I see this time and time again where the tote handle has snapped usually within the same place.
THE REASON IS SIMPLE, TIGHTEN UP THAT HANDLE!
It’s obvious I know but given that we see hundreds of broken totes it’s a message that needs to be made clearer! Now you may say that you did that but the handle was still lose here is a quick fix to rectify the problem get yourself a couple of small washers 10mm with 5mm or 6mm hole and add them to the underside of the brass or alloy head on the main fixing and make sure you have straightened the rod part if its become bent, some glue in the break would be good and tighten it up.
Woodworkers will also know wood shrinks across the grain and this is often the reason why your tote handle became loose in the first place it may also be the reason it doesn’t tighten up at all.
Those two washers will save you loads of miserable thoughts about using that ‘knackered old plane’ and will ensure you don’t have to keep replacing them.
If your plane has seen better days why not check out our online tool shop and view our refurbished planes.