Re-hanging a sledge hammer, what side is the top?

[NKlamerus]

I got a 10# true temper sledge head for free, and I'm looking to re-handle it with a hickory handle.

However, because I didn't see it new, I'm not sure which side is the top?

The eye itself has a taper, the problem is it is off center

Used these stock photos to help explain, would 1 or 2 be correct?

 

[The Cobbler]

it doesn't matter. just put the taper outwards so you can properly wedge the handle

 

[NKlamerus]

it doesn't matter. just put the taper outwards so you can properly wedge the handle

It's a taper In both directions, should it be long taper wedge side or short taper wedge side?

 

[NKlamerus]

More photos

 

[bargainhuntingking]

I’d vote for #2. It would allow a longer, fatter wedge and hold the head on much better.

 

[ssdave]

....

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I thought the top would have a numeral indicating the weight.

 

[ZRX61]

#2..

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, if one of the faces is smaller that face belongs on top. The important thing is how will it feel best in your hand.

 

[steaks&anvils]

I thought the top would have a numeral indicating the weight.

Compare this picture of a new true temper sledge from the web of an 8lb-er to your pictures. The 4 cast in markings (one of which is the weight) are on the top.

 

[jonshonda]

I have always put markings on the bottom as I felt they would be most protected from damage.

 

[vjquan]

Mines have the weight/wear safety goggles markings on the top. Does this correlate to #1 or #2?

 

[larry_g]

I think that if you look at some asymmetrical hammer heads like a claw hammer or a pick you will find that the handle goes in the small end of the taper and the wedge end is larger. If your head is Hourglass shaped like you show then it doesn't matter but if the 'waist' of the hour glass is not centered then I'd put the short side toward the handle as your #2 shows.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[NKlamerus]

I chose #2 and hung the head, didn't get get the wedge tught enough unfortunately and I'll have to redo it all.

 

[jonshonda]

I don't know what method you use, but I typically spread BLO on the handle and inside the hammer head before insertion. Then insert the handle in as much as I can by hand, tip it over and lightly hold the handle in my hand. Then hit the bottom of the handle with a dead blow and let the handle slide through my hand w/o dropping it. I do that a bunch of time until it looks like its not moving. Then trim the handle and insert the wedge. Then let the BLO dry for a few days before using.

 

[NKlamerus]

I don't know what method you use, but I typically spread BLO on the handle and inside the hammer head before insertion. Then insert the handle in as much as I can by hand, tip it over and lightly hold the handle in my hand. Then hit the bottom of the handle with a dead blow and let the handle slide through my hand w/o dropping it. I do that a bunch of time until it looks like its not moving. Then trim the handle and insert the wedge. Then let the BLO dry for a few days before using.

Exact same process, I add pencil lines to check movement along the way

I've done most other tools, sledge hammers and I just don't get along

 

[finn]

Bell outh, if any, towards the top.

The wedge when inserted will expand the handle so it can’t slip out of the narrower neck of the hole in the head.

Sometimes you have to take a belt sander to the hickory handle to get a good, tight fit.

 

[jonshonda]

Exact same process, I add pencil lines to check movement along the way

I've done most other tools, sledge hammers and I just don't get along

Throw in the towel!! No more striking large objects with a BFH for you mister!

 

[NKlamerus]

Much better.

I work at a hardware store so I was able to pickup about 15 metal step wedges of varying sizes for 4$

Set for life.

 

[ForrestT]

What did you put in the split of the handle and on the wedge? Wood glue?


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[KnurledNut]

The round wedges dont have the best reliability.
Glad to see you redo it.
After trimming the wood wedge put in two metal wedges perpendicular to the wood wedge. I like to do them at an angle around 25-35 degrees. I also like to seal the end grain with raw linseed oil.

 

[jonshonda]

After trimming the wood wedge put in two metal wedges perpendicular to the wood wedge. I like to do them at an angle around 25-35 degrees. I also like to seal the end grain with raw linseed oil.

I do the same, but usually strip whatever dumb coating the manufacturer puts on the handle with a spoke shave, then sand it down w/ 120-> 220. Burn the grain with a torch, stain it to match all my other wood handles, and treat the entire handle and hammer head with BLO.

 

[KnurledNut]

I do the same, but usually strip whatever dumb coating the manufacturer puts on the handle with a spoke shave, then sand it down w/ 120-> 220. Burn the grain with a torch, stain it to match all my other wood handles, and treat the entire handle and hammer head with BLO.

 

[NKlamerus]

What did you put in the split of the handle and on the wedge? Wood glue?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Yessir, first time for me, most people don't use a metal wedge if they glue the wedge, but that's mostly axes

A sledge hammer likely sees a little more shock

 

[NKlamerus]

BLO (boiled linseed oil) and maintenance is a must

 

[Millwrong]

No science behind it, but 'd have excellent luck soaking everything (handle, wedge, inside of head) with red loc-tite. I think it soaks into the wood, swelling it a little, then hardens and binds everything up rock solid.

 

[NKlamerus]

Interestingly enough, I saw a new one one of these today. And It in position #1