Made a new handle for an old hammer

[eccles291]

It's been quite a while since I joined the forum and I've just found it for the second time, so I'm having a good look around again.

Anyway, I had an old hammer head that had needed a handle for ages, so a couple of weeks ago, whilst trying to find something to do instead of what I should have been doing, I decided to start making a new handle for it. I didn't have any particularly interesting wood for it so just used some scrap I had lying around. I shaped it as best I could and then sanded it down. I'm reasonably happy with it, considering it's the first time I've ever made anything like this and I had no idea of what the 'proper' way of making one is. It's not brilliant, but it does the job and it's a nicely weighted head, although the handle is a bit on the light side.

It looks okay from this angle.

But this side shows the inaccuracy of my wood shaping.

Shame it split when I put the pins in. It came a little loose after a couple of uses so I added a nail to firm it up after I'd taken this photo.

 

[dan treg]

what wood have used to make it

 

[Seadog]

It might have worked better if you'd put the wedge in inline with the head.

 

[colnerov]

Shape the shaft to a taper where it goes into the head, not a cut or stepped edge because that's a stress riser, that will be where it breaks.

We are not having a go, just passing on experience. Don't go off in a huff. There's plenty of knowledge on here, just ask.

 

[dan treg]

its neater than when i did one of mine i used a scaffold pole hammered in to shape works but not very comfortable . reason i asked what wood you used some wood maybe hickory? is better for shafts than others but I'm no expert

 

[Beanwood]

Shape the shaft to a taper where it goes into the head, not a cut or stepped edge because that's a stress riser, that will be where it breaks.

We are not having a go, just passing on experience. Don't go off in a huff. There's plenty of knowledge on here, just ask.

That is a top tip which makes perfect sense, but which I’m fairly certain I got wrong a long time ago (and yes the handle broke!)

 

[magnet]

Hey! You had a go mate thats the most important thing. The next one will be better. Keep at it.

 

[Migmac]

That’s a nice shape for a handle, looks like it would fit well in the hand.

 

[eccles291]

Thanks all. I'm not offended in the slightest, actually very happy to listen to the knowledge you're passing on.

The wood is from an old pallet so I'm guessing it's just some crappy old pine. Probably not the best stuff to use but it's all I had.

The shape works really well, and is very comfy in the hand, so I'm dead pleased with that. I can see how you're saying the shape of the neck has introduced a potential weakness there, so I may need to make a new one at some point. If I do I'll probably ask a few questions before making the Mk 2 version.

 

[Domdom]

The wood is from an old pallet so I'm guessing it's just some crappy old pine. Probably not the best stuff to use but it's all I had.

The best handles I find are made of Ash. But making that from a grotty old pallet, yeah, better than I could have done. Top job indeed.

 

[pedrobedro]

Pour some epoxy mix down to fill the gaps. Slot the top of the handle with a saw to put the wedges in next time, saves splitting. I made one for my hatchet from some Beech from an old sofa frame.

 

[angellonewolf]

the @The_Yellow_Ardvark has much experance on this

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Beech or Hickory is best for the handles.
The metal wedges are to narrow for the head hole.
I suspect no saw slots had been added to the handle before it was fitted.

The Handle should be a snug fit in the hole, filling it up. The slots should just be open enough to take 2 to 5% of the wedge tip.
I like to use wooden wedges, but thats just me, beside they are free to me/

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

the @The_Yellow_Ardvark has much experance on this

Who me?
Lil ole me?
Experience?


Oh yes.

 

[angellonewolf]

Who me?
Lil ole me?
Experience?


Oh yes.

it comes with our age and being to tight to spend money when it can be fixed

 

[cheb]

I also prefer wooden wedges, it's easier drilling out the remains of a broken handle.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

I also prefer wooden wedges, it's easier drilling out the remains of a broken handle.

To quote.
Burn. Baby, burn.

 

[plewlandsbob]

To quote.
Burn. Baby, burn.

What is your preferred method, for burning out old handles, Put them in a fire, use a blowtorch on them, or some other method?

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

What is your preferred method, for burning out old handles, Put them in a fire, use a blowtorch on them, or some other method?

Drill many small holes into the handle. Pour in paraffin, set alight and wait.