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IS 6642 : 1986mason's mallets

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ASME B107.400
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 6642:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for mason's mallets. This standard lays down the requirements for materials, dimensions, manufacture, workmanship, finish, and marking for mason's mallets. It covers three standard sizes of mallets designated by their mass and specifies suitable Indian timbers for the head and handle to ensure durability and performance.

mason's mallets

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Specification
International equivalents
ASME B107.400-2018 · American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), USA
Typically used with
IS 399IS 1708IS 287
Also on InfraLens for IS 6642
6Key values1Tables4FAQs
Practical Notes
! The standard emphasizes that the grain of the wood for the head must run parallel to the axis of the handle to prevent splitting during use.
! Selection of appropriate timber (e.g., Babul for head, Bamboo for handle) is crucial for the tool's shock resistance and service life.
! This standard is primarily used by manufacturers for quality control and by purchasers for procurement specifications.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 2.1SizesCl. 3MaterialsCl. 4Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 6Workmanship and FinishCl. 8Marking
Pulled from IS 6642:1986. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timberwoodbamboo

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASME B107.400-2018American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), USA
MediumCurrent
Striking Tools (Hammers, Axes, Mauls, and Sledges - Safety Requirements)
Covers safety and performance for mauls, which are functionally similar to heavy mallets, but is not a specific dimensional standard for mason's mallets.
DIN 7332:1982Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), Germany
HighWithdrawn
Schlegel aus Holz (Wooden Mallets)
Directly specified dimensions and materials for general-purpose wooden mallets, very similar in form to the IS code.
BS 4048:1966British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
LowWithdrawn
Specification for carpenters' mallets
Specifies a wooden mallet, but for woodworking, which has different impact and durability requirements than a mason's mallet.
Key Differences
≠The Indian Standard is highly prescriptive, specifying exact Indian timber species (Sal, Babul, Shisham). International standards like ASME B107.400 are performance-based, focusing on material soundness (e.g., straight grain, free of defects) rather than specific species.
≠IS 6642 focuses on manufacturing specifications like dimensions, weight, and finish (linseed oil). In contrast, ASME B107.400's primary focus is on safety, detailing test methods for handle-head connection integrity, striking face durability, and mandatory warning labels.
≠IS 6642 classifies mallets by head diameter/width (100, 125, 150 mm). While old standards like DIN 7332 used a similar system, modern practice often classifies striking tools by head weight, which is not the primary designation in the IS code.
≠The Indian Standard specifies a simple linseed oil finish for preservation. Modern safety-oriented standards are often more concerned with ensuring that any finish or coating does not conceal underlying material defects like cracks or knots.
Key Similarities
≈All related standards require the use of sound, high-quality, seasoned hardwood that is free from knots, cracks, splits, and decay, especially for the handle.
≈The fundamental design of a heavy wooden head with a tapered eye, fitted with a securely wedged wooden handle, is a common principle across IS 6642 and other historical and contemporary standards for mallets and mauls.
≈There is a shared understanding of the tool's purpose: to provide a heavy, non-marring striking force suitable for use with chisels or for setting masonry units, distinct from a steel hammer.
≈All standards, whether implicitly (through design) or explicitly (through safety testing), require a secure head-to-handle attachment to prevent the head from flying off during use.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Head Material (Species)Hard Indian timbers: Sal (Shorea robusta), Babul (Acacia nilotica) or Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)Hornbeam (Weißbuche)DIN 7332:1982
Handle Material (Species)Babul (Acacia nilotica) or Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia)Ash or Hickory (Performance requirement for strength and resilience)ASME B107.400-2018
Size DesignationBy head diameter/width: 100, 125, 150 mmBy head diameter: e.g., 100, 110, 125, 140, 160 mmDIN 7332:1982
Head-Handle ConnectionPrescriptive: Tapered eye, handle secured with a wedge.Performance-based: 'Shall not become loose or separate from head' during specified safety tests.ASME B107.400-2018
FinishOne coat of boiled linseed oil.No specific finish required; focus on ensuring finish does not conceal material defects.ASME B107.400-2018
Marking RequirementsManufacturer's name/trademark, ISI Certification Mark.Manufacturer name, tool ID, specific warning statements about safety (e.g., 'Wear safety goggles').ASME B107.400-2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Designated Mass of Mallets0.7 kg, 0.9 kg, and 1.1 kg
Recommended Timber for HeadBabul (Acacia nilotica), Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo)
Recommended Material for HandleMale Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)
Head Length (for 0.7 kg mallet)125 mm
Head Diameter (for 0.7 kg mallet)75 mm
Handle Length (for 0.7 kg mallet)300 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions for Mason's Mallets
Key Clauses
Clause 2.1 - Sizes
Clause 3 - Materials
Clause 4 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 6 - Workmanship and Finish
Clause 8 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 399:1966Classification of Commercial Timbers and Thei...
→
IS 1708:2014Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of T...
→
IS 287:2022Code of Practice for Design of Timber Structu...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What are the standard sizes of mason's mallets as per IS 6642?+
The standard specifies three sizes by mass: 0.7 kg, 0.9 kg, and 1.1 kg (Clause 2.1).
What type of wood is specified for the mallet head?+
Timbers such as Babul, Haldu, Sissoo, or Anjan are specified due to their hardness and shock-resisting properties (Clause 3.1).
What is the requirement for the handle material?+
The handle must be made from sound, straight male bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) and be free from cracks, knots, and insect attack (Clause 3.2).
Are there dimensional tolerances specified?+
Yes, Table 1 specifies the dimensions for the head and handle for each size, and Clause 4.2 provides permissible tolerances.

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