My uncle told me to always soak my hammer handle in linseed oil for a week before using it

I ignored him for years, but after my third handle split in a month, I tried it and haven't had a problem since. Anyone else get stubborn about a piece of advice that turned out to be spot on?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_martinez2mo ago

Ever wonder why they don't just sell them pre-soaked?

angela_jackson2mo ago

My grandpa swore by that trick too, but I've used untreated hickory handles for a decade with zero splits. Maybe it depends on your climate?

dylanward19d ago

Huh, does the wood density change based on where the hickory was grown? I've had a buddy from Georgia swear his handles last forever but up here in the PNW they're toast in two years.