Handles & Wedges

About Handles & Wedges

Handles and wedges are essential replacement components that restore worn or damaged striking tools to safe working condition. Whether maintaining professional equipment used daily on site or preserving trusted workshop tools, quality replacement parts from MyToolShed.co.uk allow tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts to extend tool life rather than replacing entire units. This cost-effective approach keeps familiar, well-balanced hammers and striking tools in service for years.

This category includes traditional ash and hickory wooden handles offering excellent shock absorption, plus modern fibreglass alternatives providing superior durability. Hammer wedges—available in wooden and metal varieties—secure heads firmly to handles, preventing dangerous loosening during use. MyToolShed stocks replacement parts compatible with professional brands including Stanley and Bahco, ensuring reliable connections for safe tool operation across all applications.

Applications

Replacement handles and wedges serve tradespeople and professionals across numerous sectors:

• Carpenters and joiners maintaining claw hammers for framing and finishing work
• General builders on construction sites where tools face heavy daily use
• Landscapers restoring lump hammers and sledgehammers for fencing and groundwork
• Roofers servicing specialist hammers for slate and tile installation
• Demolition contractors maintaining tools subjected to extreme conditions
• Maintenance engineers in industrial settings preserving workshop equipment
• DIY enthusiasts restoring inherited or vintage tools to working condition
• Tool collectors preserving traditional hand tools
• Groundwork professionals maintaining heavy striking tools for outdoor applications

Choosing The Right Handles & Wedges

Measure the Eye Size: Hammer head eye diameter and depth determine handle compatibility. Measure carefully using callipers, as handles match specific hammer patterns from manufacturers like Stanley and Bahco.

Material Selection: Traditional hickory handles provide excellent shock absorption and natural feel preferred by many tradespeople. Fibreglass alternatives offer superior durability and weather resistance, ideal for tools stored in vans or used outdoors.

Handle Length: Match original length unless modifying tool characteristics. Replacement handles range from 330mm claw hammer handles to 900mm+ sledgehammer versions.

Wedge Type: Wooden wedges suit lighter hammers and standard applications. Metal cross wedges provide extra security for heavier striking tools. Professional applications often benefit from using both types together for maximum security.

Quality Grade: Professional-grade handles feature straight, consistent grain patterns and proper moisture content. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality components free from knots, cross-grain, or defects that create weak points.

Safety Information

Properly fitted handles and wedges are critical for safe tool operation. Loose hammer heads can detach during use, creating serious projectile hazards. Always ensure wedges are driven fully home and check regularly for looseness, particularly after initial uses as wooden components settle. Inspect hammer head eyes for cracks or mushrooming that could compromise connections. The HSE recommends regular striking tool inspection as part of workplace safety procedures. Never use hammers with cracked or split handles—catastrophic failure during use poses significant injury risk. Replace damaged components immediately rather than attempting repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any handle with my hammer head?

No, handles must match the eye size and shape of your specific hammer head. Measure eye diameter carefully and select appropriately sized handles. Incorrectly sized handles create dangerous situations where heads may become loose or detach during use.

Are fibreglass handles better than wooden ones?

Each material offers distinct advantages. Fibreglass provides superior durability and weather resistance with minimal maintenance, whilst traditional hickory delivers excellent shock absorption and feel many professionals prefer. Choice depends on personal preference and working conditions.

Do I need both wooden and metal wedges?

For light to medium hammers, wooden wedges alone typically suffice. Heavier striking tools like lump hammers and sledgehammers benefit from both wooden wedges and metal cross wedges for maximum security under high-impact use.