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IS 6676:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for bossing (plumbers), mallets. This standard lays down the requirements for two types of timber bossing mallets used by plumbers for shaping soft metals like lead. It covers the material requirements, shape, dimensions, manufacture, 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
DIN 7253:1976-06Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), Germany
HighWithdrawn
Holzhammer, Kopf aus Pockholz (Wooden Mallet, Head of Lignum vitae)
Specifies wooden mallets with Lignum-vitae heads, a very close parallel to the primary type in IS 6676.
GGG-M-101FU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
MediumCurrent
Mallets; Wood, Plastic, and Rawhide
Broader scope covering various mallet types, but its specifications for Class 1 (Lignum vitae) mallets are relevant.
BS 4138:1967British Standards Institution (BSI), United Kingdom
LowWithdrawn
Specification for lignum vitae for skipper-heavies, beaters and bossing and other mallets
Specifies the raw material (Lignum-vitae) for mallets, not the finished tool itself, but shares the material basis.
Key Differences
≠IS 6676 allows for indigenous Indian hardwoods like Sheesham and Babul as alternatives to Lignum-vitae, reflecting regional material availability, whereas standards like DIN 7253 were exclusively for Lignum-vitae (Pockholz).
≠The Indian standard is highly specific to a single tool for one trade (plumber's bossing mallet). In contrast, standards like the US GGG-M-101F are often broader performance specifications covering multiple mallet types (wood, plastic, rawhide) in a single document.
≠IS 6676 remains an active (though dated) standard, while its closest technical equivalents from Germany (DIN 7253) and the USA (GGG-M-101F) have been withdrawn or cancelled, indicating a trend away from national standardization of such traditional hand tools in those regions.
≠IS 6676 specifies three nominal sizes (65, 75, 90 mm), whereas DIN 7253 provided a wider range of standardized sizes from 50 mm to 140 mm.
Key Similarities
≈All standards recognize the importance of using a very dense, heavy, and oily hardwood, like Lignum-vitae, for the mallet head to provide weight and prevent splitting or marring soft metals.
≈Both IS 6676 and its international counterparts define the tool's critical parameters, including head diameter, head length, and overall length, to ensure consistent weight, balance, and usability.
≈The standards commonly specify a resilient, shock-absorbing wood like Hickory or Ash for the handle, ensuring durability and user comfort.
≈A common requirement is for a secure connection between the head and handle (e.g., tapered fit) and a smooth finish on the mallet head to prevent damage to the workpiece.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Head Material
Lignum-vitae (conforming to IS 2043)
Pockholz (Lignum-vitae)
DIN 7253:1976-06
Alternative Head Materials
Indian hardwoods such as Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) and Babul (Acacia nilotica)
Not specified; standard was specific to Lignum-vitae.
DIN 7253:1976-06
Handle Material
Hickory, Ash, or other suitable timbers
Ash (Esche) or Hickory
DIN 7253:1976-06
Nominal Head Diameters
65, 75, 90 mm
50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 140 mm
DIN 7253:1976-06
Head Length (for 75mm/80mm Dia)
100 mm (for 75 mm dia)
110 mm (for 80 mm dia)
DIN 7253:1976-06
Overall Length (for 75mm/80mm Dia)
280 mm (for 75 mm dia)
320 mm (for 80 mm dia)
DIN 7253:1976-06
Finish
Smoothly finished and coated with a transparent varnish or lacquer.
Smooth finish required (implied by quality standard for tool).
DIN 7253:1976-06
Marking Requirement
Manufacturer's name/mark, nominal size, and the ISI Certification Mark.
Standard number (DIN 7253) and manufacturer's mark.
DIN 7253:1976-06
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
Recommended timber speciesSheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) or Babul (Acacia nilotica)
What are the two types of bossing mallets specified in IS 6676?+
The standard specifies Type A (small) and Type B (large) mallets, with dimensions given in Table 1.
What kind of wood should be used for these mallets?+
The standard recommends hardwoods such as Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) or Babul (Acacia nilotica) as per Clause 3.
What is the maximum permissible moisture content for the timber?+
The moisture content, when tested according to IS 287, shall not exceed 12 percent (Clause 3.2).
How should the handle be fitted to the head?+
The handle shall be tapered and force-fitted into a corresponding tapered hole in the head. The grain of the handle timber should run parallel to its length (Clause 5.1).