How to replace the fork shaft?

	The following guide is designed to help you replace a loose, worn, or broken shaft without harming your new shaft, your tools, or yourself! Replacing the shaft may take time, but it will certainly save you money. Buy a replacement shaft for your fork and you'll have a great excuse to work on your crafting skills.
	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. This guide applies to both wood and fiberglass poles. If the steel shaft breaks, it is recommended to completely replace the fork.
	Make sure you buy the correct replacement shaft for your fork head: some have grooves (or threads) where you simply unscrew the shaft from its socket and then screw in a new one until it can no longer rotate. Don't twist too much or you might break one of the strands - your fork is ready to go.
	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 usually lasts longer.
Remove the broken shaft
	Step 1 - Fork Head Clamp Use a vise to clamp the head of the fork, or have someone hold it for you. Both the socket and the broken shaft must face outward. Place it horizontally on the ground and firmly but not too hard on the socket (the bushing where the teeth meet the shaft) place your foot to secure the fork.
	Step 2 - Remove the screw from the old shaft Use a drill to remove the screw that secures the old shaft to the tooth socket.
	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 rest of the shaft from the socket. For stubborn parts that refuse to come out, drill one or two 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) holes in the wood to loosen them.
	Fasten the plug with the socket down. Using a hammer and a screwdriver or chisel, release the stuck part from the socket. Once this is removed, remove all debris and clean out the nest.
Check new shaft for size
	Step 4 - Insert the New 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. If so, use a rasp or file 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.
insert shaft
	Step 5 - Install 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 fork vertically and lightly tap it on the ground.
	If you are using a wooden rod, do not use force as this may split the wood. Check the direction of the fibers before you secure the shaft in place - see step 6.
	Step 6 - Grain Leveling Make sure the direction of the grains (or grains) of the wood runs along the length of the shaft. Make sure all the oval rings are on the side of the shaft with respect to the teeth when you insert it into the socket. If the rings are on the top or bottom of the shaft, it is much more likely to break when pressure is applied. Now secure the shaft in place with a rivet or screw.
	Rivet or screw? The screw will most likely need to be tightened from time to time. If this is not taken care of, the fork head will become too loose and may break completely. While a screw is easier and faster to use, a rivet is a stronger fastener.
	If you fasten the shaft with a rivet ... Using a 3.17 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit, drill a pilot hole (a starting hole that allows another bit or screw to be inserted) through the tooth socket 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. Finally, insert the rivet bush through the hole, install the rivet pin and secure with the rivet gun.
	If you fix the shaft with a screw ... Drill a pilot hole with a diameter of 3.17 mm (1/8 inch) about 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) through the hole in the blade seat. Place a 4 x 30 mm (8 x 3/8 in.) screw into the pilot hole and tighten.