[Salmo]

The head looks a though the hole for the handle is slightly wider at one end. Am I right that the handle goes in the narrow side so that with wedges it cannot come out?

Is a slot with a hardwood wedge and then a metal one at 45% the correct thing to do.

[8doubles]

Yes , wide end at the top and glue the wood wedge.
The iron wedges can be left untill a tighten up is needed.



Ps never have a sledge over 14 lb or it will be too heavy for the wife to use .

[New shoot]

Ps never have a sledge over 14 lb or it will be too heavy for the wife to use .

That might be an advantage if she read this 8doubles      

[Growster...]

Yep - as '8' says, but make sure the head cannot travel down the shaft ever; it tends to trap the fingers and cause bad language...

[Salmo]

Thanks. A wedge and a bit of gorilla glue. I don't think that will move.

[shedmeister]

Soak the head and shaft in linseed oil. It will expand the wood in the head and allow for much less cussing