How to fix scythe handle damaged by borer?

[RayR1]

I have been given a scythe (for cutting grass), unfortunately parts of the wooden handle are damaged with borer holes.  I want to strengthen the handle and wonder if there is a product that can be injected into the holes to mitigate the weakening effect the borer has had.

Thank you,

Ray R

[EricL]

Hello @RayR1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about borers.

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Solved: How to treat wood borer? by @MelanieKS. The proposed solution was to spray the borer infestation with Hovex 1L Ultra Lo-Odour Termite Concentrate. Please note that it is extremely important that you follow the specified guidelines on the packaging and wear the recommended PPE (personal protection equipment). Please make sure to spray outside and away from your home. 

My only other suggestion is to replace the handle with a brand-new timber piece.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[JacobZ]

Hi @RayR1,

Once you've treated the borers, you can pour Earl's Wood Hardener into the holes. This is a product design for hardening timber weakened by rot, but I imagine it would have much the same effect in a handle weakened by borers.

You are never going to get it back to its full strength because the natural timber fibres have been broken, but it would certainly help.

You could then fill the holes with something like Protite Clear Casting Embedding Fibreglass Resin to add a little bit of extra strength.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[RayR1]

Thank you Eric.  I want to keep the original handle and so will need to deal with the borer present.

[RayR1]

Thanks Jacob, I want to try and strengthen handle after dealing with borer, so will vonsider uour suggestion.

Cheers.