AI6YR Ben
First step is to drill out the wood around the metal spikes to loosen the head. Some people put them in a vise. No need if you are careful and don't have a vise. You have to remove quite a bit of wood. #repair
Took me 10 minutes. Used a rubber mallet to separate the head from the old handle. You can almost read "Craftsman" on the hammer. No idea how old it is... probably 1970's. Not that old! #repair #hammer
Brian Davis@ai6yr I recommend sanding off the factory finish. I much prefer the feel of lightly oiled wood to whatever lacquer these are treated with in the factory.
Even better if you work a little beeswax into it.
@intrepidhero Ah, glad I'm not the only who who doesn't like the factory finish! I haven't tried beeswax....(I have a lot of that, lol)