Fixing broken grape handle

duffysfarm

I have a broken grape that I am looking to replace the handle on. Normally on the head there is a part that the handle can fit into but this particular one has a solid metal part as if it goes up into the handle. I am not sure how to attach this. I was thinking of drilling a hole smaller than the metal part on the handle and then pushing it into it but worried that it might split the handle. I know it may be just as easy to get a new grape but would like to repair rather than replace!

Albert Johnson

It's not the answer you were looking for but I'd price a new grape against just the handle, I don't think they'll be much in the difference. I went too buy a handle for a square headed coal shovel recently and the handle alone was €18, a new shovel was €24. It's nice to reuse stuff but I couldn't be bother pricking about with a handle for the sake of a few euros extra.

Mooooo

Buy a pike!

patsy_mccabe

Funny but I broke the handle on the hand yard scraper last winter. Bought a new handle and it snapped in no time. Replaced it with a length of metal pipe and it's a fine job now. Not sure but think the pipe might be copper.

whelan2

Albert Johnson wrote: »

It's not the answer you were looking for but I'd price a new grape against just the handle, I don't think they'll be much in the difference. I went too buy a handle for a square headed coal shovel recently and the handle alone was €18, a new shovel was €24. It's nice to reuse stuff but I couldn't be bother pricking about with a handle for the sake of a few euros extra.

Same here. For the time it will probably take to replace the handle youd have a new complete one cheaper

Say my name

duffysfarm wrote: »

I have a broken grape that I am looking to replace the handle on. Normally on the head there is a part that the handle can fit into but this particular one has a solid metal part as if it goes up into the handle. I am not sure how to attach this. I was thinking of drilling a hole smaller than the metal part on the handle and then pushing it into it but worried that it might split the handle. I know it may be just as easy to get a new grape but would like to repair rather than replace!

Can you put up a picture just till we get a better understanding of the implement?

If you're worried about splitting just drill the hole 1mm smaller than or same size as the shaft and glue.

orm0nd

duffysfarm wrote: »

I have a broken grape that I am looking to replace the handle on. Normally on the head there is a part that the handle can fit into but this particular one has a solid metal part as if it goes up into the handle. I am not sure how to attach this. I was thinking of drilling a hole smaller than the metal part on the handle and then pushing it into it but worried that it might split the handle. I know it may be just as easy to get a new grape but would like to repair rather than replace!

Those handles used to be available to buy.

They usually have a metal ring at the end for extra strength. Maybe a jubilee clip would do.

(like yourself I'm a fix it upper,)

Lime Tree Farm

I would be interested in hearing an answer for this.

One here too, where the handle was accidentally broken. It has a replacement handle, but it is wobbles. It gets the least use, as there are two more in use.

If the handle was drilled using a drill bit for timber, and a rawl plug inserted. the next problem would be securing it into the outer shell.

Lime Tree Farm

orm0nd wrote: »

Those handles used to be available to buy.

They usually have a metal ring at the end for extra strength. Maybe a jubilee clip would do.

(like yourself I'm a fix it upper,)

Good thinking, jubilee clip.

Do you remember where the replacement handles could be bought.

Lime Tree Farm

Say my name wrote: »

Can you put up a picture just till we get a better understanding of the implement?

If you're worried about splitting just drill the hole 1mm smaller than or same size as the shaft and glue.

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/the-great-debate-is-it-a-fork-is-it-a-sprong-no-its-a-grape-203817

Red is red paint, below that is metal ring.
https://www.topline.ie/garden-outdoors/lawn-garden/garden-tools/forks-hoes-rakes/true-temper/darby/tanged-long-handle-3-prong-hay-fork-48in

orm0nd

Lime Tree Farm wrote: »

Good thinking, jubilee clip.

Do you remember where the replacement handles could be bought.

Arrabawn Co op and it's branches had them up to a couple of years ago. Haven't looked since.

Thepillowman

Bore a hole in the handle has to be done at a slight angle hold fork/grape to handle to get an idea of pitch, iirc tang is about 14mm so bore it 12mm.You will need a pipe around bottom of handle first to stop it splitting about 8 to 10 inches long,as Patsy said copper pipe or something with a light wall .Pipe off a shock absorber works well .will try get a pic of one tomorrow if I have one lying around.

duffysfarm

Thanks for the replies. It's not so much about the cheapest option , seems a shame to throw away something that is working fine and just buy a new one because it's cheaper.

148multi

duffysfarm wrote: »

I have a broken grape that I am looking to replace the handle on. Normally on the head there is a part that the handle can fit into but this particular one has a solid metal part as if it goes up into the handle. I am not sure how to attach this. I was thinking of drilling a hole smaller than the metal part on the handle and then pushing it into it but worried that it might split the handle. I know it may be just as easy to get a new grape but would like to repair rather than replace!

That type of handle is still for sale in some hardware and co-op stores.

jack of all

I bought a second hand grape/ sprong/ fork last year in Wexford for some gardening work; it had a bit of woodworm in the handle so I decided to rehandle it. I used the old handle as a template to work from and shaped the new handle accordingly. It's a slow enough job, especially getting the tapered square hole right (drill and small chisel to square up the recess/ mortise), turned out lovely. I happened to see a new grape/ sprong/ fork for sale in an agri/ hardware store about six months later, for not much more than the cost of my old one plus new handle! Still, no matter the old one was an Austrian-made solid one-piece forging. I went on to use part of the old handle (free from worm) to make a handle for an old hammer, I hate waste! Work like this is good for the soul, if you can find the time to do it.

Lime Tree Farm

I'm in the habit of giving all handles a brush over with Protim preservative, then when dry a paint spray, especially if they are stored in a shed with firewood which is prone to woodworm.