Replacing broken tool handles

For the longest time I had a broken handled hoe and didn’t know how to replace it. Then the other day, someone told me to build a fire and burn the handle off in. I tried and it worked! I took out the nails (needed to use a magnet to find one of them), cut a new (green) ash handle, peeled and shaped it with a hatchet and knife, and nailed it in. I’m not sure if it is the best made handle in the world, but it looks good. It is a tiny bit loose and I worry might loosen more while drying, but it shall be a learning experience.

Ash is great for handles. Grows right back. I have stacked a few so i can give it a dry one next time. Have had some wobbly experiences. No more! And i like to think my tool looks crappy now so thieves will not want to steal it. They like shiney and posh.

M Ljin wrote:For the longest time I had a broken handled hoe and didn’t know how to replace it. Then the other day, someone told me to build a fire and burn the handle off in. I tried and it worked!  

Personally I wouldn't do that to tools I care about. Good quality digging tools are made of tempered steel, which is why they will take an edge. Heating them in a fire would potentially ruin the temper, making the tool steel much softer. (Though some of the offshore tools are already so soft you'd hardly notice the difference.)

There's a PEP badge for this: https://permies.com/wiki/127877/pep-tool-care/Pin-Style-Handle-Tool-PEP

I made a new handle for a small tool and it's still gets regular use.

If  had wood stuck in the tool part that was too short to get out, I think I try to screw a good-sized screw into it and see if I could then wiggle it out. First one would have to cut off or somehow remove the pin.

Douglas Alpenstock wrote:

M Ljin wrote:For the longest time I had a broken handled hoe and didn’t know how to replace it. Then the other day, someone told me to build a fire and burn the handle off in. I tried and it worked!  

Personally I wouldn't do that to tools I care about. Good quality digging tools are made of tempered steel, which is why they will take an edge. Heating them in a fire would potentially ruin the temper, making the tool steel much softer. (Though some of the offshore tools are already so soft you'd hardly notice the difference.)

Quite true. I tried to keep the blade out of the fire as much as possible, and it never heated to the point of being red.

Jay Angler wrote:There's a PEP badge for this: https://permies.com/wiki/127877/pep-tool-care/Pin-Style-Handle-Tool-PEP

I made a new handle for a small tool and it's still gets regular use.

If  had wood stuck in the tool part that was too short to get out, I think I try to screw a good-sized screw into it and see if I could then wiggle it out. First one would have to cut off or somehow remove the pin.

This gives me an idea. Maybe use screws instead of pins so that they can be removed when needed?

M Ljin wrote: This gives me an idea. Maybe use screws instead of pins so that they can be removed when needed?

I would only use Stainless Steel screws if you try this.

I have found that in a dry situation, screws will come out for a long time, but in a damp/dirty situation, nails are actually easier to get out.

M Ljin wrote:This gives me an idea. Maybe use screws instead of pins so that they can be removed when needed?

When replacing handles on hoes/shovels I usually use standard wood screws. Not those ridiculous slot (flathead) types, but a Phillips or Robertson (Square) that is easy to drive in, tighten, or remove. If it's a really nice handle I'll drill a small pilot hole so the screw doesn't crack the wood.

I often use an old drill bit to drill out a bunch of the wood so it's a bit looser and easier to remove. Jay's idea of screwing in a big screw is also effective.

A full-length rivet is a bit of a pain to remove. I'll cut it with a portable angle grinder (cutting wheel) if I can reach it. Otherwise it gets cut from the outside and tapped out with a punch.

Has anyone noticed the cost of replacement handles at hardware stores? Holy smokes! Highway robbery! I scrounge and collect all sorts of handles from free tools at the recycling centre or dumpster so I have a ready supply on hand. The old handles are often much better quality (tight, full length grain) than new ones. I think this has saved me a lot of money over the years.