Impact tool having a pre-formed fiberglass handle

Abstract

An impact tool such as, for instance, a hammer, having a pre-formed fiberglass handle. The handle includes a handle portion and a head portion, the latter being receivable in a socket in the striking head of the tool, with the head portion comprising a ribbed section and a non-ribbed section, with the ribs extending only lineally on the head portion generally lengthwise of the handle, and disposed in spaced relation circumferentially of the head portion, and with the non-ribbed section disposed adjacent the ribbed section and diverging rearwardly in the direction of the handle portion. The ribs on the head portion are adapted to engage an intermediate, generally linear section in the socket of the striking head, and to be at least in tight, but preferably in partially crushed relation, for generally centering the head portion of the handle in the socket, and with the diverging non-ribbed section engaging the inner end of the striking head socket to limit movement of the handle into the head socket whereby the distal end of the ribbed section is spaced a predetermined minimum amount from the outer end of the socket, and a plastic material fills the socket, including the space intermediate the ribs, and the outer end of the socket, thereby firmly securing the handle and the striking head together.