Handtools for Trail Work

United States In cooperation

Department of with
Agriculture

Forest Service

Technology & 2005 Edition

Development
Program

2300 Recreation
February 2005
0523–2810P–MTDC
You can order a copy of this document using the order
form on the FHWA’s Recreational Trails Program Web site Notice
at <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub
.htm>. This document was produced in cooperation with the
Recreational Trails Program of the U.S. Department of
Fill out the order form and submit it electronically. Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration in the
interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government
Or you may email your request to: assumes no liability for the use of information contained in
[email protected] this document.

Or mail your request to: The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manu-
Szanca Solutions/FHWA PDC facturers. Trademarks or manufacturers’ names appear in
13710 Dunnnings Highway this report only because they are considered essential to
Claysburg, PA 16625 the objective of this document.
Fax: 814–239–2156
The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors,
Produced by: who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data
USDA Forest Service, MTDC presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect
5785 Hwy. 10 West the official policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Missoula, MT 59808-9361 This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or
Phone: 406–329–3978 regulation.
Fax: 406–329–3719
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs

—Cover photo: The 1924 Trail Gang in the Flume, Courtesy of the
Appalachian Mountain Club.
 Handtools for Trail Work
United States In cooperation
Department of with
Agriculture

Forest Service

Technology & 2005 Edition

Development
Program

2300 Recreation
February 2005
0523–2810P–MTDC

Richard Hallman
Forester (retired)

USDA Forest Service

Technology & Development Program
Missoula, MT

TE92A17–Technical Services, Recreation

Original edition February 1988 (8823–2601–MTDC)

Revised February 1997
Updated February 2005
Updated November 2012

The Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed this
information for the guidance of its employees, its contractors, and its cooperating Federal
and State agencies and is not responsible for the interpretation or use of this information
by anyone except its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this
document is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an
endorsement by the Department of any product or service to the exclusion of others that
may be suitable.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and
activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex,
marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information,
political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any
public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272
(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
 bstract
The Missoula Technology and Development Center literature and market research on the subject provides the
(MTDC), working with trail crews throughout the United text for this document. It stresses safe and efficient tool
States, has standardized a comprehensive document on use. It describes each tool and presents nomenclature and
the use and maintenance of handtools involved in trail maintenance procedures, including sharpening techniques
work. Information collected from industry experts, from and rehandling methods. The document is intended for
interviews with trail crew members, and from extensive both experienced and inexperienced trail crews.

ii
 cknowledgments
This document was prepared by William R. Hutcheson Special thanks to MTDC staff Bert Lindler, Sara Lustgraaf,
and Dale Mrkich, former forestry technicians at MTDC. Brian Vachowski, and Gary Hoshide for helping develop
The work was accomplished under the direction of Jerry this revised edition.
Oltman, former MTDC forester and project leader.

iii
 bout This Document
The tools shown here are those used most often by the lifting and hauling, peeling and shaping, and sharpening
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service trail crews. and rehandling. Each tool is described along with helpful
They are categorized into tools for sawing, chopping, techniques for use and maintenance.
grubbing, digging and tamping, pounding and hammering,

iv
 ontents
Abstract_________________________________________ ii

Acknowledgments_________________________________iii

About This Document______________________________iv

Introduction______________________________________ 1

Safe Trail Work____________________________________ 3

Tools for Sawing__________________________________ 5

Tools for Chopping_______________________________ 13

Tools for Grubbing_______________________________ 17

Tools for Digging and Tamping_____________________ 21

Tools for Brushing________________________________ 23

Tools for Pounding and Hammering_________________ 29

Tools for Lifting and Hauling_______________________ 33

Tools for Peeling and Shaping______________________ 37

Tools for Sharpening______________________________ 41

Tools for Rehandling______________________________ 45

Bibliography_____________________________________ 49

Appendix—American Pattern Files__________________ 51

Index___________________________________________ 53

v
vi
 ntroduction
Trail work requires many kinds of handtools like saws, This manual should help reduce accidents and increase
axes, picks, hammers, shovels, and grub hoes. To be safe production. It is intended for Forest Service employees,
and productive, trail workers must know how to select volunteers, and others who do trail work. It provides tips
the best tools for the job, use them skillfully, and maintain for using and maintaining common trail tools. Proper use
them correctly. However, modern technology has caused and maintenance of handtools contributes to safe and
a gap in our handtool knowledge. Most trail tools have efficient trail work and to a better trail system.
become uncommon in our everyday work world, which
contributes to accidents, low productivity, and frustration.

1
Introduction

2
 afe Trail Work
Keys to productive, safe, trail work are sharp tools, proper Be aware of nearby workers. On the trail, carry tools
tool use, team work, and awareness of hazards. Such by holding them at your side and downhill, with blades
knowledge cannot come from a manual. Ask experienced forward and the handles behind. If you should slip,
crew members for help. Work as a team. Watch for drop the tool to the side to prevent falling on the blade.
hazards to other crew members. Alert each other to Designate a central drop point for tools near the worksite
unsafe tools and hazards. Productive, safe crews depend so tools are less likely to be lost. Mark handles with a
on each member being alert, informed, and caring. small strip of bright orange paint for easy visibility.

There are general safety rules to observe when using You need training to use a crosscut saw. Your training,
handtools. Survey the environmental hazards surrounding experience and—in some cases—level of certification,
each task and use proper personal protective devices can allow you to buck trees already on the ground or to
like hardhats, gloves, and safety glasses. Select the right undertake the more advanced (and hazardous) business
tools for the job. Carefully inspect their condition before of felling standing trees. Be sure you are properly trained
you use them. Make sure handles are sound, smooth, and certified before cutting either standing or fallen trees.
and straight; heads are tight; and cutting edges are sharp. Remember that using an ax exposes you to similar
hazards.
Avoid transporting tools loose in vehicles. Use tool boxes.
Place tools in sheaths, especially if they have sharp At day’s end, identify tools that need maintenance and
cutting edges. Load and unload tools with care. Always schedule time for repairing or replacing tools. In the field,
use gloves. Pass tools so others avoid grasping a cutting store tools safely and out of the weather.
edge. Never throw a tool.

3
Safe Trail Work

4
 ools for Sawing
Crosscut Saws
Asymmetric saw
There are two types of crosscut saws. Symmetric
crosscut saws are designed for a sawyer at each end,
and asymmetric saws require only one sawyer. They
are heavier so they can be pushed and pulled without
buckling. There are two basic patterns for symmetric
Symmetric saw
crosscuts—felling crosscuts are light, flexible, and have
concave backs that conform easily to the arc of the cut
and the sawyer’s arm. The narrowed distance between
the teeth and back helps sawyers wedge the cut quickly.
Felling saws are usually preferred by trail crews. Bucking
crosscuts have straight backs and are heavier and
Felling crosscut saw
stiffer than felling saws. Their weight helps the saw cut
faster and the stiffness prevents buckling on the push
stroke when one person saws. Most asymmetric saws
are bucking saws. Symmetric saws are pulled by each
sawyer. There is no push stroke.
Bucking crosscut saw

Types of crosscut saws.

The points of most crosscut saw teeth lie on the arc of a

circle. These cut easier than a straight-tooth saw and are
almost as simple to maintain. Crosscut blades are ground
flat or ground with a taper from front to back. A flat-ground
blade displays uniform thickness throughout. Flat-ground
saw teeth require more “set” than taper-ground saw teeth.

1 2

1—A cut made with flat-ground teeth tends to bind when cutting
under compression.

2—A cut made by taper-ground teeth is less likely to bind.

Crew members using a bucking crosscut saw.

5
Tools for Sawing

Taper-ground saws vary from thick-at-the-teeth to thin- Before sawing a log with a crosscut, “swamp” the area to
at-the-back so their teeth require less set. Taper-ground remove materials that could interfere with the cut. Next,
saws work well for trail jobs because they begin cuts check the “lay of the log” to determine what will happen
quickly and are slower to bind than flat-ground saws. For when the cut is made. Saw from the uphill side unless you
all-around trail use, a taper-ground felling crosscut is very are placing an undercut on a standing tree. Remove loose
effective. Taper-ground saws are often called crescent, bark from the line where the saw will pass. Avoid getting
precision, segment, or arc-ground saws. the saw into the dirt at the end of the cut. If necessary,
place a piece of bark under the log or dig it free under the
cut. Make final strokes with one end of the saw so only
Top edge—exaggerated for clarity. end teeth will dull if you slip.

CRESCENT TAPER-GROUND SAW When carrying a saw, lay it flat across one shoulder
with the teeth guarded and facing away from the neck.
Carry the saw on the downhill shoulder. Grasp the front
handle from under the blade. Remove the rear handle to
• Each line represents uniform thickness—tapering from thicker at the teeth End prevent snagging on overhanging limbs. Transport saws
to thinner at the top. view
at the rear of a line of workers. Use blade guards made
• The teeth are a uniform thickness. of sections of rubber-lined firehose slit lengthwise with
Velcro fasteners to facilitate removal. Saws need extra
protection when they are transported in a vehicle. They
Top edge should be secured between pieces of plywood cut to
blade width, or otherwise protected. Store saws straight.
STRAIGHT TAPER-GROUND SAW
Either hang them or lay them flat. Storing saws in a bent
position can bow the saw. Before storing, the blade should
End
be coated with a protect-ant to prevent corrosion. Never
The teeth vary in thickness. view store a saw in a wet sheath.

A sharp crosscut is easy to operate, but a dull or

One-person saw blades vary from 3 to 41⁄2 feet and these incorrectly filed saw is a source of endless frustration.
saws weigh 4 to 5 pounds. Two-person saws generally Quality crosscut saw filers are increasingly difficult to find.
have 6-foot blades and weigh about 8 pounds. Good instruction for crosscut saw filing is still available,
however. We recommend The Crosscut Saw Manual by
Many modern crosscuts have solid ends. That is, the Warren Miller (Tech. Rep. 7771–2508–MTDC, rev. 2003).
teeth do not extend to the ends of the blade. For finishing The manual discusses in detail how a saw works and
some cuts, however, you will often need a saw with teeth offers experience-tested methods for choosing, using, and
continuous to both ends. A saw with continuous teeth is maintaining a saw. Copies are available from MTDC.
needed to cut a log in dirt or deep duff, for example.
Velcro
strip

Velcro
strip

Sheathed saw

A crosscut saw sheathed with a piece of fire hose.

6
 Tools for Sawing

Tree sap may bind the crosscut blade in the cut. To

prevent this, lightly lubricate the blade with a citrus-based Hand Chain Saws
solvent. If a flask is stoppered with a cork that has been
grooved lengthwise, the blade can be evenly coated with The hand chain saw weighs only 2 pounds compared to
a film of citrus-based solvent by inverting the flask and 11 to 16 pounds for a conventional crosscut saw. The saw
whisking the cork along the blade surface. An alternative showed promise during early testing, but over time, it has
would be a squirt bottle of citrus-based solvent that could not proved to be a suitable replacement for a traditional
spread a small stream of the fluid along the blade. crosscut saw. It may be appropriate for occasional or
emergency use. It is safer to carry and easier to pack.
A leaning tree will have compressed fibers on its
underside. In this case, a cut on that side could quickly
bind a saw even after it has been undercut. If this
happens, saw as much as possible, remove the saw, and
chop away the severed wood. A down log can be under Hand chain saw

compression if it is only supported on the ends. A cut

made in the middle will bind the saw as the weight of the
log closes the kerf. Some­times a cut can be continued by
driving a wedge into the cut behind the saw. If the saw still
binds, one sawyer should “underbuck” the log from the
bottom. Remove one handle to reduce the chance of the
blade “kinking” if the severed log carries it to the ground.
Plant an ax in the log so the handle can support the back
of the saw. Slightly notch the handle for a saw guide.
Linseed oil in the notch allows the saw to run easily and
minimizes handle wear. The flexible hickory holds the saw Bow Saws
in the cut.
Bow saws are useful for clearing small downfall and
The cutting teeth of a crosscut saw sever the fibers on for limbing. Modern bow saws come in many sizes and
both sides of the kerf. The raker teeth cut like a plane, consist of a tubular steel frame designed to accept
peel the fibers, and collect them in sawdust gullets replaceable blades. Blades detach by loosening a wing
between the teeth. From there they are carried out of the nut or releasing a throw clamp. The clamp-type saw does
cut. A properly sharpened crosscut cuts deep and makes not require nuts and bolts that are easily lost. Unless
thick shavings. spare nuts or bolts are carried along, the saw becomes
useless. Blade lengths can vary from 16 inches to 36
Placement of the handles also determines how the saw inches. Saws weigh from 1 to 4 pounds. Let the saw do
cuts. For a vertical cut with the teeth pointing down and the work. Apply a little down-ward force with each stroke.
the handles up, the pull stroke will be easier the farther When the bow saw is used for one sawyer, lean slightly
toward the end of the handle the hands are placed. over the frame and let your weight provide some down­
Pointing the handles down reverses the situation. For ward pressure with each push of the blade. Forcing the
saws that have two holes on each end, changing the blade into the cut may bind or break the blade. Use as
handle position from the lower to the upper hole will have much of the length of the blade as possible; the saw will
the same effect as moving the hands several inches up cut smoother and stay sharp longer.
the handle.

Another good reference that presents time-tested

techniques for using and maintaining crosscut saws is
Saws That Sing: A Guide to Using Crosscut Saws (Tech.
Rep. 0423–2822P–MTDC) by David Michael. Copies are
available from MTDC.

7
Tools for Sawing

Although the bow saw is designed for one person, two

people can saw large logs more effectively. Two people
operate the bow saw like a crosscut—each works only on
Sandvik Swifty bow saw
the pull stroke.

The Sandvik Swifty is designed for light pruning and landscape work.
The tension-mounted blade is 3⁄4 inch wide and 21 inches long, and
features a peg-tooth design. The quick-action tension lever facili-
tates blade changing. It has a Swedish steel frame with a knuckle
guard, and weighs 11⁄4 pounds.
Bow saw

Small bow saw

The teeth are needle-sharp, so wear gloves when sawing
and keep hands clear of the cut and the blade. Carry bow
saws by your side with the blade pointed down. Sheathe
the blade with small-diameter fire hose and Velcro A small bow saw is used for pruning, limbing, landscaping, camping.
The 21-inch raker tooth blade is quickly and easily replaced using
fasteners or plastic blade guards when not in use. Always
a tension lever. The strong tubular steel frame is designed to allow
carry spare parts and plenty of replacement blades on use of the entire cutting blade. It weighs 11⁄2 pounds.
the trail.

Since worn blades are replaced rather than sharpened,

maintenance consists of blade replace­ment, periodic
checks to see that bolts are tight, and an occasional light
oiling. Take care when oiling these and other trail tools.
Portex Swedish bow saw
Too much oil can trap dirt in tool joints.
The Portex self-storing Swedish bow saw features a 3⁄4- by 16-inch
Examples: Swedish steel blade with raker teeth for cutting firewood, limbs, or
lumber. It has an aluminum frame with a no-slip, plastic hand grip.
All parts disassemble and “nest” inside the handle, and are easy to
reassemble. Weight is 11⁄4 pounds.

Sandvik all-purpose bow saw

The Sandvik all-purpose bow saw has a hardened 3⁄4-inch by

36-inch blade, and a Swedish steel frame with a knuckle
guard. The blade changes easily and has a tension lever. Its
weight is 21⁄4 pounds.

Sandvik Buckmaster bow saw

The Sandvik Buckmaster is used for heavy-duty bucking jobs.

The precision 3⁄4-inch blade never needs refiling. The frame is
Swedish oval tubing, with a knuckle guard and a tension lever
for quick blade change. It weighs 3 to 31⁄2 pounds. Bow saws effectively clear trails.

8
 Tools for Sawing

Pruning Saws 6-inch cant saw file. Blades are also easy and inexpensive
to replace. Check the bolt often for tightness. Carry
Pruning saws are useful for limbing, some brushing, and replacement parts.
removing small downfall, especially where space is limited
and cutting is difficult. The triangular handle design limits
cutting depth, however. Blades vary from 10 to 36 inches,
and saws weigh from 3⁄4 to 21⁄2 pounds.
Folding Pruning Saw

Smokejumpers use folding saws to retrieve parachutes

and other equipment from trees or bushes.

Pruning saws should be used, maintained, and carried

like bow saws.

Pruning saws used in trail clearing quickly limb small

branches.

Examples:
Tuttle tooth pruner

The Tuttle tooth pruner is a handy all-purpose saw for general

pruning requirements. The teeth are designed for fast
cutting of large limbs and firewood. The 21-inch blade is
47⁄8 inches wide at the butt, and 11⁄8 inches wide at the point.
Weight is 11⁄4 pounds.

Meylan pruning saw

The Meylan pruning saw combines a curved ax handle and a curved

saw blade that enables a sawyer of average height standing on
the ground to prune nearly 10 feet high. The handle is 36 inches
long and the blade is 16 inches long. Weight is 21⁄2 pounds.

Double-edge pruner

Pruning saws used in trail clearing quickly limb small branches.

Folding pruning saws are also handy. Some triangular The double-edge pruner has fine teeth on one edge for light
trimming, and lightning teeth on the other edge for heavier
saws collapse for carrying; other folding saws have a jobs. The blade is 21⁄2 inches wide at the handle, and 29⁄32
curved blade with teeth on the under­side attached to a inch at the point. The fine edge has eight points per inch,
short handle by a bolt and wing nut. The bolt and nut and the other edge is 11⁄32-inch pitch lightning teeth. Weight
lock the blade open for use and closed for carrying, like is about 1 pound.
a pocket knife. These blades may be sharpened with a

9
Tools for Sawing

Pole Saws (Pole Pruners)

Curved pruner
This saw has a curved blade attached to a long extension
handle and is used to prune high protruding limbs. The
The curved pruner is an excellent general-purpose pruner
for fast cutting of small limbs. It has an easy-to-grip, knife- teeth face backward on the underside of the blade, so the
type wood handle, and is trimmed with nickeled screws. cut is made on the pull stroke. The curved blade helps
The 14-inch blade has seven reverse-rip points per inch prevent binding and transfers the weight of the tool to the
and is 11⁄2 inches wide at the handle, and 9⁄16 inch wide at branch to aid cutting. Handles typically extend from 4 to
the point. Weight is 1⁄2 pound.
16 feet.

Pole pruning saw

Bartlett special utility saw

The Bartlett special utility saw has a 24-inch diamond-tooth

pattern blade (four points per inch). Weight is 11⁄2 pounds.
When using a pole saw, be aware of other workers
nearby. Cut only those limbs whose ends you can see.
Clear an area for dropping limbs. When cutting larger
limbs, make two cuts. Begin with a slight cut on the
Professional tree-pruning saw underside of the branch to prevent bark from tearing when
the limb is severed from the top.
The professional tree-pruning saw (heavy-duty) has extra-
large teeth and gullets for speed cutting of large limbs. The Carry pole saws by your side. Grip the handle near the
concave cutting edge is precision set and beveled-filed, and blade and point it away from your body and down. Long
cuts fast on the pull stroke. The blade is flat-ground, 26 handles may require another worker to carry the tool
inches long, 35⁄16 inches wide at the butt, and 113⁄32 inches at
the point. Weight is 11⁄2 pounds.
farther back on the handle. Don’t let the end of the handle
drag on the ground.

Sharpen these saws with a slim taper file. Pole saws have
alternately offset teeth that are beveled on both edges.
Skodco pruning saw
Clamp the blade so the gullets are exposed about 1⁄8-inch
to minimize chatter during sharpening. Align the file in
the first gullet against the front and trailing edges of two
The Skodco pruning saw has a 24-inch blade with special
baked-on blued finish and straight-toothed edge for cutting adjacent teeth. The file should form an angle of about
on the pull stroke. The extra large hand hole enables easy 65° with the blade. File every other gullet, then reverse
use while wearing gloves. The blade is 39⁄16 inches wide at direction and file alternate gullets at the same angle. Four
the butt, 13⁄8 inches at the point, and has 41⁄2 points per inch. or five strokes per tooth should suffice. File teeth equally;
Weight is 13⁄4 pounds.
unevenly filed teeth will differ in height. The shorter teeth
will be ineffective while cutting.

When transporting blades, provide a small protective box

that holds approximately 10 to 15 blades vertically. Each
Folding pruner
blade should be separated by a 1⁄4-inch plywood partition.

The folding pruner has a 10-inch curved blade with a sure-grip

wood handle that folds to protect the cutting edge. The
blade has 61⁄2 cross-cut points per inch, and is 115⁄16 inches
wide at the butt, and 1⁄2 inch at the point. Weight is 3⁄4 pound.

10
 Tools for Sawing

Examples:

Telescoping
fiberglass
tree pruner Cord-actuated pruner

The cord-actuated pruner blade

The telescoping fiberglass on this 15-foot long pruner cuts
tree pruner has a blade that cuts limbs limbs up to 11⁄8 inches in diameter. A
up to 11⁄4 inches in diameter. The multipower multipower leverage system increases
pulley design and gear-driven lever give three your pull on the cord 15 times for quick,
times more cutting power. The 16-inch needle- easy cuts. The 16-inch needle point, Teflon-
point saw blade cuts on the pull stroke to reduce coated saw blade cuts on pull strokes to reduce
binding. Telescoping fiberglass pole adjusts from 6 binding. The three 5-foot wooden poles may be
feet to 12 feet. Weight is 7 pounds. quickly assembled and taken apart. Weight is 7 lbs.

Pole pruning saw Tree trimmer

The 16-inch blade on this pole pruning

saw adjusts to three different positions on
the aluminum head. It has a large hook for The head of this tree trimmer cuts limbs
pushing branches, raising ropes, etc. The built- 11⁄2 inches in diameter. This heavy-duty,
in paint brush holder applies tree wound paint. malleable, iron pruner head has a steel cable
The poles are 5 to 12 feet long. Weight is from 2 to chain that works through a ballbearing pulley for
4 pounds. a powerful, “center-cut” action. The poles are 5 to
6 feet long. Weight is up to 4 pounds.

Tree trimmer

The strong, malleable iron pruner on this tree

trimmer has a steel chain working through
a ballbearing pulley for a powerful “center-cut”
action. It cuts 1-inch diameter limbs. Poles vary from
5 to 12 feet. Weight is about 3 lbs.

11
Tools for Sawing

Wedges
Use wedges as levers to prevent the sides of a cut from
pinching a saw blade before the cut is finished. Most jobs
require soft wedges that will not damage saw teeth. ABS
plastic wedges are available in different lengths, widths,
and weights. Some have metal inserts in the heads. Other
types of wedges are designed to be used in combinations
for felling. Wooden wedges are no longer used by the Using one or more wedges keeps a saw blade from being pinched.
Forest Service.

Select the correct wedge for the job. Replace wedges

when they become chipped or broken.

12
 ools for Chopping
Axes ————————— SINGLE-BIT PATTERNS —————————

Hudson Bay
The ax is a traditionally American handtool that has
been used from Colonial times. Different head patterns Rockaway
distinguish axes from different regions.
Wedge
Axes are of two basic types—single or double bit.
Single-bit axes have one cutting edge opposite a flat Yankee
face. Double-bit axes have two symmetrically opposed
cutting edges. The single-bit ax is used when safety is
paramount. Some workers prefer the double-bit ax. One
Connecticut
edge is maintained at razor sharpness and the other is
kept somewhat duller for chopping around rocks or dirt. Michigan
Mark the duller edge with a spot of paint.

————————— DOUBLE-BIT PATTERNS —————————

Puget Sound
felling
Single-bit ax
Forester’s

Western

Double-bit ax Wedge

Crown
Modern axes incorporate many variations in handle
Peeling
length and head weights. Handles range from 32 to 36
inches, and heads from 2 to 4 pounds. A wide variety of Ax head types.
head patterns is available. Broadaxes are used for hewing
bridge timbers. If properly used and maintained, axes
are effective for removing downfall, trimming limbs along
a trail, and for felling. The flat end of a single bit may be Proficiency with axes requires practice. In general,
used occasionally to pound stakes or wedges, but it is not the force of the swing is not as important as accurate
designed for heavy use. Prolonged use for pounding will placement. You should learn to “switch hit” with the ax,
loosen the head, chip the face because it is not hardened alternating your forward hand on the handle between
like a hammer face, and warp the eye, causing problems chops while maintaining a firm grip with the other.
with rehandling and balance.
Always chop away from your body. Stand so a glancing
Before chopping, check for adequate swing clearance blow won’t strike you. If you must cut toward yourself,
and remove underbrush and overhanging branches that “choke up” on the handle with both hands and use short
might interfere. Be sure your footing is stable and secure. swings to give more control.
Chop only when you are clear of other workers. Stand
comfortably with your weight evenly distributed and both Chopping through a log requires a cut width twice the
feet planted shoulder-width apart. Measure the correct log’s diameter to prevent the sides from converging before
distance to stand from the cut by holding the handle near you are through. If opposing cuts are used, make each as
the end and stretching your arms out toward the cut. wide as the log’s diameter.
You should be able to touch the blade to the cut. Begin
chopping by sliding your forward hand within 6 inches of When limbing, cut on the underside of limbs and not in the
the head. As you swing, your forward hand slides back crotch. Fewer chops are required and there is less chance
down the handle to the other hand. Just after impact, give that the ax will wedge between the branch and trunk or
the handle a slight twist to pop severed wood out of the cut. glance off. You are also more likely to chip blades because

13
Tools for Chopping

Twice the Ax
diameter
of the log.

V-notch
Sharpening in the field.
Equal to
the
diameter
of the log.

When sharpening in the field, secure the ax so both

hands are free. A double-bit can be lodged in a tree stump
or log, and a single-bit can be secured with the butt end
Chopping through logs.
in a V-notch. Wear gloves on both hands, and use a file
guard on the file. Finish with an ax stone.
crotch wood is dense. When chopping branches above the
An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual (Tech. Rep. 9923–
crotch, place something solid under the chopping point to
2823P–MTDC), by Bernie Weisgerber, is a practical and
prevent the branch from springing back and slapping you.
detailed handbook about axes, their history, and their
continuing use.

Correct Incorrect

Using an ax for limbing. Hatchets

Many trail workers include hand axes or hatchets among
Carry axes by your side with the head forward. Grasp the their tools. Hatchets work well for trimming small green
handle firmly just behind the head and keep the cutting stems or freshening blaze markers along the trail. They
edge away from your body and down. Sheath all axes are easily and safely carried in belt-mounted sheaths.
before transporting.
Hatchet heads are usually made of heat-treated steel
When sharpening, consider the job at hand. If you must designed to accept wood or fiberglass handles. Some
reshape the blade, maintain the original shape as much have a steel handle forged to the head. They can weigh
as possible. Discard axes with poor profiles or cracked from 1 to 3 pounds and handles range from 10 to 16
heads. Grind the blade slowly, arcing with the grinder inches long.
toward the blade’s midpoint so it has a full-width convex
bevel. Be careful not to hollow grind blades, which
produces a concave blade bevel the radius of the grinding
wheel. Finish with a mill bastard file and an ax stone.
Hatchet

14
 Tools for Chopping

Use and maintain hatchets like regular axes. Remember

that these tools are not designed for excessive pounding.
Additional hazards may also exist for users because Tree-sounding ax
hatchets are single-grip tools.

Examples: The tree-sounding ax has a 1⁄2-pound head that is designed

for “sounding” trees. Foresters like its small size (10 inches
long; 21⁄2-inch blade) for carrying in a vest or jacket pocket.
Weight is 1 pound.

Sportsman’s ax

All-steel camper’s ax
A sportsman’s ax has the blade and handle forged from one-
piece steel. The length is 131⁄2 inches and the blade is 31⁄4
inches. Weight is 24 ounces.

An all-steel camper’s ax is 16 inches long and is forged from

one-piece steel. It has a 4-inch blade, and weighs 23⁄4 lbs.

Forestry ax

Plumb hammer/hatchet
The forestry ax has a 11⁄4-pound head, 14-inch hickory handle,
and weighs 13⁄4 pounds.

A plumb hammer/hatchet is a half-hatchet with hardened,

tempered bit and a strong fiberglass handle. It has a 3- to
4-inch bit, is about 131⁄2 inches long, and weighs 21⁄2 lbs.

15
Tools for Chopping

16
 ools for Grubbing
Pulaskis Combi Tools
The Pulaski combines an ax and a grub hoe into one The combination or combi tool is basically a military
multipurpose firefighting tool. Pulaskis adapt easily to entrenching tool on a long handle. It functions as a hoe,
trail work, especially for crews limited to a few tools, or pick, or shovel. These tools have recently been developed
crews with only a general idea of the job to be done. to aid Forest Service firefighting crews. Because of their
Combination tools are less effective than single purpose wide blade and longer handle, most users have found
tools. An ax balances better and chops more safely and them less fatiguing to use than traditional tools.
grub hoes are more efficient than Pulaskis. Pulaskis weigh
about 51⁄2 pounds. Most have a 36-inch handle. Use, carry, and maintain the tool as you would a Pulaski
or McLeod.

Pulaski

Fan-shaped blade bevel

tapered back 2 to 3 inches.

3
⁄8-inch bevel

Pulaski head detail

When using the hoe, stand bent at the waist with your
back straight and parallel to the ground, knees flexed, and
one foot slightly forward. Hold the handle with both hands
so the head is at an angle to your body, and use short,
smooth, shallow swings. Let the hoe hit the ground on its
corner. Use the ax end to chop large roots after the dirt
has been cleared by the hoe. Always wear safety goggles
while grubbing to guard against flying chips of rock and dirt.

Combination (or Combi) tool developed for firefighting, is popular for

trail work.

Use short strokes and let the hoe hit the ground on its corner.

Combi tool

Carry the Pulaski at your side. Grip the handle firmly

near the head and point the ax end away from your body
and down. Sharpen the cutting edge like an ax. When
sharpening the hoe, maintain the existing inside edge
bevel. Never sharpen the top of the hoe.

17
Tools for Grubbing

Picks
Pick heads have a pointed tip for breaking hard rock by
forcing a natural seam. They also have a chisel tip for
breaking softer materials. Picks commonly weigh 5 to 10
pounds and most have 36-inch handles.

Pick

The pick head has one chisel tip

and a pointed end.

The combi tool serves as a hoe, pick, or shovel.

When using a pick, stand comfortably with your feet

about shoulder-width apart and one foot slightly forward.
Grasp the handle with your forward hand near the head;
McLeods place the other hand near the handle end. Bending over
at the waist and keeping your back straight and parallel
The McLeod combines a heavy-duty rake with a large, to the ground, work the pick like a Pulaski hoe with
sturdy hoe. McLeods work well for constructing trails short, deliberate, downward strokes. Avoid raising the
through light soils and vegetation or for reestablishing pick overhead while swinging; this wastes energy and
tread along sloughed side cuts. They are inefficient in creates a safety hazard because the heavy, narrow tool
rocky or unusually brushy areas. The hoe edge is about 93⁄4 head cannot be easily controlled or directed. Always wear
inches wide, the six rake teeth are 31⁄2 inches long, and the safety goggles while picking to guard against flying chips
handle is 48 inches long. Weight is about 5 pounds. of rock.

Carry McLeods like shovels with the head forward and the An oval-tapered eye and handle end cause pick heads
handle behind. Grip the handle firmly near the head and to tighten when swung, but allow a worker to remove
hold it away from your body while you walk. Sharpen the handles for carrying and sharpening. Sometimes a small
hoe with a mill bastard file. Maintain a 45° outside edge screw is screwed into the handle just below the head to
bevel. Honing the edge with a whetstone is unnecessary. prevent slipping. Before sharpening, secure the tool head
Rake tines sometimes bend and should be straightened, to free both hands. Use a grinder or mill bastard file to
but they are not sharpened. sharpen pointed tips to 1⁄8-inch square. When sharpening
chisel tips, maintain the factory bevel.

SHARPENING Wing nut

A PICK

McLeod

Secure the head to the frame by placing a bolt through the eye of the
head and fastening it with a wing nut. This allows for easy removal
and keeps both hands free for sharpening.

18
 Tools for Grubbing

Mattocks Adze, Grub, and Hazel Hoes

The cutter mattock uses the same grubbing blade as pick Use adze hoes, grub hoes, or hazel hoes to break
mattocks, but includes an opposing 2-inch cutter blade sod clumps when constructing new trail or leveling an
instead of a pointed tip. Crews working in deep, rooty soil existing trail tread. These hoes are also useful in heavy
often prefer these tools; roots are severed with the cutter duff. Operate hoes like Pulaskis, mattocks, and picks.
blade and then pried out with the grubbing end. Follow Work the tool at an angle across the front of your body
the use instructions outlined for Pulaskis. so the handle is not between your legs. Bend at the
waist, keeping your back straight, knees flexed, and feet
shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly forward. Control
the swing by grasping the handle near the end with one
hand and near the middle with the other. “Choking” the
Cutter mattock
handle and swinging straight down may cause the handle
to hit your shins or knees. Use short, shallow chops to save
energy. Strike so the tool hits at an angle on its corner.

The pick mattock is often recommended as the standard

tool for trail work. It is used like a pick. It has a pointed tip
for breaking rocks and a grubbing blade for working softer
materials. The grubbing blade may also be used to cut
roots or remove small stumps. Moreover, with the edge of
the tool, you can tamp dirt and loose rocks or smooth a
new tread, and the handle helps measure the trail’s width.

Mattock handles are similar to pick handles. They are

usually 16 to 17 inches long and they can be removed
when transporting and sharpening the heads. Mattocks
weigh about 21⁄2 pounds.

Maintain good cutting edges on mattocks. Keep grubbing

blades sharpened to maintain a 35° edge bevel on the
underside. Sharpen pick ends like a pick, and maintain
factory bevels on cutter blades.

Adze hoes are useful tools for constructing trails.

Pick mattock
The tapered eyes and handle ends of these hoes force
heads to tighten during use, but make them easily
removable for carrying and sharpening. Like picks and
mattocks, you can also use a screw to hold the head from
Cutter mattock slipping on the handle. To sharpen, remove the handle,
secure the head so both hands are free, and use a file or
Types of mattocks.
grinder to bring the cutting edge to an inside bevel of 45°.
Carry these hoes like Pulaskis, picks, or mattocks.

19
Tools for Grubbing

Adze hoe

Grub hoe

Hazel hoe

Draw or swan neck hoes are useful for leveling or

weeding. These hoes are light duty tools, however, and
may often prove impractical for trail use. Carry draw hoes
like shovels, with the sharpened edge away from the body
and down. Sharpen the edge to an outside bevel of 45°.
Finishing with a whetstone is unnecessary for all hoes.

Grub hoe being used for trail work.

Draw or swan neck hoe

20
 ools for Digging and Tamping
Shovels
Shovels are available in various blade shapes and handle
lengths. In general, shovel blades are tapered for shifting
loads, square-edged for scooping, or pointed for digging.
Handle lengths vary from D-handles of about 27 inches to
longer-handled shovels up to about 48 inches. They weigh
from 3 to 5 pounds. Long-handled shovels are usually
preferred for trailwork. A shovel with a detachable handle
is often a good choice. Firefighters use a shovel with a
detachable handle that is designed to scrape combustible
material down to mineral soil. It is lightweight and durable
and well-suited for scraping as opposed to digging.

Round-point shovel

Square Round point Taper

Press your arm against your thigh to gain leverage.

Shovel types.

When shifting or scooping materials, bend your knees Maintain the bevel on the inside (top) surface of the blade
and lift with your legs—not your back. Use your thigh as a approximately at a 45° angle. Sharpen square-edge and
fulcrum to push against the shovel. This makes the handle tapered-edge shovels on the bottom only. Final honing is
an efficient lever and saves your energy and your back. unnecessary.
When digging, make the top diameter of the hole large
enough so that it won’t interfere with the shovel handle
while removing loose dirt as the hole deepens. A shovel
used with a pick or bar is most effective; picks or bars
make prying with the shovel unnecessary. Wiggling the
shovel handle while applying foot pressure on the blade
will help you dig deeper.

Carry shovels with the head forward and the handle

behind. Grip the handle firmly near the head and hold it
away from your body while you walk. Sharpen blades with
a mill bastard file. Start filing the edge just below the foot
rest and work to the point. File away from blade center. Sharpening square-edge and taper-edge shovels.

21
Tools for Digging and Tamping

Digging and Tamping Bars Carry digging bars at their balance point, like shovels or
crowbars. Maintain bars by keeping them as straight as
A digging and tamping bar is about the same length as a possible and by sharpening the chisel tip to retain the
crowbar, but much lighter. It is designed with a chisel tip factory bevel.
for loosening dirt or rocks and a flattened end for tamping.
These bars are not prying tools. Bars are approximately
70 inches long with a 21⁄2-inch-wide tamping end. Digging and tamping bar

22
 ools for Brushing
Lopping and Pruning Shears Cutting blade

Hook HOOK BLADE

Cutting blade

Anvil
ANVIL BLADE

Hook and anvil cutting blades.

The hook places the weight of

the shears on the limb.

Cutting
edge

Lopping shears allow branches to be cut cleanly and flush with tree Lopping shears
trunks.

Lopping and pruning shears are similar in design and Transport shears with the blades closed. Grip the tool on
use, although lopping shears have longer handles to one handle just behind the blade and carry it by your side.
improve reach, and gear drives to increase leverage for Clean moisture and sap from blades after use. Keep metal
thicker stems. Cutting edges vary, but generally one blade parts lightly oiled to prevent rust. Frequently check nuts
binds and cuts a stem against an anvil or beveled hook. and bolts for tightness, and always carry replacements in
We recommend the hook and blade shear for overhead the field.
cuts because the curved blades transfer the weight of the
shears to the limb. Quality shears have rust-resistant steel To sharpen, spread the
blades. Handles are wood or aluminum. Handles range handles apart, resting one or
from 26 to 36 inches long. Limbs up to 3 inches can be both ends on a flat surface.
cut with shears. Use a mill bastard file on the
cutting blade only; neither hooks
nor anvils are sharpened.
Maintain factory bevels while
filing toward the cutting edge.
Use a whetstone to remove
Lopping shears the wire edge.
Sharpening lopping shears.

23
Tools for Brushing

Examples:

Heavy-duty lopping shears Hi-Tork lopper

The Hi-Tork lopper makes a 11⁄2-inch diameter cut. It is designed for

hardwood, frozen wood, brush, and deadwood. The shears are 27
inches long and weigh 3 pounds.
Heavy-duty lopping shears are ideal for the forester. They have ash
handles, make a 3-inch diameter cut, and are 371⁄2 inches long.
Weight is 51⁄2 pounds.

Point-cut pruner

Forester heavy-duty brush cutter

Point-cut pruners make a 11⁄4-inch diameter cut. The blades open

wide to cut suckers or sprouts at blade point. Weight is 3 pounds.

“Forester” heavy-duty brush cutters make a 2-inch diameter cut for

heavy-duty jobs—hardwood, deadwood, branches, or brush. The
rugged steel construction is even strong enough to dehorn and clip
cattle. Both blades cut to reduce bark damage. The shears are 27
to 34 inches long and weigh 4 to 8 pounds.
Bank Blades and Bush Hooks
Bank blades and bush hooks are designed specifically for
cutting through thickets of heavy brush or saplings. Their
long handles and heavy heads will add momentum to the
force of your swing, but their curved blades also pose extra
Snap-cut lopping shears safety hazards. Always maintain a firm grip with both hands
on the handle. Cut with a slicing rather than a hacking
motion. Remember that bank blades have cutting edges
on both edges of the blade. Stay clear of other workers. Be
aware of the increased possibility of glancing blows, and
Snap-cut professional lopping shears make a 13⁄4-inch diameter cut. always control the swing to avoid cuts to the legs or feet.
They are a gear-driven lopping shear with tremendous cutting Wear shin guards when operating these tools. Blades are
power—10 pounds force applied to the handles gives 300 pounds
available in 12- to 16-inch lengths. Handles are 36 inches
of cutting power. The shears are 30 inches long and weigh 51⁄2 lbs.
or 40 inches long. The tool weighs from 31⁄2 to 5 pounds.

Bank blade
True-Temper lopping shears

Bush hook

True-Temper lopping shears give a 11⁄2-inch diameter cut. The

Carry bank blades and bush hooks with the head forward
tubular steel handles provide extra strength and the rubber cushion
grips absorb shocks. These are used by biologists to remove deer like a shovel. Grip the handle near the head and hold the
jawbones. The shears are 26 inches long and weigh 21⁄4 pounds. hook away from the body and down.

24
 Tools for Brushing

Sharpen bank blades and bush hooks with a mill bastard

file and finish with a whetstone. Always wear your gloves
and use a file guard. Stroke along the straight edges
True-Temper bank blade
of the blades and swing the stone or file in an arc to
maintain the factory edge bevel on curved sections.

Council bank blade

Bank blades are used for clearing thick undergrowth and brush.
The blade is sharpened on both sides. Blade lengths may be
12 or 16 inches. Hickory handles are available in 36 or 42
Bush hook
inches. These tools weigh 1 to 51⁄2 pounds.

Sharpening a bush hook.

Clearing Knives and Swedish Brush

Examples: (Sandvik) Axes
These clearing tools work well in brushy thickets or when
clearing in rocky or confined areas. Clearing knives look
Council single-edge,
like small, short, brush hooks, so use, carry, and sharpen
eye-and-strap bush hook them accordingly. Handle length will determine if the tool
is operated one- or two-handed. Use and carry a short-
handled clearing knife like a machete.

True-Temper single-edge,
eye-and-strap bush hook
Long-handled clearing knife

Brush axes have different blades than clearing knives.

True-Temper double edge,
ax-eye type bush hook
The replaceable Swedish steel blade has a 51⁄2-inch
cutting edge. The ax has a 27-inch long handle. It weighs
about 21⁄2 pounds. They have removable blades held in
a C-shaped frame under tension. Tension may weaken
and cause blades to pop out. Bend the frame outward
slightly to increase tension. The blade can be removed for
Council double edge,
sharpening. Avoid overheating the blade and losing the
ax-eye type bush hook temper. Replace badly damaged blades.

Bush hooks are used for clearing work that is too heavy for a
Swedish brush (Sandvik) ax
scythe and not suited for an ax. They are available with
single-edged, eye-and-strap blade, or double-edged, ax-eye A Swedish brush ax cuts small saplings and brush easily, safely.
blade type. They have hickory handles 12 to 36 inches long The replaceable Swedish steel blade has a 51⁄2-inch cutting
and weigh 2 to 41⁄2 pounds. edge. The hickory handle is 27 inches long overall, and weighs
21⁄2 pounds.

25
Tools for Brushing

Because these are single-grip tools, a worker must

always maintain a firm grip while swinging. Also, be aware
of the location of fellow workers. The hook on the end of
the Woodsman’s Pal can slip as it is pulled toward you
and cut legs or hands, or it may strike the back of an
operator’s head on the back swing. Both tools come with
belt sheaths that make them easy and safe to carry.
Brush ax
When sharpening, use a mill bastard file or whetstone to
maintain the factory edge bevel. Sharpen the hook of the
Woodsman’s Pal using the procedure described for the
brush hook. Protect sharpened edges at all times.

Examples:

Collins machete

Sharpening the brush ax.

Barteaux & Sons machete

Machetes and Woodsman’s Pals

Machetes and Woodsman’s Pals are used to clear weeds, Seymour machetes

brush, and small trees along a trail. Machetes became

commonly used in Forest Service work after World War II
when surplus knives were used extensively for brushing. The Seymour machetes are for cutting heavy weeds, brush,
Machetes have blades from 17 to 24 inches long and vines, grass, and shrubs. They have heavy-duty, hand-forged
weigh up to 2 pounds. The Woodsman’s Pal is shorter and Swedish steel blades and polypropylene safety handles that
sturdier than the machete and includes a cutting hook and are 17 to 24 inches long. Weight is a few ounces to 2 pounds.
a knuckle guard. It is used for cutting, chopping, digging,
hacking, and pulling. It is 16 inches long and weighs
about 11⁄2 pounds.

Woodsman’s Pal with

a hardwood handle

Machete

Woodsman’s Pal with

a hand guard and a leather grip
Woodsman’s Pal
Woodsman’s Pal axes are used for
cutting, chopping, digging, hacking,
and pulling. They are 16 inches long
and weigh 11⁄2 pounds.

26
 Tools for Brushing

Corn Knives Operate the scythe by grasping the handles (nibs)

projecting from the bar (snath) and rhythmically sweeping
These tools, also called tobacco knives, come in a variety the blade low to the ground across and in front of you. A
of shapes and sizes. They are commonly used for hand “grass nail” placed between the bar and the blade keeps
brushing on tree and tobacco plantations. vegetation from catching in that junction.

Corn knives are single-grip tools, so hold tightly to the

handle while operating. Stand well balanced and bend Tang
at the waist. Use your free hand to steady the stems you
intend to cut. Wear a glove to protect your free hand from
Grass
scratches or burns from weeds. nail
Snath

Corn knife
Blade

When carrying, grip the knife on the handle near the blade.
Nibs
Carry the tool by your side with the blade pointed away
from your body and down. When sharpening, maintain
factory edge bevels. Corn knives may have curved blades
that are sharpened on only one side like brush or weed
hooks, or they may have straight or adjustable blades that
are sharpened on both sides like machetes. Scythe parts.

Carry scythes by your side in one hand, blade forward

Tobacco knife and handle behind. Keep control of the blade by grasping
the handle near the blade and pointing the blade away
from your body with the tip down. Stop and change hands
if the tool becomes too heavy. Transport scythes well
behind a line of workers, and work only in areas clear of
others.
The tobacco knife blade is tough alloy steel that is 12 inches long by
1 inch wide and 3⁄32-inch thick. It is beveled and sharpened with an Before sharpening the scythe, stand the handle on its
ax stone only on one side. The round hardwood handle is 11⁄4
inches in diameter. end so the blade is horizontal and the tip points down.
Use a whetstone or scythestone to hone the blade from
back to front (tang to tip) on both sides. Maintain the
factory edge bevel. If the blade is badly chipped detach
it from the handle and reshape it with a grinder or file.
Return the edge to a bevel of 10°. Although some argue
Scythes that the wire edge facilitates cutting light vegetation,
we recommend removing it. A lesser known method of
Scythes efficiently mow open areas of weeds or grass. sharpening involves beating the blade with a special
Grass or weed scythes have 24- to 40-inch blades and hammer to shape and sharpen it without grinding. Finish
long handles. Brush scythes have shorter, sturdier blades with a whetstone.
and handles and are often preferred by trail crews.

27
Tools for Brushing

Sickles and Grass Hooks

wi r
Grass hook

es tte
de
ch cu
2 in ing
1 1⁄ ush
P
Weed hook

The arc of the

pulling cutter
measures 31⁄2 inches.
Sickle

Weed hook and head diagram.

from the body and down and weed as you walk. Always
maintain safe distances between workers. Remember that
the tool has two cutting edges and that swinging it could
Sickles are curved knives used to cut weeds or grass in be especially hazardous. Sharpen weed hooks with a mill
limited space. The single grip handle angles upward so bastard file and finish with a whetstone. Use a curving
the blade cuts parallel to the ground while the operator stroke on the pulling cutter that follows the inside edge
stands bent at the waist. The blade is 12 inches long and around to the tip. Sharpen the pushing cutter on the top
the handle is 4 to 5 inches long. side only.

Carry the sickle by your side with the cutting edge away
from your body and pointed down. Maintain a firm grip on
the handle when carrying or using.

Maintain sickles with a whetstone or scythestone. The

blade is beveled on the top side only. Remove the wire Weed Cutters (Grass Whips)
edge by working the stone flat against the backside.
Weed cutters are used for cutting light growth like grasses
The grass hook combines features of scythes and sickles. and annuals that grow along trails. They are lightweight
It can be operated like a scythe from an upright position, and durable and usually swung like a golf club. The sharper
but the small blade is maintained like a sickle. the blade, the less energy needed to cut. Both edges are
serrated and cut on the forward and return strokes. When
sharpening the edges of these tools, remember that
different models have the blade bevels on different sides.
The frame may interfere when sharpening top-beveled
blades. It may be best to remove the blade and screw it to a
block of wood for sharpening. Maintain a 25° bevel on both
Weed Hooks serrated and straight blades. Cutters usually have a 9- by
2-inch blade and a 40-inch long handle.
Workers can easily trim annual vegetation along a trail
with a weed hook. These tools have a curved inside blade
that cuts by pulling through stems toward the operator
and a straight top blade that cuts by pushing. Long
handles allow the operator to remain upright.
Weed cutter
(grass whip)
Since these tools are light enough to operate with a
single grip, carry them by the handle with the head away

28
 ools for Pounding and Hammering
Sledge Hammers
Sledge hammers have heads that weigh from 8 to 20
pounds, which are forged from heat-treated high carbon Sledge hammer
steel. They usually have two rounded striking faces
with beveled edges to minimize chipping. Thirty-six inch
handles are common. Handles can be fiberglass or wood.

Driving sledges are used to set heavy timbers and drive

heavy spikes or hardened nails. Stone sledges are used
to break boulders or concrete. Because of differences in Nevada or
tempering, these tools are not interchangeable. long pattern
sledge

Swing sledge hammers carefully—more like mattocks and

picks than axes. Carry these tools like axes, holding the Double face sledge
handle by your side, extending the handle behind you,
and gripping the hammer near the head.

Maintain hammers by keeping striking faces smooth. Use

a grinder, but do not allow the tool to overheat, which will
weaken its temper. The temper is shallow, and excessive
grinding will go through to soft metal. Have a blacksmith Hand-Drilling Hammers
recondition those with badly chipped or mushroomed
faces. Check handles regularly for tightness or cracks. Hand-drilling hammers are used to
Repair or replace them as needed. drill steel into rock or to drive wedge
and feathers into cracks or drilled
holes. There are two types of
hand-drilling hammers—single
jacks and double jacks. Both
have two rounded striking
faces with beveled edges to Stone
sledge
minimize chipping.

Single jacking involves an individual holding a drilling

steel in one hand and hitting it with a hammer held in the
other. The single jacks have 3- or 4-pound heads and
10-inch handles. The short handle helps you place blows
accurately and resists breaking better than longer handles.
Engineer’s hammers with 3- or 4-pound heads and 14-inch
handles can also be used for modified double jacking.
An operator sits or kneels near the steel and hammers
with both hands while another worker holds the steel.
The proximity of both hands to the head required by the
14-inch handle assures that accuracy and safety are not
sacrificed. Large double jacks with 6- or 8-pound heads
and 36-inch handles are available for experienced drillers.
For more information on hand drilling, we
recommend Hand Drilling and Breaking Rock
for Wilderness Trail Maintenance Tech. Rep.
8423–2602–MTDC,
August 1984).

Hand-drilling hammer
Single jacking.

29
Tools for Pounding and Hammering

Features of Hand-Drilling Hammers—

Head The double-face hammer head is

made of heat-treated, high-carbon
steel. Single jack hammer

Striking faces The two striking faces should have

beveled edges and should be heat-
treated.

Handle Wood handles are usually made of

hickory. They should have a tight,
knot-free grain that runs parallel to
the wedge slot. Other handles are
made of fiberglass, or are a forged
extension of the head.

Single jack These are also called ‘club’ or

hand drilling hammers. Handles
are commonly 10 inches long, and Engineer’s hammer
heads weigh either 3 or 4 pounds.
The short handle is uniquely
suited to hand drilling because it
resists breaking better than longer
ones, and it facilitates accuracy by
requiring the hand to be close to
the head.

Engineer’s hammer These are also called long-handle

single jacks. They come with a
14-inch handle attached to a 3- or
4-pound head, and work well for the
drilling technique we call modified
double jacking.

Double jack These large driving sledges Double jack hammer

have 36-inch handles and 6- or

8-pound heads. Because their use
requires considerable expertise
from both the driller and holder,
we recommend that you use single
jacking or modified double jacking
until safety and proficiency with the
double jack can be assured.

30
 Tools for Pounding and Hammering

Nailing Hammers
Nail hammers have heads with a heat-treated steel face
for driving nails, and claws on the other end for pulling.
Heads vary in weight from 7 to 28 ounces. Impact handles
are hickory, fiberglass, or steel forged directly to the head.
Handles are usually 12 to 14 inches long.

When hammering, maintain a secure

grip on the tool near the handle
Nailing hammer
end. Start nails
with
light
hits
Poll Head
until
Double jacking. you
Face can
Claw
clear your nail-
Neck Cheek holding hand.
Carry single jacks like hatchets and double jacks like axes Concentrate on
or Pulaskis. Always wear gloves on the hands holding the the nail head and place
steel to prevent injury from a glancing blow. Both drillers each hit carefully. When
and holders should wear safety glasses or goggles to removing nails, position the head upside down against
guard against flying rock chips. a flat surface, and catch the nail head between the
claws. Pulling the hammer toward you causes the head
Maintain drilling hammers by grinding striking faces to rock the claw end up and extracts the nail. For larger
smooth. Avoid overheating and excessive grinding with nails, a block placed between the head and the surface
electric grinders that will destroy the shallow temper of will increase your leverage. To carry hammers, grip the
the striking faces. If faces are badly chipped or unevenly handle near the head, holding the tool away from your
worn, have them reconditioned by a blacksmith. Check body as you walk. Maintain them like the other hammers
handles regularly for tightness or cracks, and repair or discussed in this section.
replace them as needed.

31
Tools for Pounding and Hammering

32
 ools for Lifting and Hauling
Place the chisel tip under an object to be moved, and
wedge a log or rock between the bar and the ground
to act as a fulcrum for the lever. Press the handle down
with your body weight positioned over your palms. Never
straddle the bar when prying. When the object raises
as much as the bite will allow, block it and use a larger
fulcrum or shorter bite on the same fulcrum to raise it
further. You will gain proficiency with practice.

Carry crowbars by your side, tip forward, and grip it tightly

near the middle to maintain balance. Maintain the factory
bevel on the tip with a file or grindstone.

Use small rocks or logs for leverage when prying heavy objects.
Block and Tackles
A block and tackle is a set of pulley blocks
and ropes used for hoisting or hauling.
Block
These come in different styles, sizes, and and tackle
capacities. In general, however, the more
ropes that pass between the blocks,
the greater mechanical advantage the
Crowbars tool affords. This advantage is called
stress strength or lift capacity and is
usually stamped somewhere on the
Crowbar tool. Attempting to move objects heavier
than the block and tackle can safely
support may damage the tool or cause
Use a crowbar for prying and levering large, heavy injury. Never overstress block and
objects. These bars are heavy-duty steel and vary in tackle sets.
length, weight, and diameter. In general, crowbars have a
chisel tip on one end and a rounded handle on the other. Hook the fixed or stationary block to
They are usually 1 to 11⁄2 inches in diameter and vary something solid and the moveable
between 40 to 62 inches in length. block to the load. Pull the free rope
end to lift or move the load and tie it
off to hold the load in place. Always
stand clear of stressed lines and out of
the load’s path of movement. Never stand
under a suspended load.
Crowbar
Regularly examine running gears and hooks for signs of
fatigue. Inspect cables or ropes for fraying and replace
when necessary. Periodically oil unsealed bearings. Be
Fulcrum careful not to spill oil onto areas that might cause it to slip
under stress.
Crowbars are indispensable for moving very heavy objects.

33
Tools for Lifting and Hauling

Wheelbarrows Balancing heavy loads on uneven terrain requires strong

arms and legs. To avoid tipping, keep the load’s center of
Wheelbarrows help carry rocks or dirt to or from the gravity low to the ground. Good footing is essential. Learn
work-site. Most wheelbarrows have a metal box and and work within your physical limits. Several light loads
frame, wood or aluminum handles, and solid rubber will be easier and safer to manage than one large one.
or pneumatic tires. We recommend pneumatic-tired Prevent muscle strains by starting light and working up to
wheelbarrows because tire inflation can be changed to heavy loads.
roll easily on uneven terrain.
Although wheelbarrows usually require little maintenance,
there are some things you can do. Lightly oil the wheel
and axle occasionally, unless it has sealed bearings.
Check handle bolts often for tightness and carry
replacements in the field. Keep the box clean—dirt, water,
or debris left standing in wheelbarrows will accelerate
rusting. Turn the unit over at the end of the day’s work, or
Wheelbarrow if possible, store it out of the weather.

Select a wheelbarrow stout enough for the job. Typically, Cant Hooks and Peavies
wheelbarrows hold 4 to 5 cubic feet and weigh 20 or more
pounds. Lift a loaded wheelbarrow with your legs, not with Cant hooks and Peavies afford leverage for moving or
your back. Keep your back straight, bend at the knees to rotating logs. The cant hook was originally used with
get into a lifting position, and grasp the handles firmly. a jam pike—a long pole with a spiked end. Loggers
separated pieces with the hook after using the pike to
pry them apart. Later these tools were combined by an
American blacksmith, John Peavy, and the new tool
bore his name. They weigh from 4 to 6 pounds and have
handles from 21⁄2 to 5 feet long. The size of log to be
handled will dictate the size of the tool.

Cant hook

Peavy

Bending your knees and lifting with your legs avoids back strain or
injury.

34
 Tools for Lifting and Hauling

To roll a heavy log, use a series of short bites with the Timber Carriers
hook and maintain your progress by quickly resetting it.
Catch the log with the hook hanging down so the point of Timber carriers enable teams of workers to move logs.
the spike becomes the fulcrum on top of the log. Rotate With one tool, the log is dragged. Several carriers could
the log using the leverage of the handle working the tool allow four or more persons to carry a large log. Hooks are
like a ratchet. Moving large logs may require several hooks 3 to 16 inches; handles are typically 4 feet long. Carriers
working together. Avoid taking large bites; a heavy log will weigh about 7 to 8 pounds.
roll back and pin the handle before the hook can be reset.
Maintain the tongs on a timber carrier like cant hooks and
Carry the Peavy by your side with the point forward. For Peavies. The tongs attach to the handle with a single bolt
balance, grip the handle behind where the hook attaches. that is removed for handle replacement and carrying.
Before walking, secure the hook against the handle to
prevent injury to the operator or damage to the point of the Room for two persons on each side.
hook. These tools also need maintenance. Keep hinged
parts lightly oiled for proper movement. Spiked ends
and hooks are usually bolted to handles, so check these
frequently for tightness. Remove the spike ends and hooks
when replacing handles. Carry replacements in the field.
Sharpen hook ends with a mill bastard file and finish with a
whetstone. Maintain factory bevels as much as possible. Timber carriers allow several persons to carry logs.

35
Tools for Lifting and Hauling

36
 ools for Peeling and Shaping
Bark Spuds Drawknives
(Peeling Spuds) Drawknives work best to peel dry logs. A standard draw-
Bark
Use a bark spud to peel green logs. They spud knife has an 8- to 10-inch blade with perpendicular
have a 3 to 4-foot-long handle and weigh handles at each end and is 4 to 5 inches long.
about 4 pounds. Position the log about hip
high. Hold the tool firmly with both hands and
push the dished blade lengthwise along the
log under the bark. Always pry away from your
Drawknife
body. Three sharpened edges make this tool
unusually hazardous to use and transport. Be
mindful of the blade when working or walking
near others. For greatest efficiency, position the log about waist high.
When using the drawknife, grasp both handles so the
Carry the spud at your side. Grip the handle beveled edge of the blade faces the log. Begin each
near the middle and walk with the cutting stroke with arms extended and pull the tool toward you
edges away from your body and down. while keeping even pressure on the blade. Keep fingers
Maintain the original shape of the cutting blade clear of blade corners. Since the knife shaves to attain a
when sharpening. Use a file and a whetstone flat surface, the largest strips will come from log edges.
on each edge on both sides.
You can change the thickness of shavings by rocking the
blade back and forth on the edge bevel. Practice will yield
proficiency.

Carry drawknives by one handle and at your side.

Sharpen drawknives with a file or grinder. Maintain the
edge bevel at 33°, and keep the blade cool to preserve
the temper. Finish with a whetstone. Whet the blade by
holding one handle with the blade facing up and securing
the other. Hold the stone on the blade flat against the
bevel and move it across the blade in a circular motion.
When a wire edge forms on the full length of the blade,
lightly whet the flat side to remove it.

Another whetting method employs a stone

set in a wood block. Secure the block
with the stone protruding above it so both knife
handles will clear. Grasp both handles with the
bevel facing down and pull the blade diagonally
across the stone along its edge.
Remove wire edges by operating
similarly on the other side.

Whetstone

Whetstone Routed
block

Vise

TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW

A drawknife peels the bark off of logs. Sharpening a drawknife using a stone set in a wood block.

37
Tools for Peeling and Shaping

Carpenter’s Adzes (Cutting Adzes) A square tapered eye and handle end allows the head
to tighten when swung, but also allows its removal for
This tool trims and shapes wood surfaces like hewed carrying and sharpening. Some adzes may have a small
timbers or flattened logs. The cutting edge is 4 to 7 inches set screw to further secure handles to heads. Keep
wide and 8 to 10 inches long. Adze heads weigh from 3 to 5 the adze sharp. Maintain the cutting edge by regularly
pounds with a cutting blade set perpendicular to the handle. “touching it up” with a whetstone. If the blade needs
The blade curves from the front of the head to the cutting reshaping, grind the edge bevel on the underside to 30°.
edge, roughly matching the arc of the curved handle. Finish with a whetstone.
Shoulder

Poll Blade
Carpenter’s adze

Cutting
edge
Squared
handle end
Eye

To use a cutting adze, stand astride or on top of the log Detail of the carpenter’s adze head.
to be hewed. Grip the handle with both hands and swing
it with short strokes in a pendulum motion along the log.
Use your thigh as a stop for your arm and to control the
depth of the cut. When standing on a log and swinging,
take care to position yourself to miss your feet and legs.

Broadaxes
Use a broadax for hewing if no adze is available. Position
the log so that scores are on one side and perpendicular
to the ground. Depending on the size of the log, stand on
the side opposite the scores or on top of the log. Large logs
may require you to work on the same side as the scores.

Broadax

Additional safety hazards exist when hewing with a regular

ax. Maintain control of the ax by grasping the handle near
the middle with hands several inches apart. Use short
swings to sever scored sections. Work the length of the log
in one direction to remove most of the wood, then reverse
directions for smoothing. Be extremely careful of glancing
Hewing a log with a carpenter’s adze. blows; work slowly and carefully. Frequent rest periods will
help ensure efficiency and safety.

38
 Tools for Peeling and Shaping

Hew logs in the following manner: 2—Mark a plumb line down the center of one
end and a horizontal line perpendicular to
1—Elevate the log onto two short cross pieces and it. Be sure to place the horizontal line deep
anchor it with log dogs. Log dogs are timber workers’ enough to attain the desired width of finished
clamps. One end is driven into the log and the other into flat surface.
a stable support. The log is held in place and both of the
worker’s hands are free for hewing. 3—Repeat the
procedure at the
opposite end and
snap two chalk lines
connecting the horizontal
end lines.

4—Using an ax or
saw, score the log
to the depth of the
chalk lines, making the
grooves parallel to the butt ends
and as close together as necessary to
Log dog hew a flat surface.

5—Hew (remove) the scored sections with an adze

or broadax. If you use a broadax, hew the log face
Log dogs steady the log while it is being hewn. perpendicular to the ground rather than parallel, as shown
here. The remaining sides may be marked, scored, and
hewed as necessary.

39
Tools for Peeling and Shaping

40
 ools for Sharpening
very small bits of metal from the blade and causes the
remaining metal to burr slightly on the cutting edge. This
burr is called a feather, or wire edge. Remove this weak
strip by honing the edge on the other side. The correctly
honed edge is sharp, has no wire edge, and does not
reflect light or show a sharpening line. Wear gloves when
sharpening cutting edges.

Stone

Stone
Edge
Pulaski
bevel
blade

Ax blade

Right Right Wrong

When sharpening an ax or Pulaski blade, for example,

work the stone in small circles across and “into” the
blade.

Dull tools are useless and dangerous. Feather or

wire edge

Sharpening stone

A wire edge is removed by honing the

opposite edge.

About Sharpening
A tool need not be old and worn to need sharpening. Restoring the blade bevel requires coarser grinding tools
Many tools arrive dull from the factory. They may leave to affect the shape of worn cutting blades. Reshape
in good condition but become damaged during shipping. blades with hand files, sandstone wheels, or electric
Inspect all tools before use. Sharpening makes tools last grinders. Remove visible nicks by grinding the metal back
longer—a small scratch that is ignored could lead to a on the blade. Remember, however, that the correct blade
serious crack or nick in the blade. bevel must be maintained. Remove the metal necessary
to make the blade smooth while retaining its proper
Use a material like vel shape. If the shape is too radically affected, either have a
e be
a file or grindstone Edge bevel Blad blacksmith recondition the tool head or discard the tool.
that is harder
than tool steel Blade of cutting edge tool
The Missoula Technology and Development Center has
to remove metal developed a handtool sharpening gauge that provides a
from the edge. If quick guide to the proper cutting angle for a number of
there are no visible nicks, a touch-up with a whetstone will tools. The gauge takes the guesswork out of sharpening
restore a keen cutting edge. In these instances, you need Pulaskis (both ends), axes, shovels, combination tools, and
only restore the edge bevel. Whetting the edge removes McLeods. It has a “no-go” line that shows when a Pulaski

41
Tools for Sharpening

head is too worn to refurbish. The handtool sharpening Files

gauge is available from the General Services Administra-
tion, item number: NSN 5210-01-324-2776, NFES 0510. Files come in single, double, curved, or rasp cuts. Single-
cut files have one series of parallel teeth angled 60°
to 80° from the edge, and are used for finishing work.
Double cuts have two series of parallel teeth set 45° to
each other; they are used for restoring shape. Curved
and rasp cuts are used for shaping soft metals and wood,
respectively.

File Handle

Knuckle guard

This file has a knuckle guard made from old

linen hose.

Files vary in length and shape. Files are measured from

the point to the heel, excluding the tang (the tip used to
attach a handle). Length determines the coarseness of
files. There are generally three degrees of file coarseness:
bastard, second cut, and smooth. The bastard will be the
coarsest file available, however, only when it is included
among different cuts of files of the same length. Of the
many shapes of files currently on the market, you will
probably not often use mill and flat files. Mill files are
single-cut, and flat files are double-cut. A 10-inch mill
bastard file is good for all-around tool sharpening.

Single-cut file for

finishing metal edges

Double-cut file for

removing larger
particles for shaping

Curved-cut file for

softer metal jobs

Rasp-cut file for

softer materials
like wood
The handtool sharpening gauge is a handy aid for inspecting and
sharpening a variety of fire handtools.

42
 Tools for Sharpening

Bastard Second cut Smooth cut

Grinders
A manually operated sand-
stone wheel that runs
through or receives
Comparative coarseness of files of uniform length.
dripping water is
the best all-round
grinding tool.
Before filing, fit the file with a handle and knuckle guard. The wheel
Always wear gloves on both hands to prevent cuts from turns slowly
the sharpened edge. Secure the tool so both hands are enough
free for filing. Use the largest file you can, depending on to allow
the size, nature, and workable stroke length of the job. monitoring of
Remember that files are designed to cut in one direction the amount of
only. Apply even pressure on the push stroke, then lift the metal being
file up and off the tool while returning for another pass. removed
Grindstone
Store or transport files so they are not thrown together and the
and protect them from other tools. water keeps
the blade
Maintain files with a brush or file card. A file brush has cool. For volume sharpening, a sandstone wheel may
coarse and fine bristles and a wire pick for extracting be provided with mechanical power, but only if it remains
trapped filings. A card has a small brush and a wire geared to the same maximum revolutions per minute that
scorer. a hand operation would allow.

Electric bench grinders quickly reshape damaged tools,

but extreme caution must accompany their use. Improper
electric grinding can ruin both the bevel and temper of a
tool. High speeds remove metal from the blade quickly,
which can cause it to weaken and chip easily. High speeds
also allow heat buildup in tool heads, which can destroy
temper and make it impossible for the blade to hold an
edge. Using electric grinders, grind slowly and keep the
blade cool. Inspect blades frequently to prevent too much
metal from being ground from the blade. Dip the tool in
water or cool it in open air. Avoid grinding on flat sides of
electric wheels because they will weaken and break.

Grinding like this would

Flat surface Rounded edge remove rounding, but
and edge is dull alter the edge bevel

Chisel Wedge-
edge tapered
edge

Always wear gloves and goggles while filing. Grinding parallel to bevels maintains the correct angle.

43
Tools for Sharpening

Whetstones
Use whetstones to finish sharpened cutting edges or
when touching up edges in the field. Whetstones are
Grinding natural or manmade. We recommend synthetic abrasives
wheel for sharpening tools because they are harder than
Blad
e natural stones, the uniform honing particles assure an
even sharpening surface, and they cost less than natural
stones. If you prefer finishing with a natural stone, use a
synthetic stone first. This produces a very sharp edge and
saves expensive natural stones from unnecessary wear
Sharpening a blade on a grinding wheel. on rough work.

Most whetstone manufacturers soak new stones in light

Finish the edge with a whetstone as if you were touching oil. You may also apply oil to the stone’s surface before
up. Blade and edge bevels may vary with individual pref- honing to float off pieces of metal and grit and prevent
erence and based on the task at hand. When sharpening them from lodging in the stone’s pores. If the stone glazes
an ax, for example, the blade bevel for use in softwoods because the pores fill with shavings, clean it with citrus-
might be thinner than one for hardwoods. Experience, based solvent and a stiff brush.
observation, and experimentation will determine the ap-
propriate bevels for each tool and cutting job. When whetting, use the entire stone surface to maintain
its shape. Rotate the stone periodically to ensure even
Use adequate safety equipment when grinding tools. wear. If the surface becomes uneven, it may be reshaped
Always wear heavy leather gloves. Long-sleeved shirts by rubbing it over a sheet of glass sprinkled with
and leather aprons will help prevent small burns from carborundum powder or on a sheet of coarse sandpaper.
sparks or metal shavings. Proper eye protection is Keep stone surfaces wet while reshaping them.
essential, including eye shields or safety goggles for
operators and shields and hood guards on grinders. Hold
portable grinders securely when using.

SHARPENING STONES

Size Cost Sharpening

Stone Natural Synthetic (inches) (dollars) Use Speed

Black hard Arkansas X 8x2x1 50 to 60 Edge polishing Very slow
Hard white Arkansas X 8x2x1 30 to 40 Edge finishing Slow
Soft Arkansas X 8x2x1 15 to 20 Sharpening Medium
Washita X 8x2xl 25 to 30 Shaping-roughing Fast
Silicon carbide X 8x2xl 8 to 10 Roughing to sharpening Fast to medium
India X 8x2xl 8 to 10 Roughing to sharpening Fast to medium
Crystolon X 8x2xl 8 to 10 Roughing to sharpening Fast to medium
Diamond-nickel X 6x2x11⁄16 25 to 30 Sharpening hard steels Medium
Silicarbide-rubber X 8x2xl 8 to 10 Deburring Fast

44
 ools for Rehandling
Good

Bad

The grain of ax handles should run parallel to the wedge slot.

Good Bad

Diagram of the wedge slot and end grain of ax handles.

Fastening Wedges
The best wedges for securing tool heads are hardwood or
plastic. Traditionalists swear that wooden wedges are best,
but many new tools are equipped with plastic wedges.
Avoid metal wedges for fastening heads to handles;
these crush and weaken handle wood and make broken
handles difficult to remove by drilling.

Sometimes a handle may need only a new wedge

because the handle was not broken but loosened. In this
case, carefully drill out the old wedge; remove the handle;
clean the slot; and replace the handle on the head.

About Rehandling
s
7 in
che
Wood handles are common to most trail tools and are the 2 ⁄8
most common type of replacement handle. Hickory makes
the best handles for impact tools because it combines
hardness and stiffness with excellent resiliency. For bent
handles or simple handholds, ash is usually used.

When choosing tool handles, remember that straight grains

2 1⁄4 inches

offer maximum flexibility and strength. If possible, the

Plastic wedge
grain should also be tight and knot-free, and it should run
parallel to the wedge slot. Avoid coated handles. Painting or
staining can hide flaws in materials or construction.

Plastic wedges used for securing tool heads.

Wooden wedges are the choice of traditionalists.

45
Tools for Rehandling

Rehandling Procedures
❏ With tool head aligned perpendicular with the handle,
Regularly inspect all tool handles and replace any draw a line across both sides of the handle at the final
cracked, rough, or badly weathered handles as soon as seating mark. Saw a shallow cut along these lines to
possible. When a tool needs a new handle, follow this create a square shoulder. Fit the tool head to rest lightly
step-by-step procedure. We have selected ax handles on this shoulder.
as the example for this discussion, but the technique is
adaptable to other trail tools: ❏ With rasp and sandpaper, uniformly backslope the
handle from the perimeter of the handle to where the
❏ Clear the eye of the tool. To remove worn or broken head finally seats. Carefully smoothing the handle just
handles from the eye of a tool, place it upright in a vise below the head prevents splintering.
and drill several holes into the wood from the top. These
holes relieve pressure on the wood inside the eye so it ❏ Use a long tapered wedge that extends the full width
can be driven out with a hammer and punch. If heads are of the slot to attach the head to the handle. Drive the
epoxy-bonded to handles, soak the head in boiling water wedge into the slot, and tap alternately on the wedge and
to soften the bond. the end of the handle until the striking tool bounces off
each with equal force. Use epoxy to fill remaining voids
❏ Size up the tool and match an appropriate handle to between the handle and the eye and seal out moisture.
the head. All handles will need some reshaping by hand
to fit the head. Be sure that the top of the handle will fill ❏ After the epoxy sets, trim excess wood flush with the
the eye of the tool in both length and width. top of the head. A hacksaw works best here because the
blade will not be dulled by the metal, and because the
❏ Saw the handle to an approximately correct length. saw blade can be turned 90° on the frame.
If the handle was not factory sawed to accept a wedge,
remove the head, secure the handle, and carefully saw ❏ Remove any varnish or paint from the handle. A light
down about two-thirds the depth of the head. coating of raw linseed oil regularly applied will protect
against drying and cracking. Some woods workers
❏ Inscribe two perpendicular centering lines across the recommend drilling short holes in the base of the handle
length and width of the handle end inside the eye. You will and periodically filling them with linseed oil. The oil
use them as a guide/check for centering the handle in the penetrates the entire handle through natural pores in the
eye later. Make an additional mark below the head and wood.
just above where the handle broadens to denote the final
seat for the head. A loose handle can be temporarily tightened in the field by
soaking the head in water or linseed oil. The wood in the
❏ Slowly remove excess material from the handle using head swells to accommodate the fluid and fits tighter in
a spoke shave, wood rasp, or grinder. the eye. Make permanent repairs as soon as possible.

❏ Fit the eye of the tool to the handle. Light tapping on Handles may also be shaved to fit individual grips more
the tool head will allow repeated removal of the handle comfortably to reduce impact shock and hand and arm
without damaging the wedge slot. Continue shaving and cramps. When shaving handles, proceed slowly and
fitting until the head rests squarely 1⁄4 to 3⁄8 inch above the carefully; it is better to remove too little wood and have to
final seating mark. Make sure that the head is straight on trim again than to remove too much and have a weak or
the handle. unusable handle.

46
 Tools for Rehandling

A—Size up the tool head and match it to the handle. Note that the C—A line has been scribed below the roughly-fitted handle. The line
handle protrudes excessively long through the head. Scribe it to be denotes the final shoulder upon which the head sets.
cut off.

B—Saw the handle to about the correct length. The handle has been D—The tool head has been snug-fitted to the square seating
roughly fitted so the head slides to within about 1⁄2 inch of the final shoulder. Note that there is about 1⁄2 inch excess handle above the
seating position. head.

47
Tools for Rehandling

G—Use a hacksaw to trim off the excess handle and wedge flush
with the tool head. Turn the saw blade 90° on the frame to facilitate
the flush cut.

E—All surfaces just below the handle should be sanded smooth

before the head is placed to insert the wedge. The wedge has
been started in kerf.

H—The finished mounted tool. The handle can be finish-sanded and

oiled with raw linseed oil to protect against moisture.

F—The wedge has been driven home with the alternate driving of
the wedge and the end of the tool handle.

48
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49
Bibliography

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Work, An Ax to Grind, Constructing Trail Switchbacks,
1996. Standard specifications for construction and Basic Trail Maintenance, Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike
maintenance of trails. EM–7720–103. Washington, DC: and Puncheon Construction, and Surface Water Control
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. ISBN Techniques for Trial Maintenance.)
0–16–048802–8. 108 p. Government Printing Office
001–001–00661–1 $6.50. Vachowski, Brian; Maier, Neal. 1998. Off-highway vehicle
trail and road grading equipment. Tech. Rep. 9823–2837–
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1997. MTDC. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Standard drawings for construction and maintenance of Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development
trails. EM–7720–104. Washington, DC: U.S. Department Center. 20 p. (Copies available at 406–329–3978.)
of Agriculture, Forest Service (Reference copies
available at Forest Service offices nationwide.) Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. 1992. Crew leader manual.
Denver, CO: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. 109 p.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1998. (Copies for sale at 303–715–1010, ext. 20.)
Standards for Forest Service signs and posters.
EM–7100–15. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Weisgerber, Bernie; Vachowski, Brian. 1999. An ax to grind:
Agriculture, Forest Service. (Reference copies available a practical ax manual. Tech. Rep. 9923–2823P–MTDC.
at Forest Service offices nationwide.) Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2008. Trail 60 p. (Copies available at 406–329–3978.)
training DVD series (DVD). 0823–2D01–MTDC. Missoula,
MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Wernex, Joe. 1994. Off highway motorcycle & ATV trails
Missoula Technology and Development Center. 215 guidelines for design, construction, maintenance and
minutes. (Copies available at 406–329–3978 and from user satisfaction. 2nd ed. Pickerington, OH: American
FHWA <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment Motorcyclist Association. 56 p. (Copies for sale at 614–
/rectrails/trailpub.htm>. DVD includes: Handtools for Trail 856–1900.)

50
ppendix—American Pattern Files

51
Appendix—American Pattern Files

52
 ndex
Adze hoe ...................................................... 19 Folding pruning saw......................................... 9 Pruning saw...................................................... 9
Anvil lopping shears....................................... 23 Fulcrum................................................. 21,33,35 Prying bars................................................ 22,33
Arc-ground saw................................................. 6 Pulaski........................................................ 17,42
Asymmetric crosscut saw................................. 5 G loves....................................... 3,8,14,27,31,44
Axes................................................. 13,14,25,39 Goggles................................................. 17,18,44 Raker teeth..................................................... 7
Grass hook..................................................... 28 Rasp............................................................... 46
Bank blades.................................................. 24 Grass nail....................................................... 27 Rasp cut......................................................... 42
Bark spuds..................................................... 37 Grass whip...................................................... 28 Rehandling..................................................... 45
Bars........................................................... 22,33 Grinders................................................ 18,41,43 Round file....................................................... 51
Bastard cut file................................................ 42 Grinding wheel............................................... 43
Bastard file.................................. 23,25,26,43,51 Grindstone...................................................... 41 Safety.................... 3,5,13,17,18,21,24,26,31,44
Bench grinder................................................. 43 Grub hoe.................................................... 17,19 Sandstone wheel....................................... 41,43
Bevel angle..................................................... 43 Grubbing tools............................................17-19 Sandvik ax...................................................... 25
Bevel edge............................................ 29,41,44 Saw................................................................... 5
Blade bevel..................................................... 41 Hammers................................................. 29,31 Scythe............................................................. 27
Block and tackles............................................ 33 Hammering tools............................................ 29 Segment-ground saw....................................... 6
Bow saw.........................................................7,8 Hand chain saw................................................ 7 Shaping tools............................................. 41-44
Broadaxes............................................ 13,38,39 Hand drilling hammer..................................... 29 Sharpening.................... 8,10,14,17-19,21,22,26,
Brush axes...................................................... 25 Handles........................................ 9,13,19,30,45 27,37,41,43
Brush cutters................................................... 24 Hand pruner................................................... 33 Sharpening stone........................................... 44
Brushing tools............................................23-38 Hatchet........................................................... 14 Sharpening tools....................................... 41,44
Bucking crosscut saw....................................... 5 Hauling tools.............................................. 33,35 Shears............................................................ 23
Bush hook....................................................... 24 Hazel hoe....................................................... 19 Sheaths......................................................... 3,5
Hewing............................................................ 38 Shovels........................................................... 21
Cant hook...................................................... 34 Hoes...........................................................17-19 Sickle.............................................................. 28
Carpenter’s adze....................................... 38,39 Hook-type lopping shears............................... 23 Single-bit ax.................................................... 13
Clamp-type bow saw........................................ 7 Single jacking................................................. 29
Chisel tip......................................................... 18 Jam pike........................................................ 34 Sledge hammer.............................................. 29
Clearing knife.................................................. 25 Snath.............................................................. 27
Combi tool.................................................. 17,18 Kerf................................................................. 7 Stone sledge................................................... 29
Combination tool......................................... 17,18 Kinking.............................................................. 7 Storing saws..................................................... 6
Corn knife....................................................... 27 Knuckle guard............................................ 42,43 Swan neck hoe............................................... 20
Council bank blade......................................... 25 Swedish brush ax........................................... 25
Crescent-ground saw........................................ 6 L evers............................................ 12,21,31,33 Symmetric crosscut.......................................... 5
Crosscut saw.................................................... 7 Lifting tools................................................. 33,35
Crosscut sheath................................................ 6 Limbing........................................................ 8-10 T ackle............................................................ 33
Crowbar.......................................................... 33 Log dogs......................................................... 39 Tamping bar.................................................... 22
Cutter mattock................................................. 19 Lopping shears............................................... 23 Tamping tools................................................. 22
Cutting adze............................................... 38,39 Lubricating.................................................7,8,44 Taper-ground crosscut saw............................... 5
Telescoping tree pruner...................................11
Digging bar.................................................... 22 M achete........................................................ 26 Timber carrier................................................. 35
Digging tools .................................................. 21 Mattocks......................................................... 19 Tobacco knife.................................................. 27
Double-bit ax.................................................. 13 Mauls.............................................................. 29 Tongs.............................................................. 35
Double-edge pruners........................................ 9 McLeod........................................................... 18 Transporting tools............... 3,6,9,14,17,21-23,27,
Double jacking........................................... 29,31 Mill file........................................................ 42,51 35,37
Draw hoe........................................................ 20 Tree pruner..................................................... 10
Drawinife......................................................... 37 Nailing hammer............................................. 31 Tree trimmer................................................... 14
Driving sledge................................................. 29 Nib.................................................................. 27
Notching....................................................... 7,14 Underbucking.................................................. 7
Electric bench grinder................................... 43 Undercutting..................................................... 7
Engineer’s hammer........................................ 30 Peavy............................................................ 34 Utility saw....................................................... 10
Entrenching tool.............................................. 17 Peeling spud................................................... 37
Peeling tools.............................................. 37-39 Wedges................................................. 7,12,45
Fastening wedges......................................... 45 Pick............................................................ 18,21 Weed cutter...............................................26-28
Feathers......................................................... 29 Pick mattock................................................... 19 Weed hook..................................................... 28
Felling crosscut saw......................................... 5 Plumb-hammer hatchet.................................. 15 Weed knife................................................. 26,28
File brush........................................................ 43 Pole pruner.................................................10,11 Wheelbarrow................................................... 34
Files.................................. 14,18,21,23,25,41,42 Pole saw......................................................... 10 Whetstone......................... 18,23,26,28,35,37,44
Fire hose saw sheath........................................ 6 Pounding tools...........................................29-31 Woodsman’s Pal............................................. 26
Flat-ground crosscut saw.................................. 5 Pruners........................................................ 9,23

53
Index

Notes

54
 Library Card
Hallman, Richard G. (retired). 2005. Handtools for trail work: Updates Handtools for Trail Work, originally published in
2005 edition. Tech. Rep. 0523–2810P–MTDC. Missoula, MT: 1988 (8823–2601–MTDC). The updates include a new,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula more comprehensive bibliography of trail construction and
Technology and Development Center. 54 p. maintenance references and updated information about a
few pieces of equipment that appeared promising in 1988,
Describes the handtools commonly used by Forest but were not widely adopted.
Service trail crews for sawing, chopping, grubbing, dig-
ging and tamping, brushing, pounding and hammering, Keywords: axes, bibliographies, hammers, hand tools,
lifting and hauling, peeling and shaping, sharpening, saws, sharpening, tools
and rehandling. Includes many illustrations of the tools.

Electronic copies of MTDC’s documents are available Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management em-
on the Internet at: ployees can search MTDC’s documents, CDs, DVDs,
http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs and videos on their internal computer network at:
http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/search
For further technical information, contact MTDC.
Phone: (406) 329–3900
Fax: (406) 329–3719
FOREST SERVICE
TECHNOLOGY &
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