Pickaxe handles.

[conny]

Are they all the same size as regards the head end?
I have an old pickaxe, but the head is quite loose. Rather than just buy a couple of wedges to try and tighten the head, I'd like to get a new handle and wedges but don't know if they are different sizes or all to a set standard.

 

[^woody^]

All standard.

 

[jj4091]

Have you tried standing it in a bucket of water for a couple of days to swell up a bit.

 

[Charlie George]

Have you tried standing it in a bucket of water for a couple of days to swell up a bit.

Doe's this only work with pickaxe handles?

 

[Mottie]

Doe's this only work with pickaxe handles?

Works with hammers.

 

[jj4091]

Doe's this only work with pickaxe handles?

Should have said with the head removed. It's better with pick axe than other handles because they rely of the head being knocked down from the grip to the head.

 

[^woody^]

Doe's this only work with pickaxe handles?

I'll get the plastering tub out and let you know.

 

[Nige F]

All standard.

The 1896 Navvy standard

 

[^woody^]

I wonder if "old" pick axe heads are imperial, and new handles metric?

 

[^woody^]

The 1896 Navvy standard

There's not many Irish men on site now to actually ask!

 

[DiyNutJob]

Why not use nails? Even screws will work.

 

[conny]

Why not use nails? Even screws will work.

I prefer to use the correct wedges. Nails and screws are a bodge job in my opinion and can work lose with impact.

 

[Stivino]

I've never known a pick to have a fixed head. I always thought the head was just knocked into position by giving it a few dunts on the ground and doing it the opposite way to separate it for storage.

 

[jj4091]

I've never known a pick to have a fixed head. I always thought the head was just knocked into position by giving it a few dunts on the ground and doing it the opposite way to separate it for storage.

Yes but once they have dried out the head hits the ground before the shaft when you try to fit them so they don't tighten.