When the blade is in good condition, fitting a spade handle yourself is a sustainable choice.
40 mm rivet for mounting recessed spade handles, packaged per 2 pieces in a hanging blister.
These rivets are used for mounting recessed spade handles on, among others, Spear & Jackson spades or Atlas gooseneck spades.
Fitting a spade handle
1) Remove the old rivet by carefully grinding off the round head and tapping it out.
2) Remove the old wood from the socket or neck. This works best when the wood is dry.
3) Carefully place the new handle in the gooseneck and make sure the grip or hilt is parallel to the spade blade.
4) Tap the handle upside down (with the spade blade facing up) on the floor until it reaches the recessed edge. Place a thick piece of cardboard on the floor beforehand to prevent damage to the handle or floor.
5) Then clamp the spade firmly in a vise.
6) Use a wood drill bit to drill straight through the hole on the side of the socket or neck halfway into the handle, and repeat this from the other side.
7) Insert the rivet through the hole.
8) Remove the spade from the vise and place the spade with the domed side of the rivet on the now tightened vise.
9) Gently round off the rivet with a light engineer's hammer.
10) The spade is now professionally fitted and ready for use.
