I broke the D handle off my fork a few weeks ago. Had to special order a replacement handle as it has the steel has a wide spade shape to it. The replacement handle still had an oblongish hole to it, not the shape of the spade. The guy at the hardware store told me to use some heat on the steel when inserting it. I did that, got it in and it was tight. But, it keeps loosening up under heavy use even after giving it some heavy smacks with a mini sledge/bar to reseat it. Am I missing something here?
I put epoxy in the hole then insert the tool head. I takes up any extra space & binds the handle to the head.
If its a hickory or Oak handle soak it in kerosene or fuel oil for about a month or so, swells the wood fibers. We used to soak the whole thing for almost a year, added bonus makes almost impossible to break as well. Water flashes back out too quick
Thanks guys...I got pizzed off and drilled a hole through it with the drill press and put a pin in it. Still isn't as tight as I like but doesn't fall off. I'll give the epoxy or fuel oil ideas a try.
epoxy is a good idea kinda like bedding a rifle. we used to soak pitman arms and new handles in kerosene/diesel. the arms where waterproofed and lasted longer on the mower out in the elements
