New handle for a Spar "T"

Made a new handle for a friends Old Lyman Spar "T" press.
He broke two handles.
Last one the threads were changed to 7/16x14 for some reason.
Didn't have any scrap round stock, but I did have some old barrels.
Chose one about the right size. I hope.
Cut it, faced it, made the shoulder, taped it, and cut the threads off a bolt for it.
Came out good to me.
I'm thinking the barrel is a lot stiffer than the mild steal rod it replaced.
Time will tell.
For some reason, he like to pull the handle up, instead of down, to raise the ram.
Old school I'm guessing.

Attachment 211855 Attachment 211856 Attachment 211857

That might work. The original threads were 1/2-20 and they were too weak, always breaking at the shoulder if the handle was just a little loose. 9/16" threads will cure the problem as RCBS did just that with the Jr2 to Jr3.
Another solution is a longer thread that allows a lock nut to be fitted from the bottom, keeping the handle tight.

It dosen't look like enough metal to drill all the way through to add a nut.
I'm guessing these older SparT's have a thinner link than the newer ones.
I compared it to my newer Tmag and it's much thinner.
Even the 9/16 would be cutting it close.
Like it is pointed out. The handle needs to be tight. If it flops around, it will snap at the threads.

My friend has been using it for a while now, and he loves it.
For some reason he likes to load on the up stroke.
He grew up doing it that way.
Likes the longer handle.
Hasen't broken yet.