Hickory and ash are the most common for tool handles due to their shock resistance and strength. We also offer beech, maple, and other species on request.
Why Hickory and Ash Lead the Industry Standard
For tool manufacturers, Hickory and Ash tend to remain the benchmark woods for strength, elasticity, and shock absorption. Hickory has a grain structure that gives it unmatched impact resistance. Ash balances toughness with a lighter overall weight, which is ideal for hand tools that require both strength and control. Both species machine cleanly, finish well, and perform reliably under heavy daily use.
Additional Hardwoods Used For Handles in Production Runs
Hickory and Ash cover many tool handle needs, but Beech and Maple also perform well for specific applications. Beech has uniform texture and stability, and it’s useful for mallet heads or short grips. Maple has a smooth finish and hardness suitable for indoor tools, levers, or furniture-grade handles. For specialty runs, we can source many other durable hardwoods (such as Oak or Sapele) to match your target weight, strength, and finish profile.
Key Factors When Selecting Handle Wood
When specifying a handle material for large-scale production, consider the following:
Arnold Wood Turning maintains steady access to handle-grade hardwoods. This helps ensure repeatable quality across every shipment.
Manufacturing Support for Bulk Buyers
As a family-owned supplier with over a century of hands-on experience in production turning, we provide handle blanks, turned handles, shaped components, and more to manufacturers across multiple tool sectors, from garden and construction tools to industrial cleaning equipment. Parts can be supplied unfinished, sanded, primed, or fully machined to spec depending on your needs and process.
If you manufacture or distribute tools at scale, we can help with consistent batches for your production line. Send us your information, and we’ll provide a quote for both prototype and recurring production runs.