[dayid]

I need a longer handles.


I have searched my local stores and only found 60" as a max.


When I try searching online most searches just direct me to "long handled tools" (general rakes/hoes) whereas what I want is longer handled tools.


Does anyone know a source of longer handles - or even just a wood supplier with reasonable prices for similar wood stocks? Ideally for hoe/cultivator, but perhaps also for rake/hard-rake.

 

[mark sr]

I've used galvanized pipe before, the top rail for a chain link fence is about the right diameter.

 

[HotRodx10]

For a leaf rake, a 6' paint roller handle works pretty good. Typically, they're a little lightweight for other garden tools.



With some sanding, wooden closet rails might work for some of the other tools.

 

[dayid]

I hadn't thought yet about shaping a closet dowel. That may be my best bet with local suppliers and should be able to shape up quickly with a draw knife and sandpaper. I do question what wood they are.

 

[Bud9051]

Just some search hits.

72" replacement aluminum handle for yard prep rake

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bon-Too...um-Handle-for-Yard-Prep-Rake-22-472/304286446

https://www.amazon.com/Rake-Super-Beach-Landscaping-Handle/dp/B074FDSTDK
11' handle


Bud

 

[dayid]

Bud - great finds thanks. My searches for "longer handle tools" mostly ended with just being redirected to "long handled tools".

While an 11' handle would be great if I cut off 4-5' of it wow at $130!


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[Bud9051]

My 36" landscape rake uses a straight length of aluminum tubing about 1" in diameter. You should have some metal supply stores around you somewhere.

Bud

 

[Bud9051]

Here is a manufacturer that turns trees into wood products. Talking to them might point you in the right direction. They are about 10 miles from me and a great company.
https://peaveymfg.com/collections/rake-hoe-handles

They also have ash pruner poles very long.
https://peaveymfg.com/collections/w...oducts/octagonal-ash-pruner-pole-br-72-to-192

Then: https://peaveymfg.com/collections/fiberglass-pruner-poles


Bud

 

[HotRodx10]

...closet dowel...I do question what wood they are.

I've seen them available in oak, maple, poplar, pine, and occasionally hickory. Pine is probably the only one of those that wouldn't work. Oak and maple are very strong, but unpopular for shovel handles and such due to their tendency to break suddenly, which can cause injury (they would work fine for rakes, hoes, etc. where prying action is not significant). Hickory seems to be the favorite because it's fairly strong but flexible and absorbs vibration well, so it's more comfortable to work with, especially for picks, hammers, etc.

 

[rjniles]

Maybe it is just my area but whenever I go-to a large flea market someone is selling hardwood tool handles.

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[Rough Rooster]

Just ordered two 66" handles from this company.

https://www.househandle.com/products-2.html#hoes_chuck_only

We will see how this goes. My local suppliers don't have that length of handles.

Hope this helps.

RR :smile::smile:

 

[DoomsDave]

Be careful using metal pipes for handles. They certainly have their uses.

BUT

They can get really hot or cold to the touch;

They can conduct electricity. A friend in the palm society found a live wire with his metal tools. BZZT!

 

[dayid]

Source for longer tool handles? (72" for hoe/rakes/etc)

Yeah wood is definitely preferable for being able to oil it, not have it heat up in my southern sun, and being able to shape good grips/palm swells.

 

[Bud9051]

Send an email to:
https://peaveymfg.com/collections/w...oducts/octagonal-ash-pruner-pole-br-72-to-192
and ask. They are in the business of making handles of all sorts and very long ones if needed. if they can ship or know of an outlet near you it looks like a good option.

Bud

 

[HotRodx10]

On the subject of finishing tool handles, I've recently discovered spar urethane, and used it on a couple of tool handles. It's working well so far, and it's supposed to be durable for outdoor use. My dad always used boiled linseed oil, and that seemed to work well, too. I haven't seen the linseed oil around lately, but I haven't looked too hard.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

If you're a woodworking DIY'er you could make yours longer.

 

[dayid]

Source for longer tool handles? (72" for hoe/rakes/etc)

You know I've been thinking the "make my own" route but not thought of building off of any of the existing. The palm swells may end in the wrong places but it is an interesting and rather simple solution!

I've been a BLO user but have heard good on spar urethane also.

 

[HotRodx10]

The spar urethane has a nice feel to it - good grip, almost like a hard rubber. Way better than the slick varnish or acrylic the usually come with.

 

[Rough Rooster]

REPORT:

Got the 66" hoe handles. Installed one on wife's favorite hoe and she is out testing it. Said it was much better than the shorter ones. :devil3:

Service from househandles was great. Handles were $7.40 each and postage for two cost me $10.40.
Local hdwe stores charge $14+ per handle. A slight savings and I didn't have to go to town. :wink2:

RR :smile::smile:

 

[dayid]

I ended up ordering from house handle also. Once I browsed their entire catalog I ended up with some field grade hoe handles and then ordered just a pain longer dowel from them to shape into my own handle.

I haven't done it yet but it seems fitting for what I wanted.