Fixing a Tool

[pheenix]

Recently I purchased some used Robert Sorby Sculpture size carving tools. Seemed like a good buy taking into consideration price and condition. I live in California, so I don't know if its the heat, but this last week the Metal ring at the butt of the tool is extremely loose and comes off with very little pressure. Upon better inspection I have notice they are all a little loose, and the metal ring that is at the top of the handle where the chisel is, is tight. Is this OK. Will this damage my tools. And most important, is there a way to fix or tighten this.Pheenix

[mpounders]

The purpose of the ring is to prevent the handle from splitting from blows with the mallet. Usually the wood gets kinda mashed over the tops of these rings through use and that helps hold them. I would probably just glue the loose ones with a little epoxy and they should be fine.

[germancarver]

The Ring loose, when the wood drys. With some moisture on the handle and wood swells and fix the Ring. Or you can use a center punch and make some punches around the ring.

And what Mike say is right, after some time of usage it hold by the mashed wood.