These days lots of hammers have steel or fiberglass handles. But for light trim work around the house, I actually prefer a good old fashioned wooden handled hammer. And it’s easier than you might think to replace a broken hammer handle, plus it will save you money.

First, cut off the broken handle, and lay the head on a small block of wood with the claws facing up so you can drill out the remains from the eye. Next, insert the throat of the new handle into the head so that the fit is nice and snug.

With the handle in place, cut off the excess that projects above the top of the head. Drive a wood shim into the groove at the top of the handle and finish the job by inserting a metal wedge at a right angle to the wood shim.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More