Handles & Wedges

About Handles & Wedges

Handles and wedges are essential replacement components that breathe new life into hammers and other striking tools. Whether you're a professional tradesperson who relies on your tools daily or a DIY enthusiast maintaining your workshop equipment, having access to quality replacement handles and wedges means you can restore worn or damaged tools rather than replacing them entirely. This not only saves money but also allows you to keep using trusted tools that you've become accustomed to over years of service.

Hammer handles come in various materials including traditional ash and hickory wood, as well as modern fibreglass and composite alternatives. Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of shock absorption, durability, and feel. Hammer wedges, meanwhile, are the small but crucial components that secure the hammer head firmly to the handle, preventing dangerous loosening during use. Available in both wooden and metal varieties, these wedges create a tight, reliable connection that's vital for safe tool operation.

Replacing a handle or wedge is a cost-effective way to maintain your toolkit and extend the working life of quality hammer heads from trusted brands like Stanley, Bahco, and other professional manufacturers. With the right replacement parts and a bit of know-how, you can restore a worn hammer to like-new condition, maintaining the balance and feel you've grown accustomed to on site or in the workshop.

Jargon Buster

Eye

The socket or hole in the hammer head where the handle is inserted and secured. The eye size determines which handle diameter you'll need.

Wedge

A tapered piece of wood or metal driven into the top of the handle through a slot to expand it within the hammer head's eye, creating a secure connection.

Hickory

A traditional hardwood prized for hammer handles due to its excellent shock absorption properties and natural flexibility that reduces user fatigue.

Fibreglass Handle

Modern handle material offering superior durability and weather resistance compared to wood, though with different vibration characteristics.

Cross Wedge

A metal wedge inserted perpendicular to the wooden wedge for extra security, commonly used on heavier striking tools.

Handle Grain

The direction of wood fibres in a timber handle; proper grain alignment (running lengthwise) is critical for strength and durability.

Who Uses Handles & Wedges?

Replacement handles and wedges are essential for anyone who regularly uses striking tools:

• Carpenters and joiners who rely on claw hammers daily for framing, finishing work, and general carpentry tasks
• General builders working on construction sites where hammers take heavy punishment
• Landscapers using lump hammers and sledgehammers for fence post installation and groundwork
• Roofers maintaining their specialist hammers for slate and tile work
• Demolition contractors who subject tools to extreme conditions and need regular maintenance
• Maintenance engineers in industrial settings who maintain workshop equipment
• DIY enthusiasts looking to restore inherited or vintage tools to working condition
• Tool collectors and restorers preserving traditional hand tools
• Garden and groundwork professionals maintaining heavy striking tools for outdoor applications

How to Choose the Right Handles & Wedges

Selecting the correct replacement handle and wedges requires attention to several key factors:

Measure the Eye Size: The hammer head's eye diameter and depth determine which handle will fit. Measure carefully using callipers or a ruler, as handles come in specific sizes to match common hammer patterns. Most manufacturers provide sizing information to match standard hammer heads from brands like Stanley and Bahco.

Material Selection: Traditional ash and hickory handles offer excellent shock absorption and a natural feel that many tradespeople prefer. Fibreglass handles provide superior durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for tools stored in vans or used outdoors. Consider your working environment and personal preference for weight and vibration dampening.

Handle Length: Replacement handles come in various lengths to suit different hammer types, from short claw hammer handles around 330mm to longer sledgehammer handles exceeding 900mm. Match the original length unless you specifically want to modify the tool's characteristics.

Wedge Type: Wooden wedges work well for lighter hammers and standard applications, whilst metal cross wedges provide extra security for heavier striking tools like lump hammers and sledgehammers. Some applications benefit from using both types together for maximum security.

Quality Grade: Professional-grade handles feature straight, consistent grain patterns and proper moisture content. Avoid handles with knots, cross-grain, or visible defects, as these create weak points that can lead to failure during use.

Popular Accessories

• Wood rasps and files for shaping handles to achieve a perfect fit in the hammer eye
• Sandpaper and finishing supplies for smoothing and sealing wooden handles
• Linseed oil for treating and preserving timber handles against moisture and wear
• Hammers for driving wedges securely into place during installation
• Wood saws for trimming handle length and cutting wedge slots
• Measuring tools including callipers for accurate eye diameter measurement
• Vice or workbench for securely holding components during handle replacement
• Safety gloves for protecting hands during installation work

Safety Information

Properly fitted handles and wedges are critical for safe tool operation. A loose hammer head can detach during use, creating a serious projectile hazard that could cause injury to the user or bystanders. Always ensure wedges are driven fully home and check regularly for looseness, particularly after the first few uses as wooden components settle.

When replacing handles, inspect the hammer head's eye for cracks, mushrooming, or other damage that could compromise the connection. The HSE recommends regular inspection of all striking tools as part of workplace safety procedures. Never use a hammer with a cracked or split handle, as it may fail catastrophically during use.

Allow newly fitted wooden handles to settle for 24-48 hours before heavy use, and re-tighten wedges if necessary. Fibreglass handles should be checked to ensure they're completely seated and any retaining pins or mechanical fasteners are properly secured according to manufacturer instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any handle with my hammer head?

No, handles must match the eye size and shape of your specific hammer head. Measure the eye diameter carefully and select a handle designed for that size. Using an incorrectly sized handle creates a dangerous situation where the head may become loose or detach.

How do I know when my hammer handle needs replacing?

Replace handles showing cracks, splits, excessive wear, or looseness that cannot be corrected by re-wedging. Any handle that feels loose during use should be addressed immediately, as this represents a significant safety hazard on site or in the workshop.

Are fibreglass handles better than wooden ones?

Each material has advantages. Fibreglass offers superior durability and weather resistance with minimal maintenance, whilst traditional hickory provides excellent shock absorption and a feel many professionals prefer. Choice often comes down to personal preference and working conditions.

Do I need both wooden and metal wedges?

For light to medium hammers, a wooden wedge alone typically suffices. Heavier striking tools like lump hammers and sledgehammers benefit from both a wooden wedge and a metal cross wedge for maximum security under high-impact use.

Can I repair a cracked wooden handle?

No, cracked or split handles should always be replaced rather than repaired. Cracks compromise structural integrity and can lead to catastrophic failure during use, potentially causing injury. The cost of a replacement handle is minimal compared to the risk of continued use.