My old rounding hammer handle gave out mid-shoe on a draft horse last Thursday

I was finishing the clinch on a front shoe when the ash handle snapped right at the head, sending the hammer flying into my tool box. I had to finish the job with my cross pein, which was not ideal for that last bit of shaping. What's the best wood for a replacement handle that can take a real beating?

3 comments

3 Comments

amyc222mo ago

What about hickory?

willow7322mo ago

Ever try a good piece of osage orange? That stuff is like iron.

the_seth27d ago

Tried osage orange once on a farrier's hammer and man did it teach me a lesson about patience. That wood is hard enough to make your shoulder ache just looking at it. Hickory is my go to though because it'll flex a bit before it gives out. Ash is fine for light work but draft horse shoes are a whole different animal. I've got a scar on my thumb from an ash handle that decided to quit on me mid swing.