On Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:41:17 -0700, Harry K wrote:

DO NOT SKINNY DOWN THE HANDLE.
Start the wood wedge in before inserting the handle

I see that was my main mistake.

I didn't know to put the wood wedge in BEFORE inserting the handle into
the maul.

And, I couldn't tell which way the maul was up versus down (if there is a
difference, I didn't see it).

So, I guess, my inexperience killed me. It didn't help that there were no
instructions.

My mistake for not asking BEFORE doing.