Restoring Antique Wooden Tool Handles

Article 101: Restoring Antique Wooden Tool Handles

By: A Woodworker Who Believes Tools Deserve Respect

Old chisels, screwdrivers, or files often come with cracked or dry handles. Let’s restore them instead of replacing them.

Materials

• Raw linseed oil or tung oil

• CA glue (for cracks)

• Wood filler or sawdust + glue (optional)

• Sandpaper (120–400 grit)

• Beeswax polish

Tools Needed

• Clamps

• Files or rasps (for reshaping)

• Utility knife

• Rags

Steps

1. Inspect and Clean

   • Wipe down. Remove rust from ferrules if present.

2. Repair Cracks

   • Fill cracks with CA glue or epoxy. Clamp until set.

3. Sand and Shape

   • Smooth down splinters, reshape if necessary.

4. Condition

   • Rub in multiple coats of oil over several days.

5. Polish

   • Buff with beeswax for a protective finish.

Visual – Handle Cross Section Before/After

 Before:   | |     ← Cracks and roughness
 After:   ( )     ← Repaired and oiled