24 



FARM MECHANICS 



Figure 20. (1) Ratchet Screwdriver. It does rapid work and 

 will last a generation if carefully used. (2) Auger-Bit of the Side 

 Cutter Type. A full set is needed. They are not for boring into old 

 wood. Running once against a nail ruins one of these bits. 



Figure 21. Handspike. A wooden handspike or pry is about seven 

 feet long by 3 inches thick at the prying end. In the North it is 

 usually made from a hickory or an ironwood or a dogwood sapling. 

 The bark is removed and the handle is worked round and smooth 

 on the shave horse. It is better to cut the poles in the winter when 

 the sap is in the roots. After the handspikes are finished they 

 should be covered deep with straw so they will season slowly to 

 prevent checking. 



Figure 22.- : Wrecking Bar for pulling nails and to pry broken parts 

 from other wreckage. 



Figure 23. Carpenter's Level. For practical farm work the level 

 should be 24" or 30" long. Wood is the most satisfactory material. 

 The best levels are made up of different layers of wood glued to- 

 gether to prevent .warping or twisting. For this reason a good level 

 should be carefully .laid away in a dry place immediately after using. 



