"Nick Bozovich" wrote in message news:qHbXc.11127$%11.2883@trnddc02...
....
The wooden handles came with two end caps, and two screws. The end caps fit
loosely, so, duh, I figured that the screws are meant to hold them onto the
handle (I AM learning something!!). After much thought and consideration, I
decided that I didn't want to use glue on the caps, otherwise I won't ever
be able to take them off.

So, when I attach the end caps with the screws, should I drill into the
"top" of the end cap and into the end grain of the handle, or into the side
of the end cap and handle?
....

I'd glue them on, and cut them off in the unlikely even I ever needed
to remove the handle.

I just finished a workbench with a tail vise that has a wooden handle.
I used a 3/4" maple dowel and with two storebought maple balls about
1.5" in diameter ... I drilled into the side of the maple balls using
a Forstner bit and glued the balls right on to the end of the dowel.
I think the handle materials ran about $3 total.