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IS 6656:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for caulking mallets. This standard specifies the requirements for three sizes of caulking mallets used for caulking purposes, particularly in shipbuilding and plumbing. It covers the material (hardwood), dimensions, manufacturing, workmanship, finish, and marking.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
timberwoodhardwood
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
GGG-M-101FU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
HighWithdrawn
Federal Specification: Mallets; Wood, Plastic, and Rawhide
Specifies materials, dimensions, and testing for wood and plastic mallets, aligning well with IS 6656 Types 1 and 2.
DIN 7461:1985-05Deutsches Institut für Normung, Germany
HighWithdrawn
Schlegel aus Holz (Wooden Mallets)
Covers dimensional and material requirements for wooden mallets, directly comparable to IS 6656 Type 1.
ASME B107.400-2018American Society of Mechanical Engineers, USA
MediumCurrent
Striking Tools - Safety Requirements
Covers safety performance for mallets, but not their specific manufacturing dimensions or material types.
Key Differences
≠IS 6656 specifically covers 'caulking' mallets, implying a particular shape and use, while standards like DIN 7461 cover general-purpose wooden mallets ('Schlegel') which may have different forms.
≠Material specifications are regional. IS 6656 specifies Indian hardwoods like Sissoo and Babul, whereas DIN 7461 specifies European woods like Hornbeam and Ash.
≠IS 6656 is a comprehensive manufacturing standard covering materials, dimensions, and testing. In contrast, ASME B107.400 is primarily a safety standard focused on performance aspects like resistance to chipping or breaking, and handle security, rather than prescriptive dimensions.
≠IS 6656 explicitly includes a type for synthetic heads (Type 2, Polystyrene/Polyethylene). The comparable German standard, DIN 7461, is exclusively for wooden mallets.
Key Similarities
≈All comparable manufacturing standards (IS 6656, DIN 7461, GGG-M-101F) mandate the use of seasoned, defect-free hardwood for handles and wooden heads.
≈A secure, non-slip fit of the handle into the mallet head is a critical requirement across all standards to ensure user safety and tool durability.
≈All standards include clauses requiring good workmanship, demanding a smooth finish free from splinters, cracks, and other defects.
≈The fundamental design principle of a cylindrical or near-cylindrical head made from a material softer than steel (wood or plastic) to strike chisels or shape material without damage is common to all standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Wood Head Material
Hardwood such as Babul, Bija, Sissoo.
Hornbeam, Robinia (Acacia), Hickory.
DIN 7461:1985-05
Plastic Head Material
High-impact polystyrene or high-density polyethylene.
Cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose, or other suitable plastics.
GGG-M-101F
Handle Material
Hardwood such as Babul, Bija, Sissoo.
Ash, Hickory.
DIN 7461:1985-05
Moisture Content (Wood)
Shall not exceed 12 percent.
Shall be between 6 and 14 percent for heads and handles.
GGG-M-101F
Head Diameter (Comparable Wood Mallet)
75 mm (Type 1, Size 1)
80 mm (Size 80)
DIN 7461:1985-05
Head Length (Comparable Wood Mallet)
125 mm (Type 1, Size 1)
160 mm (Size 80)
DIN 7461:1985-05
Performance Test
Mallet shall withstand 100 blows on a caulking iron without showing any signs of damage.
Requires a striking test where the mallet delivers a specific number of blows on a steel block without failure.
GGG-M-101F
Ferrule Material
Mild steel, galvanized or painted.
Not explicitly specified; often integrated into the head design or omitted in certain types.
DIN 7461:1985-05
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
What kind of wood is specified for the mallet head?+
The head must be made from suitable seasoned hardwood such as Babul, Sal, Sissoo, or Bija, free from defects and with a moisture content not exceeding 12% (Clause 3.1).
What are the standard sizes available for caulking mallets?+
The standard specifies three sizes: Size 1 (100 mm head dia), Size 2 (112 mm head dia), and Size 3 (125 mm head dia), as detailed in Table 1.
What is the specified standard for the wooden handle?+
The wooden handle for the mallet must conform to the requirements laid down in IS 620 'General requirements for wooden tool handles' (Clause 3.2).