How to Fix Shovel Handles

Shovels are tools that see a lot of wear and tear. They are generally used to pick up heavy dirt, snow or debris, which can cause a lot of strain to the handle of the shovel. A broken shovel handle makes the shovel nearly impossible to use. The good news is that you do not have to run out and buy a new shovel just because the handle is broken. You can save yourself money by fixing a shovel handle yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Duct tape
• Wood glue
• Short wood screws
• Screwdriver
• 8 x 3/8 inch stainless, self-tapping screws
• New shovel handle
• Drill

1. Wrap the handle with duct tape at the break. Wrap the tape around the broken area several times, until it feels sturdy. This method will work fine if you are using the shovel for light lifting or moving dirt around, but it may not hold up to heavier lifting.

2. Use wood glue to fix a shovel handle that breaks into two pieces. Apply a generous amount of glue and hold the two pieces in place. Once the glue dries, screw in short wood screws to ensure the broken pieces will hold together.

3. Screw the handle back in if it detaches from the shovel blade. Put the handle back into place and strike concrete forcefully two or three times with the shovel, blade side up. This will get the handle back into the hole of the shovel blade.

4. Secure the handle into the shovel blade using approximately 8 x 3/8 inch stainless, self-tapping screws. Put the screws into the rivet hole on both sides of the handle and screw them in tightly

5. Glue or tape the handle if it just has a small split. Use duct tape, super glue, or wood glue to repair the split.

Tips & Warnings

• If it can't be repaired, replace the shovel handle altogether. Forcefully strike the concrete with the blade side of the shovel facing up. Do this a couple of times for the handle to get into the blade. Drill 1/8 inch holes through the rivet holes, unless they are already drilled from the previous handle. Drill ¼ inch holes into the shovel handle. Use 8 x 3/8 inch screws to secure the handle to the shovel blade by putting the screws through the rivet holes and into the holes in the shovel handle.

References

• All Sands
• On the House