No you can't - coz it breaks too easily!
Sledgehammer: Hickory or Fibreglass?
- Thread starter cotswoldcs
- Start date
Connaughtfarmer
New Member
I've heard of the antifreeze solution before but am yet to try it. The theory is that the antifreeze is much slower to evaporate than water. In a damp environment such as a tool shed or the bunch of nettles where it was throw since last used the evaporation rate would most likely be negligible.
As for the debate over hickory or fibreglass I'd punt for the fibreglass. My father was a man for "proper" hickory or other wooden handles but his care and maintenance would surpass mine. A hickory handle is a thing of beauty but if your a bit of ape like myself then a more resilient fibreglass handle would most definitely be the one for you.
As for the suggestion of a length of galvanize that's termed a handle with "a lifetime guarantee" round here. The thoughts of using one of those in anything much less a sledge sends tremor's down my spine.
A pair of brothers locally were rough operators but great workers, any trip to there yard was memorable but one incident stands out. A home made fork or "grape" was lying against the wall, it consisted of a length of galvanize for the handle with another piece welded to the bottom at 90 degree's. This bottom piece had holes drilled through it and lenghts of cranked and pointed rebar welded in. It was indestructible but it would be a day's work to carry it without ever using it, there joint nickname of the cavemen was well deserved.
As for the debate over hickory or fibreglass I'd punt for the fibreglass. My father was a man for "proper" hickory or other wooden handles but his care and maintenance would surpass mine. A hickory handle is a thing of beauty but if your a bit of ape like myself then a more resilient fibreglass handle would most definitely be the one for you.
As for the suggestion of a length of galvanize that's termed a handle with "a lifetime guarantee" round here. The thoughts of using one of those in anything much less a sledge sends tremor's down my spine.
A pair of brothers locally were rough operators but great workers, any trip to there yard was memorable but one incident stands out. A home made fork or "grape" was lying against the wall, it consisted of a length of galvanize for the handle with another piece welded to the bottom at 90 degree's. This bottom piece had holes drilled through it and lenghts of cranked and pointed rebar welded in. It was indestructible but it would be a day's work to carry it without ever using it, there joint nickname of the cavemen was well deserved.
Farmer-George
Member
Love a nice bit of hickory. It’s always warm to touch and responsive.
- Location
- Scottish Highlands
Good to find such a loyal band of Brits all in one place!
Hickory is an American tree and the wood has to be imported to make tool handles. What's the matter with Ash? It grows in the UK and has traditionally been used for tool handles since they started using tools!
Also used for anything else needing a strong but flexible wood -- wooden wheels, carts and gigs, hockey sticks, etc. Yes, hickory is better but it does have to be imported.
Whatever wood you use, make sure to check the grain is straight. I bought a two pronged hay fork 15 years ago. The handle had been cut with a band saw as most are these days, not split, and was slightly cross grained. I knew the damned thing wouldn't last but it was the only one they had. Glued it twice with Aroldite in the last couple of years.
Hickory is an American tree and the wood has to be imported to make tool handles. What's the matter with Ash? It grows in the UK and has traditionally been used for tool handles since they started using tools!
Also used for anything else needing a strong but flexible wood -- wooden wheels, carts and gigs, hockey sticks, etc. Yes, hickory is better but it does have to be imported.
Whatever wood you use, make sure to check the grain is straight. I bought a two pronged hay fork 15 years ago. The handle had been cut with a band saw as most are these days, not split, and was slightly cross grained. I knew the damned thing wouldn't last but it was the only one they had. Glued it twice with Aroldite in the last couple of years.
Rust
Member
- Location
- Hertfordshire