Hello,

A literal interpretation of your description would suggest a combination of factors. One, that for some reason - it might be good to track down what that reason is - the handle has indeed dried and shrunk. And, it can therefore slide further into the socket to the point that it has made contact with the bottom causing it to pop out. So before reinserting it, the small diameter end must also be cut back to allow it to again wedge itself properly into the socket.

Greetings,

Don Wagstaff