On Jul 18, 10:54*pm, arkland wrote:
My 6-pound sledge handle broke trying to split heavy (but still wet) oak
(which is another story altogether).

So I bought, for $19 + tax, a hickory "round" sledge handle which had a
slot at the top, and came with a metal "wedge" plus what looks like a
larger poplar wedge.

My QUESTION:
I understand the 'proper' way would have been to insert the 6-pound
sledge head onto the round handle, then insert the wood parallel inside
the pre-cut slot, and then, insert the metal wedge perpendicular (as was
the original handle).

However ...

When I 'tapped' the heavy sledge head onto the handle, it fit perfectly.
That is, there is no slot anymore! No place to put the wood wedge. Maybe
I could put the metal wedge in crosswise ... but ... I don't have
experience in this.

Since I don't have experience ... May I ask ...

What is the prognosis? Will the sledge head (eventually?) fly off? Must I
insert the wood and metal wedges provided?

Or, is it just fine as long as the sledge head is tight on the hickory
handle?

Yep, you must use the wedges. It's possible that the handle absorbed
some moisture and expanded since it was made. It's okay to use a
handsaw and enlarge the slot a bit so you can get the wood wedge
started, and the wood fibers will crush a bit as you hammer it in.
The metal wedge installed will expand the top of the handle wood in
the opposite direction. Both are important.

R