spade problem solving

[dandelion]

On the top a stainless steel blade belonging to a spade I bought at Lidl. The softwood handle broke the first time I used it! Underneath it a very nice ash replacement handle. I'd like to attach the replacement handle to the blade...

Now here's the problem: The softwood handle broke right at the top of the metal shaft, so there is still a big piece of wood inside. And I can't get it out! The wood is wet, which probably doesn't help. I've already  tried a corkscrew, and am now contemplating drilling holes in the wood using the biggest drill bit I can find, or cooking the blade in the hope the wood will turn to charcoal.
Suggestions anyone????

[dandelion]

[supersprout]

Sorry not to answer the real question, but where did you get your replacement handle please dandelion? It looks like another parsnip planter to me ::) :o

[dandelion]

It's one of these:
http://www.mackay.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2emackay%2eco%2euk%2fstore%2facatalog%2fshop%2ehtml&WD=handle%20replacement&SHOP=%20&PN=Online_Catalogue_Straight_Shovel_Handles_202%2ehtml%23a82800040#a82800040

[ChrisH]

Does there appear to be a rivit or screw keeping it in, if so then the first step would be to remove this - hammer and something the same size to knock it out/through.

If not, then it must be glued ? unless anyone else can think of how its fixed in place.

[dandelion]

The first thing I did was to remove the screw. I don't think it's glued. The wood has probably expanded because it is wet (I left it outside for a few weeks).

[keef]

You could stick in a fire for a while, it'll burn out probaby.

[ChrisH]

just had a good idea :) well an idea  :D


put a screw in the shaft part and it may give some leaverage to get the wood out?

[Roy Bham UK]

Put this bit in a drill to make a large hole and lever the remains out with and old chisel or large screw driver.
;)

[Rose.mary]

Put it somewhere to dry and then it will probably shrink. You can then use that big drill bit down the centre and lever it out.

Rosemary

[dandelion]

Thanks all. Using a screw to lever it out doesn't work. I think I'll put near the radiator or perhaps even in  the oven at low temperature for a few hours for the wood to dry out. My other half has promised to try out his drill bits on it  next weekend.

[amphibian]

Burning it out is the traditional way.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I leave it till I have a bonfire and stick the end in. Otherwise, a drill and something to lever with would be the best way, but it's hard work. When it's out, jam the new one in solid - trim it to shape if it doesn't fit well - drill a little hole and put in a screw to hold it firmly. Or do it the lazy way, with a nail. Either way, solidity is what counts; you don't want a wobbly handle.

[MikeB]

If you do burn it out use a small fire, if you get it too hot you can alter its ' hardness ' (tempering) and it will bend under pressure.

[MikeB]

Sorry not to answer the real question, but where did you get your replacement handle please dandelion? It looks like another parsnip planter to me ::) :o

Keep the broken handle, level the end off, make a mark 6" up and whoopie 1 Leek planter.  I've got two broken handles that I use for this and it's ideal.

[dandelion]

Yes, I kept the handle so I'll use it to make a dibber. Thanks for the advice everyone.

I'll let you know after the weekend how the removal  of wood from spade-blade shaft procedure went!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Don't worry too much about annealing the blade; spade steel isn't high quality anyway. Just stick the bit the handle goes in into the edge of the fire and leave it till all the wood's burnt away.

[dandelion]

Mission accomplished  ;D ;D ;D, using various drill bits and a chisel!

[Merry Tiller]

spade steel isn't high quality anyway

Speak for yourself