My rock hammer handle split right in half on a trip to the Badlands

I was out near Wall, South Dakota last weekend trying to get a decent sample of some bentonite clay. It was my third good whack on a weathered outcrop when I heard this awful crack. The wooden handle on my Estwing just gave out completely, split lengthwise from the head down about eight inches. I've had that hammer for almost twelve years, so I guess it was just tired. I had to wrap the whole thing in a ton of duct tape from my truck just to finish the day, which was a huge pain. Now I'm stuck trying to decide if I should try to re-handle it myself or just buy a new one. Has anyone here had good luck replacing a handle on an old geology hammer, or is it usually more trouble than it's worth?

3 comments

3 Comments

robinp8921d ago

Honestly, it feels like everything is just built to break these days so you have to buy a new one. Tbh a twelve year run is pretty good for any tool now.

kevinking21d ago

Remember my buddy's old cordless drill? Thing was a tank from like 2008. Finally gave up last month, motor just quit. He opened it up for fun, and the new replacement part was literally designed to snap. Planned failure, right in front of him. Makes you wonder if they even try to hide it anymore. Twelve years does sound like a win now, but it's a sad win.

amy_lewis21d ago

Used to think that was just bad luck, but seeing parts made to fail changes everything.