How to replace the hand shovel shaft?

	Replacing the shaft may take time, but it will certainly save you money. This guide applies to both wood and fiberglass poles. For a steel shaft, it is recommended to replace the entire shovel.
When should the shaft be replaced?
	If the old shaft is just rough to the touch, cover it with waterproof tape to provide a stronger grip and also protect it from wear. However, replace the shaft if it is split, broken, or loose.
Before you start
	It is important to buy the correct replacement shaft for the shovel head. Some have grooves (or threads) where you simply unscrew the shaft from its socket and then screw the replacement back in until it can no longer rotate. Don't twist too much or you may break one of the threads.
	However, other shafts have smooth tapered ends and are riveted into place. The process of replacing this type of shaft is not as simple as a screw-in handle, but the end result is usually longer.
Broken shaft removal
	Step 1 - Safety Shovel Clamp the shovel head in a vise. The nest and the broken shaft should point outward towards you. On the other hand, ask someone to hold the shovel for you. Place it horizontally on the ground, blade up, and firmly but not too hard on the socket (the bushing where the blade connects to the shaft), place your foot to secure the shovel.
	Step 2 - Remove the screw Use a drill to remove the screw that secures the old shaft to the blade seat. Alternatively, if it's a rivet, use a pair of pliers. Clamp the edge of the jaws of the pliers on the head of the rivet and pull it out. This can include a lot of twists and turns!
	Step 3 - Remove the Shaft Remove the rest of the shaft from the socket. For stubborn pieces that refuse to come out, drill one or two 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) holes in the wood so they can be loosened. Then tilt the shovel head upside down and tap the edge of the blade with a hammer. The stuck piece should come out easily after a few hits! Step 4 - Flush the Socket After this is removed, clean the nest and remove all debris.
Installing a new shaft
	Step 5 - Check the Shaft Insert a new shaft - tapered end first - and try it on for size. Take your time as you only have one chance to drive in the rampart. Some riveted replacement shafts may not fit perfectly and are likely to be too large. In this case, use a wood rasp or knife to shave off the shaft until it fits.
	The top of the shaft should gradually taper in order to enter the nest later; use the original shape of your new shaft as a guide. Try the pen size between each filing, then sand to a smooth finish.
	If it is too loose, make a wedge out of a piece of hardwood such as oak and insert it into the socket. Tap on it until the shaft enters the socket.
	Step 6 - Insert the New Shaft Once you are happy with the size of the shaft, push it into the socket until it stops. To drive the shaft into the socket, hold the shovel upright and lightly tap it on the ground. Do not force it in: this may split the wood. If you are using a wooden shaft, check the direction of the fibers before you secure the shaft in place.
If you are using a wooden rod...
	Step 7 - Attach the Shaft Now secure the shaft in place with a rivet or screw. The screw will most likely need to be tightened from time to time. If you don't watch this, you could lose the blade - in the middle of a shovel and possibly with a blade full of cement! While a screw is easier and faster to use, a rivet is a stronger fastener.
	If you attach the shaft with a rivet... Using a 3 mm (1/8″) drill bit, drill a pilot hole (a starting hole that allows another bit or screw to be inserted) through the blade seat hole and into the shaft. Then use a drill of the same diameter (width) of the rivet to enlarge the hole. This is where your rivet will go.
	If you fasten the shaft with a screw ... Drill a 3mm (1/8″) pilot hole approximately 6mm (1/4″) through the hole in the blade seat. Place a 4 x 30 mm (8 x 3/8″) screw into the pilot hole and tighten.
	You have now given new life to your shovel at a fraction of the cost of replacing the shovel itself.