Stirrup hoes, also called scuffle hoes or hula hoes, are essential tools for efficient weeding in the garden. If you’ve purchased a stirrup hoe head without a handle—such as those made by Glaser or other high-quality manufacturers—you don’t need to buy a specialized handle to get started. With a few basic materials and tools, you can make your own durable, ergonomic long handle that suits your needs and keeps you gardening comfortably for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make a DIY long handle for your stirrup hoe, including recommended materials, step-by-step instructions, and tips for customizing your tool for a secure fit and long life.
Why DIY a Stirrup Hoe Handle?
There are a few key reasons you might choose to make your own handle:
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Availability: European-style handles (like those required for Glaser hoes) can be hard to source in the U.S.
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Cost: Making your own often costs less than importing a specialized handle.
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Customization: You can build the length and grip to match your height and preferences.
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Sustainability: Using local wood or repurposing materials helps reduce waste.
Materials You’ll Need
Tools:
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Drill
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Wood saw (hand saw or circular saw)
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Sandpaper or sanding block
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Clamps (optional)
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Wood glue or epoxy (optional)
Materials:
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Wooden dowel or straight hardwood handle (1.5-1.75" diameter is ideal)
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Screw or bolt with washers (usually 1.5"–2" long)
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Optional: Wood epoxy or outdoor-grade adhesive
Step 1: Choose the Right Wood
The first step is choosing the right material for your handle. Hardwood is ideal for strength and longevity.
Best Wood Options
| Wood Type | Pros | Cons |
| Ash | Traditional tool handle wood. Strong, flexible, and shock-absorbent. | May be harder to find in hardware stores. |
| Hickory | Extremely strong and durable. Handles shock well. | Heavier than ash; more difficult to work with. |
| Oak | Readily available and sturdy. Affordable. | Can be heavy and prone to splintering if dried improperly. |
| Maple | Smooth, hard finish. Good strength. | More brittle than ash or hickory. |
| Pine (not recommended) | Easy to shape and widely available. | Too soft; not strong enough for long-term use. |
Step 2: Cut to Length
The ideal length for a stirrup hoe handle depends on your height. A good rule of thumb is: Handle Length = From the ground to the middle of your chest.
This typically measures between 54 and 60 inches for most gardeners. A longer handle reduces the need to bend over, minimizing back strain during weeding.
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Use a saw to cut the dowel to your preferred length.
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Sand the cut end until smooth.
Step 3: Shape the End for the Hoe Head
Most stirrup hoe heads, including the Glaser models, are designed to accept a round handle end that inserts into a metal socket.
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Taper the last 2 inches of the handle slightly with sandpaper or a rasp so it can fit into the hoe head.
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Test fit it to ensure a snug, but not forced, insertion.
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You want enough friction that the head won’t wobble, but not so tight that the wood splits.
Step 4: Drill the Mounting Hole
Most stirrup hoe heads have a pre-drilled hole through the side of the socket. You’ll use this hole to secure the handle.
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Insert the handle into the hoe head so it’s fully seated.
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Mark where the hole lines up on the wood.
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Remove the handle and drill a hole through the marked point. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your bolt or screw.
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Reinsert the handle and align the holes.
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Push the bolt through and secure it with a nut and washer. If you’re using a wood screw instead, drive it through the hole to hold the handle tightly in place.
Step 5: Optional – Add Epoxy or Glue
To add extra stability and weather resistance, consider sealing the joint with epoxy or a weatherproof wood glue:
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Apply glue or epoxy around the handle end before inserting it into the hoe head.
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This will help prevent loosening over time, especially in high-humidity environments.
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Allow the adhesive to cure fully before using (check product instructions, usually 12–24 hours).
This step is optional but recommended if your hoe will get heavy use or frequent exposure to moisture.
Step 6: Sand and Finish
For comfort and durability:
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Sand the full length of the handle to remove splinters and rough spots.
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Round off the top of the handle slightly to prevent blisters.
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Optionally, apply a coat of linseed oil or other wood sealant to protect the handle from weathering. Let it dry thoroughly before use.
Customization Tips
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Grip Wrap: Wrap the top of the handle with leather, tennis grip, or bike handlebar tape for added comfort.
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Hanging Loop: Drill a small hole near the top and insert a loop of rope or leather to hang the tool.
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Label It: Burn or write your name on the handle to prevent mix-ups if you garden with others.
Summary of Pros and Cons
Pros of DIY Handles:
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Cost-effective
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Fully customizable to your height and grip
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Can be made from locally available materials
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Easier to repair or replace
Cons:
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Requires basic tools and time
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May lack the precision fit of commercial handles
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Durability depends on wood choice and construction quality
Final Thoughts
Creating your own long handle for a stirrup hoe is a practical and rewarding DIY project. With the right materials and a few simple tools, you can build a handle that matches your gardening style and keeps you weeding efficiently for years. Whether you're using a top-tier hoe head like Glaser or another brand, this method gives you a solid, ergonomic, and affordable solution.
Taking the time to make a well-fitted handle will ensure you get the most out of your weeding tool—and give you a sense of pride every time you head into the garden.
Learn more about weeding in our recent feature, The Stirrup Hoe: A Gardener’s Best Friend for Weed Control. To purchase stirrup hoes, click here.
Resource Area
Custom Handles & Tool Enhancements
Learn to build the perfect handle and explore versatile tools for efficient weeding:
- Wheel Hoes – Valley Oak & Glaser Demo – Overview video showcasing multiple attachments like tined cultivators and stirrup hoes for all-around cultivation.
- Valley Oak Stirrup Attachments in Action – See stirrup blades in motion with easy tool swaps and real-garden results.
Weeding & Soil Prep Tools
Discover versatile hand tools that make weeding and soil preparation easy and ergonomic:
- Root Pruning for Container Plants – Shows how to use a CobraHead-type tool to tease roots and prevent circling.
- CobraHead Weeder Demo – Watch the CobraHead tool in action for fast and effective weeding in any soil type.