Estwing Hammers

For those of us that have been wondering for years if the leather Estwing hammer handles can be repaired, Bill has some great insight.  Thanks Bill!

"Seems as though a million years ago I ran over my fathers Estwing with the lawn mower.  Not a good scene, but I was lucky to only have wiped out the leather handle.  My father had bought the hammer new when he was a young apprentice carpenter so replacing it was not an option.  Way to much sentimental value! 

I had a uncle in the shoe repair business and he said no problem. He gave me some 3/16" thick hard sole leather and said to "have at it!"  With a super sharp Xaxto knife and punch I roughed out new rings.  He used Barge brand cement between each ring, and squeezed the rings on.  Then he slipped the stainless plate back on and after a little hammering to bend over the tabs it looked as ugly as sin.

He then went to his belt sander and in a few seconds had that leather looking better than original!  I then buffed the head and stock to a really nice shine, put a few coats of lacquer on and my father thought that it was his original (since his initials were in the base plate).

A lot of work but a hammer that will last many lifetimes if taken care of!"

This is a great tip! 

I have always wondered if you could repair these!  Now, how can we fix our nylon handles?  Perhaps turning them into leather handles is the solution

Since Estwing manufactures the hammers, does it have the precut leather blanks to form the handle?  Like others, I inherited my (20 oz rip hammer) from my grandfather and father and, have used it exhaustively. I don't want a brand new replacement but, to refurbish an heirloom to pass on to my kids. 

help me get my hammer fix or replace it means a lot to me thanks

My dad passed his three Estwing's on to me and I need to rebuild the leather handles.  They meana lot to me and they are falling a part (they are at least 40 years old).

Can't the factory send out the leather pieces even if we hold them hamless?

I could just buy new hanners but these are special to me.  I don't have access to leather punches, and leather.  How difficult would it be for the factory to send out the parts, I'd pay the price.

@tim abblett  I don't know that Estwing will offer this but if I made a kit available here on estwinghammer.com would you be interested in buying the pre prepared repair kit?

I have inherited a old estwing hammer from my father, the handle has deteriorated quite a lot.. I would defineately be interested in a repair kit as Ive been trying to find a handle for awhile.. thanx

I am interested in purchasing the repair kit for my 65+ year Estwing that was my Dad's.

Thanks

leather hangle repair