull did one in hickory for about what you paid but they may still be big for those tiny hammer heads. I'd get the spokeshave out and trim what you have down to what you want.

I did just score a pair of spokeshaves for this very purpose.

Not restored yet just sharpened the blades which were also in very good nick.

 

[Screwdriver]

Obviously you need the handle to fit the eye, but after that you want it to fit your hand.

I can't quite explain why my "favourite little hammer" above is my favourite. I think it's the precision and the ease with which you can position it in your hand. Completely forgot the "pin hammer" naming convention or the 4oz bracket come to think of it.

By sheer coincidence I recently acquired a few metres of 20mm oak staves or battens. They may actually prove to be suitable now that I have nailed down the measurements, assuming the handle shaft does not go over 20mm in any dimension.

I have seen oak used for handles though not sure if it's really recommended but I do have a substantial collection of farriers rasps! Thankyouverymuchindeed!

 

[outofthefire]

You can use any wood for a handle, some will snap first hit, some will last longer, some will flex too much, some will be that stiff your arm and hand will vibrate with every hit. Hickory just fits the bill perfectly with ash coming next, willow might not be too bad with it being used for cricket bat's.

 

[waddycall]

the eyes in your unhung heads look bigger and rounder than the shafted one you show.

That should be a lyric!

 

[Screwdriver]

You can use any wood for a handle, some will snap first hit, some will last longer, some will flex too much, some will be that stiff your arm and hand will vibrate with every hit. Hickory just fits the bill perfectly with ash coming next, willow might not be too bad with it being used for cricket bat's.

Great.

I have beech (premade handles) or oak to choose from. The only other identifiable wood I have (still largely in tree form) is cherry plum or laburnum.

None of my stock is on your list...

Although interestingly, after chopping off a bough and bucking, I discover laburnum is in fact poisonous.

 

[Agroshield]

A possible style to consider is a tapered octagonal one, similar to those found on many body hammers. These are easy to make on a milling machine with a face mill. Rectangle and length the stock, then pack one end up half the total taper and cut. Turn 180 degrees and pack up the full taper. Rasp, file and sand the chamfers.

 

[outofthefire]

If these are any good a quid each plus postage

 

[Screwdriver]

If these are any good a quid each plus postage View attachment 262968 View attachment 262969 View attachment 262970

Yes please they look perfect. I think I will abandon the idea of trying to "match" these items. Instead use a suitable handle specifically for each head. I am also against the idea of buying ready made pin hammers and throwing away the heads which would be wasteful.

I like my tools to have a "story" to them and a set from you @outofthefire would certainly be a happy story.

 

[mtt.tr]

I did just score a pair of spokeshaves for this very purpose.

Not restored yet just sharpened the blades which were also in very good nick.

That upper spoke shave is about the best you can use.
The one in the lower pic have a tendency to fall over smashing your knuckles into the work.