How To Replace the Handle of a Shovel (And Other Garden Tools)

Replacing the handle of a shovel or yard tool is one of those projects you dont consider ’til you have a broken handle in your hand. Ugh! I never thought of replacing a shovel handle until I walked past the assortment of handles at the hardware store and realized I had a shovel I needed to replace the handle for.

Next time your shovel handle breaks, you’ll have a choice. You can either spend $50 (or more) to replace the tool or spend $20 to buy a new handle and replace it yourself. In addition to cost savings, it is a very satisfying fix. So let’s do this!

Parts of a shovel

Remove the shovel rivets

Secure the shovel head collar and handle in a vise or with clamps. Holding the shovel collar and handle in place with clamps or vise will make this process easier and safer. Never do this fix holding the shovel in your hands alone.

Tap out the rivet/pin cap with a cold chisel (for metal). The goal is to create space to get the head of the rivet to protrude enough to access and easily cut off. Using an angle grinder or a handheld metal hack saw, cut the head of the rivet/pin off. Clear what remains of the rivet/pin out of the hole in the handle and shovel collar. You may have to use a 3/16-in. metal punch or a nail set to force out the rivet/pin.

If you have two rivets/pins in your shovel, repeat the same process to get the handle fully released. Some handles may have a nail or screws driven in from both sides. Either way, a cold chisel will help you pull them out, and you may not need an angle grinder to cut the head.