2588 Chapter 22 



The size of handle blanks varies according to the tool for which the handle is 

 designed. Thicknesses are generally at least I-Va inch at the head end, with 

 widths up to 3-!/2 inches and lengths to 40 inches (table 22-8). 



Most companies use standard grade specifications for striking-tool handles. 

 Table 22-9 describes six handle grades taken from standard practice recommen- 

 dation No. R77-45, U.S. Department of Commerce (1945). Note that the grad- 

 ing of handles is based on visual inspection of each handle and on the judgement 

 of the grader. It is not expected that the grader will determine the weight per 

 cubic foot or number of rings per inch for each handle. In case of question, 

 however, one or both of these characters may be measured for conformance with 

 the requirements given in the table for each grade (Lehman 1958). 



Table 22-8 — Length, width, and thickness of hickory handle blanks commonly used in 

 the manufacture of axe, pick, hatchet, sledge, and hammer handles (Lehman 1958) 



Cross section 



Tool Length Head end Eye end 



Inches — Inches 



Axe 33-36 and 40 3'/2 x 2Vh 3'/2 x 1 '/s 



Axe 29-32 3'/8 x 2 3'/8 x 1 



RRpick 40 2 X 13/4 3'/2 x 2'/2 



Coal pick 40 2 x VA 3V2 x VA 



Hatchet 19-28 2Vs x PA 278x1 



Sledge 29-32, 33-36 and 40 1-78x174 178x1-74 



Hammer 15-28 1-78 x 1-74 1-78 x 174 



Lifting and pulling tools. — Lifting and pulling tools include hoes, rakes, 

 forks, spades, and shovels. Toughness is a main requirement, but handles for 

 these tools do not have to meet the rigid requirements for striking tools. While 

 ash is preferred for such handles, hickory is also used. 



Other tools. — Handles for cant hooks, peavies, scythes, crosscut saws, and 

 chisels should be tough and stiff. Cant hooks and peavies, in particular, are 

 subjected to sudden stresses. Specifications for these handles are not, however, 

 as rigid as for striking tool handles. The top-grade cant hook and peavy handles 

 are red or red and white wood of medium weight (46 to 55 pounds per cubic 

 foot). They can have up to 27 rings per inch; some blemishes and defects are 

 allowed. Grades BW, or in some cases AR, are top grades for these handles 

 (Lehman 1958). 



MANUFACTURE 



Sawing. — Hickory and ash bolts are usually sawn into handle blanks on a 

 bolter saw (fig. 18-123). One method commonly used by handle sawyers calls 

 for first halving and then quartering the bolt. Tapered long blanks for axe 

 handles may then be sawn. Smaller pieces are salvaged for sledge and hammer 

 handle blanks. 



