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IS 6643:1987 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for wooden pins for bivouac tents. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, and manufacturing of wooden pins used for securing bivouac tents. It covers the type and quality of timber, dimensional tolerances, and finish for the pins. This standard has been officially withdrawn by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
! This standard has been WITHDRAWN by BIS. It should not be used for new design, manufacturing, or procurement. Users should look for a relevant updated standard or define project-specific requirements.
woodtimber
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
MIL-PRF-2060FU.S. Department of Defense (DoD), USA
HighCurrent
Performance Specification: Pins, Tent
Specifies requirements for various types of tent pins, including Type I wooden pins.
DEF STAN 84-25UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), United Kingdom
MediumWithdrawn
Tent Pins
Covered requirements for tent pins used by UK forces, including wooden variants.
A-A-55232AU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
LowCurrent
Commercial Item Description: Pin, Tent, Plastic
Covers the same application (tent pins) but specifies a different material (plastic).
ASTM F1933 - 15(2021)ASTM International, USA
LowCurrent
Standard Specification for Wood Fence Stakes
Specifies wooden stakes driven into the ground, but for fencing applications, not tents.
Key Differences
≠The IS code specifies a single size (450 mm length, 40x40 mm section), whereas MIL-PRF-2060F defines multiple classes with different lengths (e.g., 16-inch and 24-inch) to suit various tent sizes and soil conditions.
≠IS 6643 specifies a milled V-groove for rope attachment, while MIL-PRF-2060F typically specifies a drilled hole through the pin for the same purpose.
≠Permissible wood species are region-specific; IS 6643 lists Indian timbers like Teak and Sal, while MIL-PRF-2060F lists North American hardwoods like Ash, Hickory, and Oak.
≠The reference standard for wood preservative treatment differs. IS 6643 refers to IS 10013 for a copper-chrome-arsenic (CCA) composition, while MIL-PRF-2060F references US federal specifications like TT-W-571.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards mandate the use of seasoned, straight-grained hardwood free from defects like large knots, splits, or decay that would compromise strength.
≈The fundamental design is identical: a stake with a squared head to withstand hammering, a shaft, and a tapered, four-sided pyramidal point for easier driving into the ground.
≈Both standards require a specific feature near the head of the pin—either a groove or a hole—for the secure attachment of a tent guy rope.
≈Both IS 6643 and equivalent military standards require or recommend a wood preservative treatment to enhance durability and prevent rot and insect attack.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Overall Length
450 mm ± 5 mm
16 inches (406 mm) for Class 1
MIL-PRF-2060F
Cross-Section at Head
40 mm x 40 mm
1.5 x 1.5 inches (approx. 38 x 38 mm)
MIL-PRF-2060F
Specified Wood Species
Teak, Sal, Deodar, Kail, Chir
Ash, Hickory, Oak, or other approved hardwoods
MIL-PRF-2060F
Rope Attachment Feature
Milled groove, 6 mm wide x 6 mm deep
Drilled hole, 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) diameter
MIL-PRF-2060F
Location of Rope Attachment
Centered 50 mm from head end
Centered 1.5 inches (38 mm) from head end
MIL-PRF-2060F
Wood Preservative Reference
IS 10013 (Part 2) - Copper-Chrome-Arsenic
TT-W-571 - Wood Preservation: Treating Practices
MIL-PRF-2060F
Point Design
Four-sided pyramidal point
Tapered to a point (typically four-sided)
MIL-PRF-2060F
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values0
No quick reference values available for this code yet.
No, this standard has been officially withdrawn by the Bureau of Indian Standards and is no longer in effect.
What products does this standard cover?+
It covered the specifications for wooden pins (pegs) used to secure bivouac tents.
What kind of wood was specified for the pins?+
The standard would have originally listed permissible hardwood species suitable for outdoor use, but since it is withdrawn, this information is obsolete. Current best practices for timber selection should be followed.