DIY Stacked Leather Handle - Refinishing an Estwing Hammer

This video shows how to make a stacked leather grip for an old hammer, as well as refinishing the metal. I show step-by-step detailed clips without unnecessary chatter. With the proper tools, anyone can do this. Thanks for watching, sharing, and subscribing!

[@BenjaminHansen]

I rescued an Estwing hatchet from my neighbors metal pile. It was in the exact shape of your hammer. I will use your video to restore it. Thank you so much for putting this video together.

[@PhilCrockett]

That is awesome, Benjamin! Please let me know how it worked out!

[@daberrs]

This hammer belonged to my father and was rescued by my nephew who, with your help, turned it into a fantastic Father's Day gift for my brother. Can't imagine a better gift! Great project, fellows!

[@PhilCrockett]

Yes! It was a very enjoyable project. I’m hoping to do this again sometime.... maybe on a knife handle. Thanks for the kind words. Have ur nephew bring u over sometime and we’ll shoot the bull.

[@rodfearnley2486]

I have my dads Estwing hammer that he got 1951 when he arrived in America. The leather on the handle is just about done. I will use this video to refurbish it. Thank you.

[@PhilCrockett]

Let me know how it worked out for ya, Rod

[@CornholeSteve]

Wish I had the ability to like this multiple times. It was like watching an episode of “How it’s made”. Fantastic!

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks Steve Steve! You’re the best! MY brutha!

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

I have a rock pick from 57 years ago, it still has the leather so I will try to restore that first but this gave me great hope, I was just a 10 year old kid when I got it as a birthday present.

[@PhilCrockett]

That's a perfect project to do this with

[@ohyikes1]

I found this exact hammer in the middle of a road about three weeks ago. The shaft and head are bent and twisted a little. I like what you did with the handle.

[@PhilCrockett]

If you refinish the handle, let me know how it turned out.

[@VivaLaGolf42]

Thanks for this! My dad has an old estwing with stacked leather handle and I wanted to restore it for him. This is the only video I’ve found showing how.

[@PhilCrockett]

That's great! Let me know how it turns out. Also, if you have any questions, let me know. It was a fun project.

[@cashmoney9256]

Man that end result brought a smile to my face!

[@PhilCrockett]

thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Hope you like my other videos as well.

[@tomhickman1006]

Thanks Phil, I have a old leather handle Eswing geologist hammer that needs to have me replace the handle. This video gave me what I needed to get on this project.

[@PhilCrockett]

let me know how it turned out, Tom!

[@MrBrassporkchop]

Thanks for this. Looks a lot easier than I thought it would be. I just bought a super cheap sword and one of the corners cut to make it so cheap was that the grip was just wrapped leather. I thought that those leather eastwing axe and hammer grips would be perfect and after watching this I know it would be totally doable.

[@PhilCrockett]

This was a very fun project that I did with my very good friend. It was his idea to do this and I found it extremely satisfying. If you decide to do this, please let me know how it turned out. Thank you so much for the comment and for watching my video. Hope you like my other videos as well.

[@richards6868]

Make sure if you're using belt leather etc that it's 'full grain cowhide' as all leathers are NOT created equal. Some are just leather scraps heated under pressure. Most tack shops will only use full grain.

[@PhilCrockett]

That's a very good tip, my friend!

[@Cashewnutter112]

love it! wish i had all the tools to restore my old estwing.

[@PhilCrockett]

I understand, Carl! It took me decades to accumulate all my tools. Ya gotta start somewhere though. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@L35inColorado]

Outstanding job! It looks just beautiful.

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks!

[@markd5067]

Yep...its an old Estwing. I still have mine that I purchased over 40 years ago....

[@PhilCrockett]

My favorite brand of hammer!

[@tonyahultz4381]

That's so cool! Looks like a new hammer. Great job!

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks, Tonya! This was a fun project that really turned out well. Thanks for the comment. I really don't get a lot of comments and views on this one for some reason.

[@fabbro9999]

Great work on the restoration and on the video.

[@PhilCrockett]

Thank you very much!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

HO, Phil and Company and hope all is well. I hope this is an Estwing because I hate to see an Estwing go to waste. NICE job! Uncle Sneelock and the Scout Crafter will be proud of you! Me too! Cool and cloudy after some rain here but the rain was needed. Have a wonderful evening and GBWYall!

[@PhilCrockett]

It was an Estwing, indeed! You have great taste my friend! Yes... we don’t need any more rain here. The river is out and it’s raining right now. Doubt I’ll get on the river this year. I think the flooding is here to stay for the summer. However, the garden is doing well with it all. My raised beds drain well. Thanks for always watching and commenting! GBWY2!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@PhilCrockett Sorry about the flooding. In the 40's here and cloudy. I lay heavy odds that our weather has 'help' and not the good kind either. It won't last forever. One great flood was enough but there are a lot of copy cats trying to undo what's already been done. So the kitties will be waiting for you when the time comes. Garden is doing well here too and you always have something interesting to watch and you can't wear an Estwing out! Thanks, Phil! BLESSINGS 2 yall!

[@PhilCrockett]

You're the BEST Lewie! Always good talking to you! Hopefully my next video won't be too boring...... It's either going to be about 'beets' or 'grout'..... not sure yet, but both are coming soon.. Been busy.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@PhilCrockett I'm not the best, Phil, BUT we know WHO is! I just appreciate someone that doesn't cuss and raise cain on their stuff because if they do, they won't be on my list for long. And whatever it is will NOT be boring. So THERE!

[@garymousdell]

I have the same Hamer past down from my grand father as well maybe 1 day I’ll do this great video

[@PhilCrockett]

If you end up doing this, please let me know how it turned out. Good luck, my friend Gary.

[@howdyjim]

Thank you! That was great. Have an old Estwing hatchet I want to do that with.

[@PhilCrockett]

Go for it! Let me know how it went.

[@Otis010707]

Beautiful!

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks!

[@Krispy1011]

Great video - very precise and right to the action - I'm going to try this on an old hammer I found at my fathers place - it will give me something to do this winter, where do I get some leather for this? thx!

[@PhilCrockett]

leather from craft stores; belts from second hand stores; Amazon, etc....

[@Krispy1011]

@@PhilCrockett sounds good - thx for the reply cuz old leather belt probably will work if not too old and beat up!

[@stevenberry434]

What a great idea!

[@PhilCrockett]

I think it was a great idea that my friend did all the work!

[@ibrazeau3044]

Nice result!

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks!

[@ohyikes1]

I like your railroad track anvil. I have a smaller piece of RR track that I use for similar work but it it too small to be an anvil.

[@PhilCrockett]

I was lucky enough to grow up in an area that had a couple of old railroad beds that ran through the countryside. I have 3 different sizes of anvils made from tracks. They are perfect tools for the jobs I do.....and....... a great price!

[@DXM556]

this is an amazing video, go job!

[@PhilCrockett]

Thank you so much!

[@ellelichter9515]

Hi! I have an old family estwing hatchet and none of the tools needed to rehandle it - do you contract out your services by chance?

[@PhilCrockett]

I don't do this for a living, just for fun. However, ask around, you may have some friends that would have these tools.

[@briandavern8741]

Nice!!!

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks!

[@SmashTactics]

well done!

[@PhilCrockett]

THANKS!

[@SavingPvtOBrien]

where did you get your leather? Every time I do my calculations I find that it will cost over $50 to get enough leather for this job. Most leather I find is 1.5mm thick, meaning you would need a minimum of around 120 pieces. Since the handle is 1"x1.5" at the thickest point (measuring an estwing with the leather handle still on), it really adds up. for example with these specs you could find a 1" thick strip of 1.5mm, 72" long for $27, but would need 3 of them. I can't seem to find these really thick leathers like the ones they use on Estwings (1/4inch or ~6mm thick)

[@PhilCrockett]

go to a goodwill business and find leather belts, shoes, etc. I got some leather scraps from a craft store as well.

[@BuurmanDirk69]

very nice

[@PhilCrockett]

Thanks, Rik!

[@user-cl5oh8fl4w]

Doesn’t look the same as the factory grip, but still looks amazing.

[@PhilCrockett]

glad you like my video, Brandon. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Hope you like my other DIY vids too.

[@christophvoci7726]

Would you make a handle for my Estwing rock pick if I ship it to you ? The tool has a lot of sentimental value to me as my first tool as a young geologist 30 years ago and I would really like to restore it. Happy to pay for whatever labor and materials to have it done. . I do not want to restore the hammer, just the handle.

[@PhilCrockett]

sorry... I'm not in the 'ordering' business. I just want people to DIY. Hope this inspires you. thanks for watching and commenting, Chrisoph!

[@christophvoci7726]

@@PhilCrockett All good buddy. I'm going to try to do it myself.

[@PhilCrockett]

You can definitely do this. Let me know how it worked out.

[@tezrutts]

How thick is the leather

[@PhilCrockett]

as thick as a leather belt.