How to Install a Handle in a Sledgehammer

Place the sledge hammer on a solid surface. Saw off the remnant of the old handle at the base of the head.

Clamp the sledge hammer head in a vise, if available. Optionally, place the head on two solid objects with a space between them so that the handle eye is positioned over the open space.

Drive the remainder of the handle from the head using a hammer and cold chisel or punch. Drill several holes in the wood with a 1/4-inch bit to loosen the remnant, if necessary.

Check the fit of the replacement handle by slipping it into the eye. Use a hand rasp to trim the wood if necessary, but be careful not to remove too much. The handle should be a fairly tight fit in the eye. Cut a thin, 2-inch deep vertical slot in the top of the handle where it fits into the eye if there isn't one.

Stand the handle upright on the floor. Slip the head onto the handle as far as it will go. Insert a wooden wedge into the slot in the handle. Drive the wedge into the handle to tighten it against the metal sides of the eye.

Place the sledge hammer on a solid surface. Trim the top of the handle flush with the top of the head.

Stand the sledge hammer upright on the floor again and drive two metal wedges at right angles to the wood wedge. Check the head to make sure it fits tightly before using the hammer.