Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 6644:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for tinman's mallets. This standard specifies the requirements for Tinman's mallets, which are used for shaping and working with sheet metal without damaging the surface. It covers the materials, shape, dimensions, weight, manufacture, workmanship, finish, and testing for four different sizes of mallets.
Previously specified requirements for various wooden mallets, including tinman's type.
Key Differences
≠IS 6644 specifies indigenous Indian timber (e.g., Babul, Sal) for the head, whereas DIN 5128 specifies European woods like Hornbeam.
≠ASME B107.400 mandates specific performance tests, such as a quantitative handle-to-head assembly strength test (pull test), which is not specified in IS 6644.
≠The range of types is narrower in IS 6644, covering only three sizes of round-headed tinman's mallets, while DIN 5128 includes both round and square-headed mallets in a wider range of dimensions.
≠IS 6644 uses a prescriptive approach based on material type and dimensions, whereas ASME B107.400 is more performance-based, allowing any material that meets the safety and durability test criteria.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the fundamental construction of a mallet as a wooden head securely fitted to a wooden handle.
≈All referenced standards require the wood used for both the head and handle to be of good quality, straight-grained, and free from defects like knots, cracks, or decay.
≈Both IS 6644 and DIN 5128 provide detailed dimensional tables for different sizes to ensure tool consistency and fitness for purpose.
≈IS 6644, DIN 5128, and BS 7486 all specify common high-quality timbers like Ash or Hickory as suitable materials for the handle, recognizing their shock-absorbing properties and strength.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Head Material (Specific)
Hardwood such as babul (Acacia nilotica), sal (Shorea robusta), anjan, or bija.
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).
DIN 5128:2012
Head Diameter (Size 2/Comparable)
75 mm (for Size 2)
80 mm (for nominal size 80)
DIN 5128:2012
Head Length (Size 2/Comparable)
125 mm (for Size 2)
140 mm (for nominal size 80)
DIN 5128:2012
Handle Material
Hardwood such as ash or hickory.
Ash or hickory.
DIN 5128:2012
Handle Assembly Test
Workmanship clause requires a secure fit, no quantitative test defined.
Mandatory axial pull test. The force depends on head weight (e.g., 450 N for a 0.45 kg head).
ASME B107.400-2018
Finish
Head and handle to be smooth and well finished. Head may be coated with transparent varnish or wax polished.
Heads shall be unpainted. Handles may be clear lacquered or oiled.
DIN 5128:2012
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Specified timber for headHickory (Hicoria species) or Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)