Abstract: A handle for a hammer or the like striking tool comprises a body of elastomeric material having embedded therein a core made up of a pair of laterally spaced, flat bars of spring steel. Ends of the bars protrude from one end of the body. The handle is fastened to a hammer head by having the protruding end portions of the bars accommodated in a bore in the hammer head and by wedging them apart. The otherwise unoccupied space of the bore is filled with an epoxy resin. The bars are arranged with their planes lying parallel to the plane in which the hammer is swung in use.