Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria
- Inspect for obvious damage to cutting edge, rake fingers, and handle. Inspect for broken blades, loose heads, missing or severely bent fingers, short or nonstandard handles.
- Head
- Blade to be at least 10 to 14 inches wide from handle base. USE TEMPLATE.
- Handle base not tilted, bent, or distorted.
- Blade ends have not been rounded or severely tapered so that they cannot be ground to specifications.
- Proper angle of cutting edge as per tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
- Handle
- Handle must be straight.
- Inspect for cracks, chips, or open grain.
- Head loose on handle (loose or missing rivets).
- Inspect for tape residue, or other residue (tar, sap, etc.).
- Head
- Return to stock if item does not show signs of use and passes visual inspection.
- Refurbish if damage is detected in the inspection process and is repairable or handle is replaceable
- Dispose of item if cutting edge is severely damaged, rake fingers are cracked or missing, or handle base is cracked or damaged.
Refurbishing Procedures
A. Cleaning and Repair
- Head
- Remove dirt, rust and grime from head with wire brush or hose.
- Square up blade if necessary.
- Sharpen cutting edge 1/8-inch wide at 50° angle. Ensure that blade corners are square.
- Check large nut on head and tighten or replace as needed. Sharply strike rivet to tighten head to handle as needed.
- Apply rust inhibitor to tool head. Local cache option for painting tool head. Black paint only.
- Replace as necessary.
- Handle
- Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue.
- Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
B. Test for Performance
- Ensure tool is properly sharpened with no deficiency to materials or craftsmanship.
- Ensure head and handle are properly attached with no play caused by a loose head or handle.
C. Repackaging
- Install plastic sheath NFES #001854.
- Package 10 each in NFES #000305 carton (56” x 20” x 11”).