- -  AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM  - -

(CLF2000) Advanced Core Cluster: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS

 (CLF2100) Unit Title: TOOL USE AND MAINTENANCE AND SHOP SAFETY

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 (CLF2108) Topic: TOOL HANDLE FITTING             Time      Year(s)
                                                 2 hours      1 / 2 / 3 / 4
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          Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the students
                             will be able to:
 
          Learning Outcome #:

             (E-1) - Correctly replace handles on hand tools such as 
                       hammers, shovels, and axes.

          Special Materials and Equipment: Shovel blades, axe and hammer 
                       heads, wedges, handles for each tool, rubber mallets,
                       hammers, and a hacksaw.

          References: Burke, Stanley R., & Wakeman, T. J. (1990). MODERN
                         AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS (2nd ed.). Danville, IL:
                         Interstate Publishers.
                       Cooper, Elmer L. (1987). AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS:
                         FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS. Albany, NY: Delmar
                         Publishers.

          Evaluation: Quiz administered by the instructor in the proper
                       methods of replacing handles on broken tools.

TOPIC PRESENTATION: Tool Handle Fitting

A. The Importance of Properly Fitted Handles

   1. Properly fitted handles reduce the risk of injury to the worker and to
       those around the worker that can be caused by flying tool handles.

   2. Work can be performed more efficiently with tools that have properly 
       fitted handles. 

   3. It is often less expensive to replace a broken handle than to purchase 
       a new tool.

B. Removing the Old or Broken Handle from a Hammer or an Axe

   1. Place the head of the tool securely in a vise and use a 1/4" or 3/8"
       bit to drill several holes into the core.

   2. Use a large punch to drive the remaining wood out of the tool head.
C. Removing the Old or Broken Handle from a Shovel or a Rake

   1. Grind off the head of the rivet that holds the handle and use a drift 
       punch to remove it.

   2. Spread the metal tab and remove the remains of the old or broken 
       handle.

D. Attaching Handles to Hammers and Axes

   1. Use a wood rasp to shape the end of the handle to fit the tool head.
       CAUTION: Do not remove too much wood from the handle. This will 
       cause a loose fit.

   2. Work the handle into the head of the tool. A proper fit has been
       achieved when the head comes to rest 1/2" above the enlarged part of
       the handle.

   3. Remove the tool head and use a saw to make a slot across the longest 
       center line of the handle. This slot is necessary for the insertion 
       of the wedges.

   4. Drive the handle into the head using a wooden mallet. Do NOT use a
       metal hammer, as it will damage the new handle.

   5. Drive a wooden wedge into the opened slot. The wedge should be
       positioned along the center line, parallel to the slot.

   6. Drive one or more metal wedges into the handle at right angles to the 
       wooden wedge.

   7. Soak the tool head and top of the handle in linseed oil for several
       days to seal the fit of the handle and preserve the wood.

E. Attaching Handles to Rakes, Pitchforks, and Shovels

   1. Drive the new handle into the tool head using a rubber or wooden
       mallet.

   2. Close the metal of the tool head around the new handle using a vise.

   3. Drill a hole through the space where the rivet is to be located.
       Install a replacement rivet to secure the handle.

F. Cracked or Split Handles can often be Repaired Instead of Being Replaced

   1. Use a vise to spread the crack in the handle open. Apply wood glue to 
       the split.

   2. Clamp the handle in several places and remove the excess glue.

   3. After the glue dries, sand the handle smooth and treat the handle with
       linseed oil. Tape the handle to add additional strength to the 
       repaired area.

G. Loose handles on tools can be very dangerous should the head fly off 
   the handle. Loose handles are very easy to repair. Soak the head and the
   top of the handle in linseed oil for 24 to 36 hours. Remove the tool and 
   wipe off all extra oil.

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         ACTIVITY: 

         1. Have the students bring tools from home that require new
             handles. Practice replacing handles on various tools.

         2. Discuss the safety and efficiency factors pertaining to 
             tools with proper handles.

         3. Practice repairing cracked or split handles on various 
             tools.
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7/11/91 DLF/RRE/tf


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