19th August 2005, 02:15 PM
Soaking is by far the best way to get mattock handles to fit properly, however I did know a professional builder who frowned upon it as he reckoned it was the quickest way to rot the wood. He preferred to fix them with a series of small wedges, trimmed flush with the head. Took ages though
I guess WHS trowls are (probably) still the best though. I've just bought my first new one for yonks, which hasn't been christened yet. (I've been lucky to pick up old second hand one's on market stalls up to now) Did notice the necks seem a lot longer now then they used to be

I guess WHS trowls are (probably) still the best though. I've just bought my first new one for yonks, which hasn't been christened yet. (I've been lucky to pick up old second hand one's on market stalls up to now) Did notice the necks seem a lot longer now then they used to be