How to Repair Old Shovels

Screw Handle Shovels

• 1

  Measure the length of the shovel and observe where the crack or breaks are located. Additionally, check the shovel’s grain tracks.

• 2

  Check to see the style of the handle. A shovel handle may be riveted or screwed into the head of the shovel. Newer shovels handles are screwed into the head.

• 3

  Buy a new handle for a shovel with a screw. Use the ridge end and insert the handle into the shovel socket. Replace the screws.

Riveted Handles

• 4

  Place the shovel neck end into a bench vise with the rivet heads in an upward position or pointed toward the ceiling. Clamp the vise securely around the neck of the shovel.

• 5

  Cut or grind off the rivets heads with a grinding wheel attach to a drill.

• 6

  Slide the old handle out of the blade socket and remove any dirt, debris or grass from the neck of the shovelhead. Insert the new handle into the neck of the shovel socket.

• 7

  Observe the wood grain on the handle and rotate the handle so that the circular or oval rings are located on the sides of the handle.

• 8

  Drill into the original holes and new wooden handle.

• 9

  Insert the rivet into the holes and place the rivet heads on top of a bench vise. Tap the ends of the rivet with a hammer and flatten the rivets around the shovelhead to insure the handle is secure to the shovel.