What is the specified material for the tool head?

Carbon steel of grade 55C8 or 65C6 conforming to IS 1570 (Part 2), as per Clause 3.1.

What is the required hardness for the axe blade?

50 to 57 HRC for a distance of at least 20 mm from the cutting edge (Clause 7.2.1).

What is the total weight of the Pulaski head?

1.70 ± 0.10 kg, as specified in Clause 4.2.

What are the requirements for the wooden handle?

The handle must conform to Grade I of IS 620, which covers general requirements for wooden tool handles.

IS 12853

: 1989

Specification of pulaski tool for forest fire

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationFire Safety · Fire Fighting

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This standard specifies the requirements for the materials, dimensions, manufacture, and testing of the Pulaski tool. This combination axe and adze tool is primarily used for constructing firebreaks during forest firefighting operations by cutting and digging.

Specification of pulaski tool for forest fire

Quick Reference Values

Total mass of head1.70 ± 0.10 kg

Hardness of cutting edge (Axe blade)50 to 57 HRC

Hardness of cutting edge (Adze blade)43 to 49 HRC

Overall length of handle900 mm

Eye size for handle (major axis)65 mm

Eye size for handle (minor axis)25 mm

Practical Notes

The differential hardness between the axe and adze blades is intentional; the axe needs a harder edge for cutting wood, while the adze requires more toughness for digging in soil and grubbing roots.

Ensure the handle grain is aligned parallel to the length of the tool head to maximize strength and prevent splitting during use, as per IS 620.

The tool is marked with the manufacturer's name/trademark and the ISI Certification Mark, which is a key indicator of compliance.