When I bought my river canoe the guy gave me these paddles, I thought that was very generous. They're Werner's, not what you'll see in their booth at a trade show, but still they're probably not bad paddles, and they're the right blade type for what they'll be used for. Thing is, they're both 58's and Diana really needs a 54 or maybe less, so I'd like to cut one off. It doesn't bother me to buy a paddle, but if I can modify this one that means I can buy something else ;-). Anyway, I doubt that split pin is the only thing holding the handle on, it's probably hot glued and indexed to the blade with the pin. I'll eventually figure it out, just hoping someone might have knowledge of how these paddles were put together so I can screw up less.

Try a hot air hair dryer to see if the glue will loosen up. There's probably a bit of hot melt glue or epoxy in there to help with the bonding.

im sure its epoxy and not hot melt. a carefully used heat gun would be best, once you drift out that pin.

If the heat gun doesn’t work or you don’t have one or don’t want to risk wrecking the paint or handle you could drift out the pin, cut off the end, use a dremel cutting disk to slit the yellow tube, then pry at the tube with a flat screwdriver and work it loose around the handle.

We are all on the same page here. When people agree with my thought process I have to assume they're pretty smart......;-)

Also, I think you're right, Jan. They did a really neat job but feeling around the joint with my thumbnail I'm pretty sure it's epoxy. I still think it's doable since we're talking 4 or 5 inches and not 1/2 inch.

Don't bother trying to take the handle out, because you won't get it out without a heck of a mess, and most likely wreck the shaft. I've worker with these quite a bit over the years, and you would be best off to get the right size from the factory.

You might even want to check out Mitchell Paddles. He makes a very good whitewater paddle. I've been using mine for 4 years, with no issue. I'm not sure if he advertises it on the web page, but he does make them.

dave