What are the different types of fencing maul handle?

29th February 2020


	What are the different types of fencing maul handle?


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			Fencing mauls can have either wooden or fibreglass handles.

			Wooden maul handles
			Wooden handles are the traditional choice for most hand-held tools and the maul is no exception. Wooden handles are usually made of hickory or ash.

			Hickory Hickory is one of the strongest woods available. It has been used for centuries for all manner of tools, handles, cart wheels, supporting struts and even baseball bats.

			Hickory is a wood with a very coarse grain. Its shock-absorbing abilities mean that hickory handles are unlikely to split or crack. Unlike other woods, hickory is weather-resistant and so is a common choice for handles that will go through years of everyday use.

			Ash Historically, handles were made from ash. Nowadays, due to higher cost and limited availability of ash, it is a less common material than hickory.

			Should wooden maul handles be treated?
			Wooden handles should be treated with boiled linseed oil to preserve the wood. The oil penetrates into the wood grain, keeping out water, which causes the wood to rot.

			How is the maul head attached to the handle?
			When manufactured, the maul head is pressed onto the handle. The handle is tapered to ensure the head fits snugly on the shaft. For extra security, two metal pins are fitted through the top to ensure the wood is a tight fit.



			Fibreglass maul handles
			Fibreglass is fast becoming the most popular choice for handles on hand-held tools. A fibreglass handle is constructed by forcing fibreglass resin into a hollow space, the shape and length of the handle required. It has internal supports in weak spots for structural reinforcement.

			The head is pressed on and set, with a strong epoxy resin, to the handle which has a taper to ensure the head fits snugly on the shaft.

			Fibreglass is now widely used for handles on striking tools and there are factors which are in its favour and against, as with any material

			Fibreglass handles are weather-resistant without needing to be treated, and are generally more resistant to the daily wear and tear of being thrown around in storage.

			Fibreglass is a light, very strong and durable material but lacks flexibility and is more expensive to purchase.

			As fibreglass handles absorb less shock, users may feel the effect of an impact, as vibrations travel down the handle and into the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints.