Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 6729:1972 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for wooden paddles. This standard lays down the requirements for materials, dimensions, manufacture, and finish of wooden paddles used for general purposes. It specifies the types of timber suitable for construction and workmanship standards.
! This is an old and highly specialized standard. It's essential to verify its current status (active or withdrawn) from the BIS portal before use in procurement or manufacturing.
! The selection of timber species as per referenced codes is critical for the durability and performance of the paddle.
timberwood
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
GGG-S-326HU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
LowWithdrawn
Federal Specification: Shovels, Spades, Scoops, and Telegraph Spoons
Specifies wooden handles for heavy-duty hand tools, offering analogous requirements for material quality and finish.
BS 7352:1990British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
LowWithdrawn
Specification for strength and durability of handles for hand tools
Covers performance requirements for wooden handles on tools like hammers and axes, not the entire tool.
ASTM D245-06(2018)ASTM International, USA
LowCurrent
Standard Practice for Establishing Structural Grades and Related Allowable Properties for Visually Graded Lumber
Pertains to grading timber for strength, a key input material, but does not specify the finished paddle product.
Key Differences
≠IS 6729 is highly prescriptive, defining exact dimensions and a limited list of Indian timber species. International standards for hand tools are often performance-based, specifying load or impact resistance rather than fixed dimensions.
≠The Indian standard is for a complete, specific tool (a paddle), whereas the closest international counterparts often address components (like handles) or raw materials (like timber grades).
≠Material specifications in IS 6729 are localized to Indian woods (e.g., Mango, Haldu, Deodar). International standards specify woods common in their regions (e.g., Ash, Hickory in North America) or define strength characteristics for any suitable wood.
≠IS 6729:1972 lacks requirements for mechanical performance testing, which are common in more modern international standards for high-stress tools like shovels or axes (e.g., bending strength tests for handles).
Key Similarities
≈Both the IS code and related international tool standards require the use of seasoned, straight-grained timber for strength and durability.
≈There is a common emphasis on eliminating wood defects such as large knots, splits, cracks, and signs of decay that would compromise the tool's structural integrity.
≈All related standards mandate a smooth finish, free from splinters, to ensure safe and effective handling by the user.
≈Both IS 6729 and analogous standards for wooden-handled tools specify construction from a single piece of wood for the main structural components (paddle body, handle shaft) to maximize strength.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Material
A single piece of specified timber (e.g., Haldu, Mango, Kail, Fir, Deodar)
Typically White Ash or Hickory for high-strength handles.
GGG-S-326H
Overall Length
1000 mm
Varies by tool; a long-handle shovel is approx. 1220 mm (48 in).
GGG-S-326H
Handle Diameter
30 mm
Approx. 32-38 mm, often with an elliptical cross-section for better grip.
GGG-S-326H
Blade Width (working end)
150 mm
Not applicable; comparison is to handle, not shovel blade.
GGG-S-326H
Moisture Content
Shall not exceed 15%
Typically specified in the range of 10-15% for finished wooden handles.
General practice for tool mfg.
Grain Requirement
Reasonably straight-grained
Grain slope shall not be steeper than 1 in 12 for high-grade handles.
General practice for tool mfg.
Surface Finish
Sand-papered to a smooth finish
Smoothly sanded and may be waxed, lacquered, or have other clear finish.
GGG-S-326H
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values0
No quick reference values available for this code yet.
What types of timber are permitted for making paddles?+
The standard specifies suitable timber species. Refer to the 'Material' clause which likely cross-references IS 399 for classification of commercial timbers.
What are the specified dimensions for the paddle?+
The standard provides detailed dimensions for the blade, shaft (loom), and grip. Refer to the dimensional drawings and tables within the document.
Are there any requirements for wood preservation?+
The standard may specify requirements for wood preservation treatment, especially if the paddles are intended for use in wet conditions. Check clauses related to 'Finish' or 'Treatment'.