Pick ax , head to handle sealer

[Inglis]

I have a older pick as that has been left out and abused so the handle to head interface is very loose / rotten.

Some years ago in the days of yore hardware store used to sell a black filler in a can. It was used to fill in the gaps on tools from handle to metal head.

Anyone know of a source?

Should I just buy a new handle and save the old one for placing wack a mole?

 

[Windini]

I know noting of the black can filler.

But have you considered epoxy? Would be a headache come handle replacement time, but maybe the other stuff you're seeking would be, too.

 

[Stick]

I'm voting for whack-a-mole. If the head of the original handle is already partially rotten you might as well go ahead and replace it. Besides, a new handle isn't going to cost enough more than epoxy or the mystery black stuff to matter anyway.

 

[REELDOC]

Fiberglass............

 

[ronn47]

Get a new handle and after fitting it soak the head in linseed oil for a few hours.

 

[MacEntyre]

Get a new handle and after fitting it soak the head in linseed oil for a few hours.

That's the way to do it. Works best if you install the wedge properly the first time.

The sealer is the wood itself. If'n it dries out years later, just let it sit in a bucket of water for a while. When you have time, soak it in linseed oil again.

 

[SnowRooster]

If you intend on using it get a new handle, if you’re just going to display it then just fill the gaps with wood putty.

 

[GymB]

I don’t recall pick handles being tight, aren’t they cut large at the end and the handle slides through so the head is just held by friction and the large end of the handle. No sealing and no wedging as you would an axe.

Am I remembering this wrong? Maybe I’m thinking of an adze, but I think it applies to picks, pickaroons, and adzes.

 

[Jp8819]

I don’t recall pick handles being tight, aren’t they cut large at the end and the handle slides through so the head is just held by friction and the large end of the handle. No sealing and no wedging as you would an axe.

Pretty sure your right unless the handle is some how damaged on the end.

Below is a video showing installing and tightening up one. I have seen once they get so warn dryed out it won’t stay tight but then usually time for a new handle.