On Thu, 7 Nov 2013 15:10:49 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:



That said, I've never broken a hammer or axe handle unless I have missed
the item I was trying to strike and hit the handle instead.

I saw a rubber thing that goes around a sledge hammer handle. I
like gadgets so I bought it. I have it just below the head. Does it
work? I suppose so, but I don't use the sledge that much and probably
have not hit it with a lethal blow, even if there were no rubber
collar.

It's transferable from one hammer or axe to the next, especially if
the handle is broken. It stretches enough to go over the thicker
parts of the handle, easily enough when new. And so it will be easy
to get off if the handle breaks. If the rubber gets stiffer after
10 years, ask me and I'll take a look at it.