I wanted to shorten up my paddle and the handle had previously been glued in with 5-minute epoxy.

Someone suggested taking a grinder to it, which sounds like it could go wrong easily.

I'd read that heating up the glued area (with a hairdryer) will soften the epoxy, so thought I'd try that first.

I don't have a hairdryer, so I boiled some water in a pot, took it off the heat and dropped the handle, with shaft attached, into the pot.


After about 5 minutes I pulled firmly on each piece, using only my hands, and the shaft came off straight away.


I had contemplated getting a hot glue gun as I thought this might make adjustments easier, but this was so easy that I won't bother getting one now.

I had already cut the handle off because I knew what length I wanted, though I think this would work if you didn't want to cut the shaft first (and just stand the paddle in the pot), if the amount of shaft you want to remove is less than the paddle insert.

Hi Esky,

how long is that paddle insert of the handle and is this a standard length? Looks like about 5 to 7 cm.
I?m asking because I think of cutting the handle off before as you did.

Thanks,

Michael

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Michi68 said..
Hi Esky,

how long is that paddle insert of the handle and is this a standard length? Looks like about 5 to 7 cm.
I?m asking because I think of cutting the handle off before as you did.

Thanks,

Michael

Hi Michael,
The handle insert was about about 7.5cm. I have another handle and the insert is about 6cm. If in doubt, I'd try the approach of standing the handle in the pot before cutting.

Also - I tried using hot water out of the tap before using boiling water in a pot. Hot water from the tap wasn't enough to get it off.

Thanks for the tip. Have to do the same thing

Thanks esky. I have just used 5min epoxy on my handle after having probs with hot glue gun. Was wondering how to remove handle as hasn't had luck with hairdryer in the past. Cheers

Thanks for the Info, I will try to loosen it before cutting it.

Happy Paddling

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Fepsi said..
Thanks esky. I have just used 5min epoxy on my handle after having probs with hot glue gun. Was wondering how to remove handle as hasn't had luck with hairdryer in the past. Cheers

Careful (careful) application of a heat gun should release your 5min epoxy.