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IS 2892:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for wooden handles for picks and beaters. This standard specifies the requirements for material, dimensions, workmanship, and testing of wooden handles used for picks and beaters. It ensures handles possess the appropriate impact resistance, correct grain orientation, and moisture content for safe and durable use in manual earthwork and excavation.
ASME B107.400-2018ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), USA
HighCurrent
Striking Tools
Covers safety and performance for various striking tools, including picks, with specific requirements for their handles.
DIN 5133:1982-12DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung), Germany
HighWithdrawn
Handles for pick axes and mattock hoes; ash or hickory handles
Directly specified dimensions, materials (ash/hickory), and workmanship for wooden pickaxe handles.
BS 3823:1990BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
MediumWithdrawn
Specification for wooden handles for hand tools
Provided general requirements for material quality and manufacture for a wide range of wooden tool handles.
Key Differences
≠IS 2892 specifies a list of Indian timbers (e.g., Sal, Teak, Babul), while international standards like DIN 5133 and ASME B107.400 prioritize high shock-resistance woods like Hickory and Ash.
≠Modern standards like ASME B107.400 are performance-based, including rigorous safety tests for the handle-to-head interface and overall tool durability, which are absent in the prescriptive, material-focused IS 2892.
≠The Indian standard only covers wooden handles, whereas ASME B107.400 also provides specifications for handles made from alternative materials such as fiberglass and other composites.
≠IS 2892 is a standalone standard for handles, while ASME B107.400 is a comprehensive standard for the entire striking tool (head and handle), emphasizing the system's overall safety and performance.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate that the wood grain must be straight and run parallel to the handle's primary axis to ensure maximum strength and prevent failure during use.
≈There is a universal consensus across IS 2892 and its international counterparts on the prohibition of critical defects like large knots, cracks, splits, decay, and insect damage.
≈Both the Indian and international standards require handles to have a smooth finish to prevent splinters and ensure a safe, comfortable grip for the user.
≈Dimensional specifications, particularly for handle length (around 900 mm for pickaxes), are very similar across IS 2892 and standards like the withdrawn DIN 5133, reflecting ergonomic conventions.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Wood Species
Sal, Teak, Babul, Axlewood, Laurel
Hickory, Ash
ASME B107.400-2018 / DIN 5133:1982
Moisture Content
Not to exceed 15%
12% ± 3% (specified for proper seasoning)
DIN 5133:1982
Slope of Grain
Not steeper than 1 in 15
Generally not to exceed 1 in 12, must be essentially parallel to the axis
ASME B107.400-2018
Handle Length (Pickaxe Type 'A')
900 mm
900 mm
DIN 5133:1982
Knot Restriction
Shall be free from knots
Free of knots and other imperfections which may affect strength; small sound pin knots may be acceptable
ASME B107.400-2018
Finish
Smoothly finished, may be wax polished or oiled
Finished smooth; may be clear lacquered, oiled or waxed. Coating must not conceal defects.
ASME B107.400-2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Moisture Content15%
Tolerance on length± 5 mm
Tolerance on cross-sectional dimensions± 2 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Wooden Handles for Picks and Beaters