Fixing a crack in a wooden handle.

[Ray Settanta]

I know that epoxy is usually used to fill a crack in a wooden handle but can superglue be used as an alternative? What are the downsides?

 

[Karda]

Fixing a crack in horn or wood using superglue:

Apply Superglue to fill in the crack completely.
This will often take a few minutes to harden. When it congeals, start to sand, with 250 grit, from area around repair to work up some dust from the handle material.
Sand over the repair area, working the dust into the superglue in the repair area.
Finish sand with lower grits.
Buff.
Done properly, your crack will disappear.

 

[Steve Tall]

Fixing a crack in horn or wood using superglue:

Apply Superglue to fill in the crack completely.
This will often take a few minutes to harden. When it congeals, start to sand, with 250 grit, from area around repair to work up some dust from the handle material.
Sand over the repair area, working the dust into the superglue in the repair area.
Finish sand with lower grits.
Buff.
Done properly, your crack will disappear.

And use the "regular" superglue and not the "gel" type.
The regular superglue is runny and will penetrate the cracks better.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Yep, this is how I do it. The sawdust really hides the the booboo, and is a natural byproduct of sanding the handle.

 

[Shann]

Do you wait for the superglue to completely harden or just until it sets? In other words, if the glue is completely hardened will it soften enough to pick up the "dust" from the sanding to fill in?

 

[Karda]

Do you wait for the superglue to completely harden or just until it sets? In other words, if the glue is completely hardened will it soften enough to pick up the "dust" from the sanding to fill in?

Just until it starts to congeal, not hardened. You can also do it while its still wet, but it will tend to foul your sandpaper more.
When it is hardened it will not absorb the dust.

Gel type is suitable for this purpose, but you may want to initially partally fill with regular for better penetration.

 

[Ray Settanta]

I have started to repair the crack in the handle and will post pictures of the process when I finish.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Can't wait to see how it comes out, Ray