Replacement Tool Handles: How to Choose and Change Them

When it is worth changing the handle

A tool with a head in good condition should not be thrown away just because the handle has broken or come loose. If it has snapped, splintered or the head wobbles, the sensible thing is to replace it with a replacement made to fit that model. An original handle restores the factory fit and the tool works safely again. You can see the whole range in the replacement handles collection.

First, identify your tool

The right handle depends on the tool, the shape of its eye or socket and the type of handle fitting. That is why each technical sheet states which models it is compatible with. Some real examples from the range:

Transplanting spades 5604 and 5573: the varnished beech handle for transplanting spades is available with a T-handle (700 mm), metal ring (700 mm) or long (985 mm).
Builder's shovels 5501, 5502 and 5559: the beech handle for builder's shovels comes in T-handle, ring and long versions, and is press-fitted and fixed with a lag screw.
Forks 901 and 902: there are straight long handles (1,200 mm), curved long handles (1,350 mm) and ring handles.
Rakes: the M 952 handle comes in a standard version and a long 1,500 mm version.
Biscay axes 8130C: the tapered beech handle is made to measure for each axe size, because with a tapered fitting the head seats onto the handle and tightens a little more with every blow.
Sledgehammers 5200: the M 5200 beech handle is made in lengths from 600 to 890 mm depending on the hammer.

Beech wood, carbon fibre or anti-twist

The material changes how the handle behaves:

Varnished beech. The classic replacement: light, pleasant to hold and with a varnished finish that improves grip. The Bellota beech handles we have mentioned are PEFC certified.
Carbon fibre. Designed for hard work. The M6CFN carbon fibre handle combines a carbon fibre core, an engineering polymer body and an impact-absorbing elastomer coating, with non-slip side grooves. It measures 900 mm and suits hoes, mattocks and grubbing hoes. Bellota describes it as a practically unbreakable handle. There is also a version for sledgehammers.
Anti-twist. The anti-twist wooden handle has an overmoulded plastic joint that fits into the grooves of the eye of the anti-twist hoe: head and handle are locked together, with no wedges and no rags. You choose according to the eye size of your hoe (M1 at 30 x 32 mm, M4 at 37.5 x 39.5 mm or M6 at 42 x 44 mm) and the length (1,000, 1,200 or 1,400 mm).

The importance of the wedge

On wooden handles for sledgehammers, club hammers and hammers, the wedge is what holds the joint. Bellota fibreglass wedges are sold in blister packs of 6 and resist corrosion, weather and temperature changes. There are two formats: 8975 BL for sledgehammers and club hammers, and 8976 BL for club hammers and hammers.

How to choose the handle step by step

Find the reference of your tool and look for the handle whose technical sheet lists it as compatible.
Check the shape of the eye or socket and, on anti-twist hoes, the size (M1, M4 or M6).
Choose the grip and length for your job: long handles let you work more upright and look after your back.
Decide on the material: beech for general use, carbon fibre if you often break wooden handles on mattocks or hoes.
Remember that the handle is sold on its own, without the head.

Tips for fitting and care

Before fitting the new handle, completely remove any remains of the old one and check that the new one fits without play. After use, clean and dry the tool and store it somewhere dry. If the handle starts to splinter or work loose again, it is a sign that it needs replacing.

If you are looking for the complete tool, see our guides to hoes, spades, shovels and forks and axes, machetes and sickles.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which handle my tool needs?

Find the reference of your tool and check that it appears as compatible on the handle's technical sheet. On anti-twist hoes you also need to choose the eye size: M1, M4 or M6.

What handle length do I need for a hoe?

It depends on your height and the type of work. Anti-twist handles for hoes come in 1,000, 1,200 and 1,400 mm, and the M6CFN carbon fibre handle is 900 mm.

Wooden handle or carbon fibre?

Varnished beech is light and pleasant to hold, and is fine for general use. Carbon fibre is designed for hard work with mattocks and hoes: Bellota describes it as practically unbreakable, and its elastomer coating absorbs impacts.

What is an anti-twist handle?

It is a handle with an overmoulded joint that fits into the grooves of the eye of the anti-twist hoe, so that head and handle work as a single piece. It comes ready to use, with no wedges and no rags.

What are fibreglass wedges used for?

They secure the wooden handle to the head of sledgehammers, club hammers and hammers with a safe joint and no play. They are sold in blister packs of 6 wedges and resist corrosion, weather and temperature changes.

Find the handle for your tool in the replacement handles collection.

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