Handle Guides

Replacing an axe, hammer, maul or sledge hammer handle

Step 1

Saw off broken handle as close to the head as possible.

Step 2

Use a hammer to knock out the remaining piece of handle left in the head.

Step 3

Make a saw cut into the head of the replacement handle. Some types of handles already come with cut.

Step 4

Place handle through the head.

Step 5

Drive in a wooden wedge to secure the head, and if necessary saw off any excess handle above the head.

Step 6

Drive in a metal blakey at right angles across the wooden wedge.

Replacing a lipped socket spade, fork or shovel handle

Step 1

Grind off rivet head and punch out rivet.

Step 2

Tap in new handle.

Step 3

Drill through rivet hole and all the way through the handle.

Step 4

Insert new rivet and hammer down till ends are flat.

Replacing a tanged fork handle

Step 1

Grind off rivet head and punch out rivet.

Step 2

Remove handle.

Step 3

Measure the distance between the shoulder and the hole in the tang make note for future reference.

Step 4

Insert the tang into the new handle, make sure its properly aligned and then tap between the tines to ensure a tight fit.

Step 5

Mark the position of the rivet hole taken from the measurements.

Step 6

Drill through marked rivet hole and handle.

Step 7

Insert new rivet and hammer down till ends are flat.