The handle of a maul is attached to the head of the tool within an eye in the head. A U-shaped retaining member straddles a connecting portion of the handle within the eye. The space within the eye between the handle and the head is filled with epoxy cement in which the retaining member is embedded. The retaining member coacts with the handle and the head to increase retaining force therebetween when pull-off force is applied to separate the handle from the head.