New handles for old tools

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by Graham B, May 23, 2018.

  1. Graham B

    Graham B Gardener

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    Pipe down with those double entendres, thank you... ;)

    I've got a vintage Staffordshire billhook and a sickle which both need new handles. Can anyone recommend someone who does this?
     
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    • PetalsonthePavingSlabs

      PetalsonthePavingSlabs Gardener

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      I found this site: Other | Richard Carter but not sure if they fit them, think they only provide the new handles. Good luck, in the meantime I'll keep googling for you!
       
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      • Graham B

        Graham B Gardener

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        Thanks Petals. Like you, I found places selling handles, but not that'd fit them. Both tools have the ends of the tang peened over, so it's not just a straight "welly it in and job done" situation.
         
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        • OxfordNick

          OxfordNick Super Gardener

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          Ive been looking at putting a new handle on an old billhook too - Im thinking I can straighten the tang with careful use of the blowtorch & hammer then heat it up again & wack a new handle on then bend it back ; how difficult can it be :-)
           
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          • Graham B

            Graham B Gardener

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            I posted a pic of the billhook in the other thread - here it is again.
             

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              Last edited: May 23, 2018
            • Gail_68

              Gail_68 Guest

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              @Graham B does it matter if you can buy second hand ones and adjust them yourself?
               
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            • Graham B

              Graham B Gardener

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              @Gail_68 If I knew I could fit it myself without buggering up a nice bit of vintage cutlery, then sure. If it was a simple push-fit, then no worries. I'm not sure what to do with something with a button at the end though.
               
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              • NigelJ

                NigelJ Total Gardener

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                @Graham B
                I think you will have to straighten out the tangs to fit the new handle. Then after the handle has been fitted peen over.
                 
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                • Gail_68

                  Gail_68 Guest

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                  Graham what about the advice Nigel as given you :)
                   
                • Graham B

                  Graham B Gardener

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                  Thanks @NigelJ. I'm not a metalwork expert though, so I suspect the buggering-it-up odds are not in my favour! My worry is breaking the tang so I can't do anything with it - I've done that once with a metal file just by dropping it wrong on the driveway - so I think messing about with this without knowing what I'm doing is likely to result in me killing my tools. I'd rather give someone a few quid and know I'll get things back in working order.
                   
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                  • NigelJ

                    NigelJ Total Gardener

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                    @Graham B
                    Perhaps find a local black smith and get him to straighten out after you have removed the old handle.
                     
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                    • Clare G

                      Clare G Super Gardener

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                      I agree with @NigelJ - replacing a tool-handle was traditionally a blacksmith's job, and in the countryside at least I bet there are a few at least who would still do this for you. Another option might be to ask someone who specialises in servicing lawnmowers, sharpening knives, etc. if you have such a person locally.
                       
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                      • Jiffy

                        Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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                        Very few, even in the countryside "it's buy new"

                        I will have a go at puting handles in my tools as i'm heavy handed, i break'm i repair'm

                        Old crafts are dieing out but there are some people that will put in new handles but the hardist thing is finding someone, you never know it could be your neighbour
                         
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                        • Gail_68

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