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IS 1630 : 1984mason's tools for plaster work and pointing work

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DIN 7247 · DIN 6461 · ANSI B107.400
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationArchitectural · Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 1630:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for mason's tools for plaster work and pointing work. This standard lays down the requirements regarding materials, dimensions, manufacture, and testing of mason's tools (trowels and floats) used for plaster work and pointing work.

mason's tools for plaster work and pointing work

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
Type
Specification
International equivalents
DIN 7247:1986-07 · DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung (Germany)DIN 6461:1986-07 · DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung (Germany)ANSI B107.400-2018 · ANSI - American National Standards Institute (USA)
Typically used with
IS 1500IS 287IS 228
Also on InfraLens for IS 1630
4Key values3Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Ensure trowel blades do not exhibit permanent set after flexing to maintain a completely flat surface during plastering.
! Wooden handles must be firmly secured to the tang with a ferrule to prevent splitting and ensure worker safety.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialCl. 4Shapes and DimensionsCl. 5Manufacture, Workmanship and FinishCl. 6Tests (Hardness and Flexibility)
Pulled from IS 1630:1984. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
high carbon steeltimberplasticmasonryplaster

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
DIN 7247:1986-07DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung (Germany)
HighCurrent
Trowels; Pointing Trowels, Bricklayers' Trowels
Directly specifies dimensions and materials for pointing and bricklayer's trowels, a subset of tools covered by IS 1630.
DIN 6461:1986-07DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung (Germany)
HighCurrent
Plastering Trowels, Rectangular, with Straight Shank
Specifies requirements for rectangular plastering trowels, one of the key tools within the scope of IS 1630.
BS 5419:1977BSI - British Standards Institution (United Kingdom)
MediumWithdrawn
Specification for Trowels
Previously covered a similar range of trowels, but is now withdrawn, with manufacturers often following general quality standards.
ANSI B107.400-2018ANSI - American National Standards Institute (USA)
LowCurrent
Hand Tools - General Requirements for Hand Tools
Provides general safety and quality requirements for all hand tools, not specific dimensional or material specs for mason's tools.
Key Differences
≠IS 1630 is an omnibus standard covering a wide range of plastering and pointing tools (trowels, floats, hawks) in one document. Most international counterparts, like the DIN series, are more granular, with separate standards for each specific tool type.
≠Material specifications in IS 1630 refer to specific Indian Standard steel grades (e.g., IS 1570, IS 2507). International standards reference their own regional material designations, such as DIN EN or AISI/SAE steel grades.
≠IS 1630 specifies a prescriptive test for handle fixing (a steady pull of 300 N for one minute). Many international standards are less prescriptive, using performance-based language like 'handle must be durably and firmly connected' without specifying a universal force value.
≠The nominal standard sizes for tools can differ. For instance, the standard lengths for pointing trowels in IS 1630 are 100, 125, 150 mm, whereas in DIN 7247 they are 100, 120, 140, 160 mm, reflecting different regional trade practices.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of high-carbon, hardened and tempered steel for the blades to ensure a balance of flexibility, wear resistance, and durability against abrasive mortar and plaster.
≈A common requirement across all standards is a specified hardness range (typically on the Rockwell C scale) for the tool's blade, ensuring it maintains its shape and edge during use.
≈All standards mandate that handles must be made from durable, defect-free materials (e.g., seasoned hardwood, high-impact polymers) and must be securely affixed to the blade's tang or shank.
≈The fundamental design, typology, and intended function of the tools (plastering trowel, pointing trowel, float, etc.) are consistent across all standards, reflecting the universal nature of masonry tasks.
≈General workmanship requirements are similar, demanding smooth finishes on blades to prevent dragging, and ensuring the final tool is free from burrs or sharp edges that could compromise finish quality or user safety.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Blade Hardness (Plasterer's Trowel)45 to 50 HRCTypically 44 to 50 HRCDIN 6461
Blade Material (Plasterer's Trowel)Steel sheet of Designation T80/T90 of IS 1570 or Spring Steel Grade 2/3 of IS 2507Hardened and tempered carbon steel, e.g., C67S or C75S as per DIN EN 10132-4DIN 6461
Blade Thickness (Plasterer's Trowel)1.00 ± 0.05 mmVaries by size and type, typically 0.7 mm to 1.2 mmDIN 6461
Handle MaterialSeasoned hardwood (Sheesham, Rosewood, etc) or suitable plasticHardwood (e.g., Beech) or approved plastic materialDIN 7247
Handle Fixing Test (Axial Pull)300 N (approx. 30.6 kgf) for 1 minute without looseningOften performance-based ('durable fixing'), specific force value not always mandated in the standard itself.General Practice / DIN
Standard Lengths (Pointing Trowel)100, 125, 150, 175 mm100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 mmDIN 7247
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Blade materialHigh carbon steel
Handle materialWell-seasoned hardwood or suitable plastic
Blade hardness350 to 450 HV
Timber moisture contentMax 15%

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Pointing Trowels
Table 2 - Dimensions of Plastering Trowels
Table 3 - Dimensions of Floats
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Material
Clause 4 - Shapes and Dimensions
Clause 5 - Manufacture, Workmanship and Finish
Clause 6 - Tests (Hardness and Flexibility)

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1500:2019Method for Brinell Hardness Test for Metallic...
→
IS 287:2022Code of Practice for Design of Timber Structu...
→
IS 228:2018Methods for Chemical Analysis of Steels
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What types of tools are covered under IS 1630?+
It covers pointing trowels, plastering trowels, and floats used by masons.
What is the key quality test for a plastering trowel?+
The flexibility test, where the blade is deflected and must return to its original shape without permanent deformation.
What are the requirements for the tool handles?+
Handles must be made of well-seasoned timber (moisture content restricted) or impact-resistant plastic, ergonomically shaped and securely fixed.

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