A striking tool having a handle engaged in an eye in a head uses a metal
strongback unit engaged in a slot the handle to secure the handle in the
eye of the head. The metal strongback unit has openings in a web that fits
in the slot in the handle that allow wedges to be driven into the handle
in a manner that both the handle end and the web of the strongback unit
are spread. Metal of the strongback unit urges against an inside surface
of the head in the eye to form a secure fit. In a preferred embodiment the
strongback unit has metal sides that may extend below the head and provide
metal surfaces for overstrike protection.
