source for hammer handles

[trainman1385]

I am looking for a source to buy cheap replacement handles for hammers. Perhaps in bulk

 

[zkling]

I'm kinda in the same boat. In for info. Actually I think I am going to try and make my own.

A place that has been suggested to me many a times is Harry Epstein. The price per handle is very good IMHO, but shipping on just a few is a killer, so maybe if you got a large enough order it will work out.

http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=hammer+handle

 

[DoghouseForge]

I orderd a case from the local crowder brothers hardware store about 2 years ago when the "big" home stores decided that it wasnt necessary to carry handles any longer. I guess its bigger business to make you buy a new hammer instead of fixing one.

Anyway, I went and talked to the manager and he got me a discount for ordering a box of 20? or close to that. Saved $1.15 per handle and they ship it to their store so there was no shipping on my end.

For myself I bought the larger size since my blacksmithing hammers are the ones that get beat up most frequently. The one time i needed to fix a claw hammer i just cut/ground the larger one to the size i wanted.

Just a thought,

Ebay will often have a large lot of handles for auction but the shipping charges outway the savings.

JP

heres a link to the Ace hardware handle page. Write down the item number and any ace brand hardware store will be able to order it.

http://www.acehardware.com/search/i...kw=hammer+handle&f=Taxonomy/ACE/19541496&sr=1

 

[spike99250]

Househandle.com

 

[GTO]

I would check Sears,my local store still carries USA made handles.
Good luck

 

[blazemaster83]

I picked up a small wood lathe for $25 just to make handles. I have a small stash of white ash, and the handles work well. However, I have only made round handles, I haven't tried an oval shape yet. It is also hard for me to replicate the same one over and over, so each one is usually different. I would like to find a local place that has a stock of well made handles just to grab a few in case.

I cant stand when a tool breaks in the middle of a job, and you have to spend a bunch more time fixing the tool just to get back on the job. Would be nice to have some ready made ones for that purpose.

 

[zkling]

Have you tried offsetting the tail stock center to create an oval handle? I'm in the process of trying to make my own. In theory it would work just like on a metal lathe. Then again I don't know much of anything about wood turning. What lathe are you using? Any suggestions for someone looking to make hammer handles?

I would check Sears,my local store still carries USA made handles.
Good luck

YMMV on that one. I too thought that would be a goo source. IIRC they are ~$4 each. When I got there, yes they are USA made, but the quality leaves alot to be desired. IMHO. I passed.

 

[kei8mas]

try country trading post salvia nc. 828-989-4566 all kind of handles

 

[BeaterGoat]

+1 for House Handles. Inexpensive, high quality, tons of options, and reasonable shipping.

 

[toolchaser]

Offsetting the tailstock won't produce an oval handle, it WILL produce a tapered handle

 

[zkling]

Offsetting the tailstock won't produce an oval handle, it WILL produce a tapered handle

If you offset it in both directions it will produce a oval handle, I'm pretty sure.

In my head (please keep in mind, I'm a machinist, not a wood worker) this is how it would work.

1.)Turn largest overall diameter on center.
2.)Offset the tail stock center into the piece of wood a specific distance. Say 0.125"
3.)Turn to make a taper
4.)Offset the tail stock center into the piece of wood, 180° the same distance. So if center from step 1 was say 0, first offset would be at +0.125", second offset would be at -0.125"
5.) Turn to make tapered oval.


That should leave you with a tapered, oval handle. As soon as I find a cheap wood lathe I'm going to try this out.