Hammer Handle Design Ideas

[Andy_P]

Now that we have Hammer Molds back in the system, let's share ideas for handles that will do them justice. The specs and a picture of the mold is found here:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=28878

obbsd1958 has a great idea for a removable and replaceable handle here (at Post 13):

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=23149

Can we build on that? What about material to go over the handle to increase girth and grip?

[Red River Rick]

Andy:

Sorry to disappoint you, but forget about using 3/8" pipe nipples for handles. 3/8" pipe measures 0.675" on the O.D. and 1/4" pipe wouldn't work either, it measure 0.540"

If you read my thread when I posted the dimensions for the handle diameter, I did say 0.500".

A length of 1/2" CRS, Drill Rod or a 1/2" bolt will fit, anything larger than say 0.504" will not fit once the mold is closed.

Some critical info if your planning on handle material.

RRR

[Old Ironsights]

Andy:

Sorry to disappoint you, but forget about using 3/8" pipe nipples for handles. 3/8" pipe measures 0.675" on the O.D. and 1/4" pipe wouldn't work either, it measure 0.540"

If you read my thread when I posted the dimensions for the handle diameter, I did say 0.500".

A length of 1/2" CRS, Drill Rod or a 1/2" bolt will fit, anything larger than say 0.504" will not fit once the mold is closed.

Some critical info if your planning on handle material.

RRR

No kidding. I tried using some 3/8 conduit in my 2# Cook mould and it sucked.

Ended up using an OEM Cook handle... and it's barely adequate. No fill-out around the shank at all.

I'd really like to find somthing that works... and is cheap/easy to fab.

[Andy_P]

If a machinist could turn out a few dozen nice handles custom fit to the mold, then we'd have something. On the other hand, cost would be prohibitive I think.

It would also be great if we could find real cheap commercial metal hammers with good handles. We could cut the heads off and have pre-made handles to use with the replaceable lead heads.

[richbug]

What about a 8" long 1/2" diameter bolt with a 4-5" long piece of rubber hose slid onto it(snug fitting, 1/2" heater hose comes to mind)?

The threads will hold well in the lead, and the hose will cushion your hands from some of the blow.

[Andy_P]

Now we're talking.

Here's another option. I took apart a small hammer I use in my shop. It has a two sided head - one side is rubber and the other is hard plastic. The handle measures 0.493" at the top and tapers up to about 0.510" in an inch and a half or so - perfect. I paid about $5 for the hammer and it's a shame to throw away the head, but that's a good handle for a lead hammer. The handle measures 0.500" at the rubber grommet, so there's lots of metal to sink into the lead.

http://www.pridham.ca/Hammer_for_Mold.JPG

http://www.pridham.ca/Hammer_for_Mold_Handle_Details.JPG


Keep the ideas coming.