(http://www.vrombaut.co.uk/GARDEN-PICS/spade.jpg)
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????
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
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
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.
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).
You could stick in a fire for a while, it'll burn out probaby.
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?
Put this bit in a drill to make a large hole and lever the remains out with and old chisel or large screw driver.
;)(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6500/woodbit6cd.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
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
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.
Burning it out is the traditional way.
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.
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.
Quote from: supersprout on March 28, 2006, 20:24:42
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.
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!
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.
Mission accomplished ;D ;D ;D, using various drill bits and a chisel!
Quotespade steel isn't high quality anyway
Speak for yourself