How To Fix A Broken Broom Stick: Quick DIY Guide 2026

Insert a wood dowel with glue, then sleeve the break with a pipe.

If you want a clean, sturdy, and low-cost fix, you are in the right place. I have fixed many handles in homes and shops. In this guide, I show you how to fix a broken broom stick with simple tools, solid methods, and pro tips that last. Read on to learn how to fix a broken broom stick like a handy pro.

Why broom sticks break and what you’re working with

Broom sticks break for a few clear reasons. Most breaks happen at the middle where the stick bends, or near the head from torque. Wood dries out and splits along the grain. Metal kinks at the weak spot. Plastic cracks near threads.

Know your handle type first. Wood handles are easy to drill and glue. Hollow metal or plastic need a sleeve. Threaded heads fail when the plastic insert strips.

Once you know the type and the break, you can plan how to fix a broken broom stick the smart way. The right method here pays off in strength and time saved.

Tools and materials you may need

You do not need fancy gear. Most items are cheap and easy to find.

Essentials

Measuring tape and marker for accurate cuts and alignment.
Hand saw or hacksaw for clean edges.
Drill with bits to match your dowel size.
Clamps or two hose clamps to hold the joint tight.
Sandpaper, 80 to 220 grit, to roughen and smooth.
Wood glue or two-part epoxy, based on your handle material.
A wood dowel or a short pipe for a sleeve fix.
Duct tape or fiberglass tape for backup or extra grip.
Safety gloves and eye protection for splinters and metal burrs.

Good to have

PVC or copper pipe section as an external sleeve.
Epoxy putty for gaps and thread rebuilds.
Screwdriver and wood screws for head reattachment.
Utility knife to trim tape and loose fibers.

Pick what fits your broom. This is how to fix a broken broom stick with what you already own.

Step-by-step: how to fix a broken broom stick for a wooden handle

This is the strongest, cleanest repair for wood. You add an inside splint and glue the stick.

What you need

Wood dowel that fits snug in drilled holes
Wood glue or slow-set epoxy
Drill and a bit matching the dowel
Clamps
Sandpaper

Steps

Square the break. Saw off ragged edges so both ends are flat.
Mark the center. Drill at least 2.5 to 3 inches deep into each end. Keep the drill straight.
Test-fit the dowel. The dowel should slide with slight force. Sand it if it binds.
Glue the holes. Brush wood glue inside both holes and on the dowel.
Join the parts. Push the dowel into one side, then slide on the other stick half. Align the grain and any handle curve.
Clamp firmly. Wipe squeeze-out. Keep the joint straight while it sets.
Wait. Let wood glue set for 60 minutes and cure for 24 hours. Epoxy may set in 5 minutes and cure in 24 hours.
Sand smooth. Round the joint so your hand will not catch.

Why it works

The dowel adds core strength.
The long glue surface resists bending.
It looks clean and feels like new.

Pro tip

For a shop broom, I use a hardwood dowel and wood glue. One fix with a 6-inch dowel lasted two winters on a snow-heavy porch.

External sleeve repair for wood, metal, or plastic handles

A sleeve fix is fast and strong. It works on hollow handles and cracked wood.

What you need

Copper, steel, or PVC pipe with a snug slip fit
Two hose clamps or strong tape
Epoxy for metal or plastic, wood glue for wood
Sandpaper and a hacksaw

Steps

Cut off ragged bits so both ends are neat.
Roughen the outside of the stick ends and the inside of the sleeve with 80 grit.
Dry-fit the sleeve. You want 2 to 3 inches of overlap on each side of the break.
Apply adhesive. Use epoxy for metal and plastic, wood glue for wood.
Slide the sleeve over the joint. Center it on the break.
Clamp. Tighten two hose clamps, one on each side of the break, to compress the sleeve.
Cure. Give it a full day. Remove clamps or leave them for extra strength.
Wrap. Add a thin wrap of tape for grip and comfort.

Why it works

The sleeve spreads load over a wider area.
Hose clamps act like mini presses.
It is ideal when you cannot drill or insert a dowel.

Fixing a broom head that snapped off or stripped threads

Sometimes the stick is fine, but the head fails. Here is how to fix a broken broom stick at the head.

If the wood split near the head

Saw a clean end.
Pre-drill a pilot hole.
Drive a wood screw through the broom head plate into the stick.
Add wood glue for extra hold, then tighten.

If threads are stripped in plastic

Clean the threads.
Wrap the stick threads with plumber’s tape or a thin layer of epoxy, then thread in while soft. Let it cure.
Or use a universal thread adapter. Many heads use 3/4-inch Acme or a 28 mm European thread.

If the head ferrule is loose

Roughen the stick.
Add epoxy and press the ferrule back on.
Clamp with a hose clamp while it cures.

Pro tip

For wobbly heads, a tiny drop of blue threadlocker on metal threads helps, but avoid plastic.

Fast temporary fixes when you need it now

Need to sweep right now? Try these quick saves. They are not perfect, but they work.

Duct tape wrap. Align the break and wrap tight for 6 to 8 inches. Add a second wrap in the other direction.
Zip ties plus tape. Use three zip ties spaced an inch apart, then wrap with tape for comfort.
Stick-in-stick. Slide the broken ends into a short piece of garden hose or conduit as a sleeve, then tape.

These hold for a week or two. Later, do a full repair. This is still part of how to fix a broken broom stick when time is short.

Finish, safety, and durability checks

Make your fix safe and smooth.

Sand the joint so it feels natural in your hand.
Seal bare wood with a wipe of oil or clear coat to stop moisture.
Check the handle by pressing it against the floor to flex-test the joint.
Wear gloves when cutting and sanding to avoid splinters and metal burrs.
Keep glue and epoxy off skin and work in fresh air.

If it passes the flex test with no creak, you did how to fix a broken broom stick the right way.

Costs, time, and when to replace instead of repair

Time and cost matter. Here is the math I see in the field.

Dowel and glue repair. About 5 to 10 dollars and 45 minutes of hands-on time. Cure for a day.
Sleeve repair. About 7 to 15 dollars if you buy a pipe, clamps, and epoxy.
New handle only. A replacement wood or metal handle runs 7 to 20 dollars. Swap it if the head is fine.
Full new broom. Buy new if the head bristles are worn flat or the stick shattered.

I replace the broom if the handle has more than two breaks or the head is done. That is also how to fix a broken broom stick by choosing the best value.

Eco-friendly repair tips and simple upgrades

Fix and upgrade at the same time.

Reuse scrap pipe or an old curtain rod as a sleeve.
Choose water-based wood glue with low VOCs.
Save the head and thread it onto a new handle rather than tossing the whole broom.
Add a grip with cloth tape for comfort and better control.
Use a detachable handle that fits mops and squeegees to cut waste.

These small steps keep tools in service and cut trash. This view shapes how to fix a broken broom stick without waste.

Common mistakes and pro tips I learned the hard way

Avoid these common errors. They cause most failed fixes.

Too little overlap. Aim for 2 to 3 inches of sleeve on each side.
Smooth, glossy surfaces. Roughen both sides so glue can grab.
Misalignment. Mark a straight line across both halves before gluing so you can align the stick.
Rushing the cure. Most glues need 24 hours to reach full strength.
Starved glue joints. Do not wipe out all the glue. You need a thin, even layer.

Pro tips

On hollow metal, pack a bit of epoxy putty at the ends of the sleeve to lock it.
For heavy-duty shop brooms, add a fiberglass tape wrap in epoxy. It is tough and light.
Keep a spare dowel and clamps in your utility drawer. It turns a break into a 20-minute job.

This is field-tested advice on how to fix a broken broom stick so it holds for months.

Troubleshooting if your repair failed

If the joint still moves or cracks again, do this.

Movement at the joint. Add an external sleeve over your dowel repair for a hybrid fix.
Glue did not bond. Surfaces may have been dusty or oily. Clean with alcohol, roughen, and re-glue.
Sleeve slips. Tighten clamps or add a thin shim of sandpaper under the sleeve.
Repeated breaks near the same spot. Increase overlap length or switch to a thicker sleeve.

With these steps, you will master how to fix a broken broom stick even after a setback.

Frequently Asked Questions of how to fix a broken broom stick

What is the strongest way to fix a wooden broom stick?

Use a dowel-and-glue internal splint with 2.5 to 3 inches of depth on each side. Add an external sleeve if the broom sees heavy use.

Can I use super glue to fix a broom handle?

Super glue sets fast but is brittle. Wood glue or two-part epoxy is better for the bending loads a handle sees.

How long should I let the repair cure before using the broom?

Wait at least 24 hours for full strength, even if it feels set sooner. Epoxy putty also needs a full day to reach peak strength.

What size dowel should I use for the repair?

Pick a dowel that fits snug in your drilled hole, often 3/8 to 1/2 inch for standard handles. The tighter the fit, the stronger the joint.

Can I replace just the broom handle instead of repairing it?

Yes. Many heads are standard thread and accept a new handle. This is a quick form of how to fix a broken broom stick with minimal tools.

Will a PVC sleeve be strong enough?

Yes for home use, if you use epoxy and 2 to 3 inches of overlap each side. For heavy shop work, use copper or steel.

How do I fix a stripped plastic thread on the head?

Wrap the male threads with plumber’s tape or rebuild with epoxy, then thread together and let it cure. A thread adapter also works.

Conclusion

You now know how to fix a broken broom stick with methods that last. Use a dowel-and-glue core for wood, a sleeve for hollow or mixed materials, and quick wraps when you are in a rush. Align well, roughen surfaces, and give the joint time to cure.

Grab a dowel, glue, and a simple sleeve today. Restore your broom, save money, and keep tools out of the trash. Have a question or a win to share? Leave a comment and subscribe for more fix-it guides.

Adnan

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