When it comes to replacing hammer handles, Cliff Carroll maintains many farriers don’t fully understand how to get the job done.

The operator of Cliff Carroll’s Horseshoes Supplies in Larkspur, Colo., says you must first realize that there are normally two different size openings in a hammer head.

Larger Or Smaller?

“Where some farriers go wrong is that they pound a new wooden handle through the larger opening instead of first going through the smaller opening,” he says. “If you put the handle through the larger opening first, you won’t end up with a tight fit between the head and handle.”

 Yet you can find a few hammer heads that have the same size holes. “These hammer heads are made like a wine glass or an hour glass,” Carroll explains. “The taper is inside and it doesn’t matter which way the hammer handle goes on.”

Steel Vs. Wood Wedges

Selecting and installing wood and steel wedges is also critical.

“Where you see the split in the end of the wooden handle is where you put your wooden wedges to fill the area,” he says. “The steel wedges go across the hammer head, but some shoers use these wedges incorrectly.”

Step 1. Tools needed for replacing a wooden hammer handle.

Step 2. Determine which side of the hammer head has the smaller eye hole. With most heads, the larger hole is above the brand name.

Step 3. Pound your handle through the smaller hole and on out through the larger exit…