Abstract: A head-to-handle interface for a striking tool having a plane of symmetry has a web in the plane of symmetry and sidewalls around the periphery of the web except for the direction of joining the handle to the head, the web and sidewalls forming socket areas on both sides of the web, such that a handle shaped to engage the sockets is joined to the head in a manner that bending stresses are greatly alleviated at and near the head-to-handle interface. In one embodiment a variable weight system provides for a user varying the weight of the head of a striking tool. In another aspect, a nail-pulling slot is provided with significantly tapered inner walls.