To repair a walking cane with a detached handle, follow these detailed instructions:

Prepare Your Workspace:
Choose a clean, flat surface to work on. Gather all necessary materials and tools, including wood glue, bar clamps for woodworking, and a clean cloth for any excess glue cleanup.

Inspect the Damage:
Before proceeding, closely examine both the handle and the shaft of the walking cane to ensure there are no additional damages or splinters. If there are splinters or rough edges, gently sand them down to prevent injury or further damage during repair.

Apply Wood Glue:
Carefully apply a moderate amount of wood glue to the connecting elements of both the cane's handle and the top of the shaft. Be sure to cover the entire surface area that will come into contact, but avoid applying too much glue that it overflows excessively when pressed together.

Allow the glue to sit for about 1 minute before joining the pieces. This waiting period lets the glue become slightly tacky, improving the bond.

Join the Handle and Shaft:
Carefully align the handle with the shaft. Press them together firmly, ensuring that the handle is straight and correctly aligned with the shaft for a uniform look and functional integrity.

Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out from the joint with a clean cloth before it dries to prevent a messy finish.

Secure with Clamps:
Place bar clamps around the glued area to hold the handle and shaft together tightly. Adjust the clamps so they apply even pressure without warping or damaging the wood.

Make sure the clamps are not too tight as to cause indentations or damage to the cane but tight enough to hold the pieces securely while the glue dries.

Let It Dry:
Leave the cane clamped and undisturbed for 24 hours. This drying time is crucial for the glue to fully cure and form a strong bond between the handle and the shaft.

Remove Clamps and Inspect:
After 24 hours, carefully remove the clamps. Inspect the repair to ensure the handle is securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose areas.

If necessary, gently sand any excess dried glue for a smooth finish. Be careful not to damage the wood's surface.

Test the Repair:
Gently apply pressure to the handle to test the strength of the bond. If the handle holds firmly without any movement, the repair is successful, and the cane is ready for use.

If the handle feels loose or unstable, repeat the gluing and clamping process with additional glue and ensure it dries completely before testing again.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully repair a detached walking cane handle, restoring its functionality and extending its lifespan.