On a tanged tool, the end of the tool head is forged into a point, which is inserted into a hole in the haft of the handle. A through tang goes through the length of the handle and protrudes at the end, where it is clenched to secure. Billhooks and grasshooks have this type of tang.
Tools such as chisels and files, with which there is no danger of the head flying off in proper use, have short tangs. The handles should be checked regularly for any faults, such as chips and splinters. Replacement handles on most files will need to be ‘step-drilled’ in order to get a good fit. Clamp the handle in a vice and drill as shown, then remove from the vice. Clamp the file in the vice and then tap the new handle on with a wooden mallet. Almost all of the tang should be inside the handle, as the tang of a file is of soft metal, which if not fitted properly inside the handle, will bend in use.
Damaged plastic handles have to be cut off using a junior hacksaw, taking care not to damage the tang. Replace with a wooden handle.
Through tanged tools
Handles that are slightly loose can sometimes be tightened by hammering the clenched end of the tang. If this does not work, a replacement handle may be needed.
The hole drilled through the new handle will need to be enlarged at the end nearest the tool blade, using a large diameter drill.
The tang must protrude sufficiently from the end of the handle for a washer to be fitted, and the end of the tang clenched over. If necessary shorten the handle by cutting a slice off the end.
Make sure the replacement handle has its anti-split ring fitted before hammering it into position.
