I need some help fixing my paddle handle. It is made of several inserts and the middle one seems to have expanded creating a ridge. This makes it much less comfortable to use but I really like it otherwise and would like to smooth it out. I’m guessing I can just sand it down but I don’t have a clue how to go about this.

Should I start with something coarse to remove the material and then finish with something finer? I’m hoping for a buttery smooth feel when I’m done. Is there a treatment I can apply to prevent this from happening again? Here are some pics.

Thanks everyone!

Very simple to fix, I’ve done it many times on my paddles and wood projects. Fill the gaps with wood glue and sand with an orbital sander. Start with 240 grit to get the shape and finish with 400 grit. As you sand the handle the glue will collect the sawdust and force it back in and filling the crack. Gorilla glue will work fine for this because you will be sealing it with Urethane Spar Varnish after.

Another way is to sand with an orbital sander and save the sawdust. Add glue to the sawdust to make a mixture and fill the gaps. After the glue and sawdust dries just sand smooth.

I would stay away from plastic wood filler products for this fix.

Then just coat the paddle 3 times with Urethane spar varnish, sanding lightly with 400 between coats. You will have a paddle that is smooth as silk if you lightly sand between costs. Just use a sheet of paper in your hand, not the power sander for this. Lightly sanding is the key.

You can also use a sanding pad if you don’t own an orbital sander. The thing I like about an orbital sander is the speed of wood removed is faster and more controlled.