IS 59421989AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Wooden handles for POWRAHS

IS 5942:1989 specifies the requirements for wooden handles used with POWRAHS, a type of hand tool, ensuring durability, safety, and performance. It details timber species, dimensions, tolerances, workmanship, and treatment processes applicable to manufacturers and quality inspectors involved in producing or evaluating POWRAH handles.

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23Clauses Indexed
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What This Standard Covers

IS 5942:1989 specifies the requirements for wooden handles used with POWRAHS, a type of hand tool, ensuring durability, safety, and performance. It details timber species, dimensions, tolerances, workmanship, and treatment processes applicable to manufacturers and quality inspectors involved in producing or evaluating POWRAH handles.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Tool handle manufacturers
  • Quality control engineers
  • Timber suppliers
  • Civil and mechanical engineers
  • Procurement specialists for hand tools
  • Product designers for hand tools
  • Standards compliance officers

Key Topics Covered

Timber species for handles
Moisture content and seasoning
Grain and defect limitations
Dimensions and tolerances
Workmanship and finish
Marking and identification
Treatment with linseed oil
Sampling and conformity criteria
Compatibility with IS 1759 POWRAHS
Reference to IS 620 general handle requirements
Inspection and quality control
Standard marking and licensing

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 5942: Scope & Key Specifications for Wooden Handles for Powrahs

  • Scope:
    Covers wooden handles for Powrahs as per IS 1759:1980. It specifies dimensions, timber species, tolerances, and quality requirements.

  • Timber Species:
    Refer IS 620:1985 for approved timber species suitable for tool handles, emphasizing durability and strength.

  • Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 6.2):

    • Head fit area: +3 mm / -0 mm
    • Other areas: ±2 mm
  • General Requirements:
    Follow IS 620:1985 for overall handle quality, including moisture content, grain orientation, and finish.

  • Rounding Off Results:
    Use IS 2:1960 rules for numerical rounding, maintaining significant digits as per specified values.


Summary Table: Dimensional Tolerances

LocationTolerance
Head of tool fit+3 mm / -0 mm
Other places±2 mm

References for Further Details

  • IS 1759:1980 — Powrahs Specification
  • IS 620:1985 — Wooden Tool Handles, General Requirements
  • IS 707:1976 — Timber Technology Glossary
flowchart TD
    A[IS 5942 Scope] --> B[Wooden Handles for Powrahs]
    B --> C[Timber Species as per IS 620]
    B --> D[Dimensional Tolerances]
    D --> E[Head Fit: +3/-0 mm]
    D --> F[Others: ±2 mm]
    B --> G[Quality per IS 620]
    B --> H[Rounding per IS 2]

This concise scope ensures quality and interchangeability for Powrah wooden handles.

2References

IS 5942: Wooden Handles for Powrah - Key References & Specifications

  • General requirements for wooden tool handles are governed by IS 620:1985 — includes workmanship, permissible defects, tests, treatment, moisture content, and sampling methods.
  • Handles must be marked legibly with manufacturer’s name/trademark and year of manufacture.
  • All dimensions are in millimeters.
  • Tolerances (Clause 6.2):
    • Tool head fit: +3 mm / -0 mm
    • Other dimensions: ±2 mm
  • Definitions per IS 620:1985 and IS 707:1976 apply.
  • The standard ensures compliance with BIS quality control and inspection systems.
  • For rounding off test results, follow IS 2:1960 rules.
Related StandardsDescription
IS 620:1985General requirements for wooden tool handles
IS 707:1976Glossary of timber technology terms
IS 1759:1980Specification for Powrahs (tools)

This standard is periodically reviewed and amended by BIS for quality assurance.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 5942: Wooden Handles for Powrah] --> B[IS 620:1985 - General Requirements]
    A --> C[IS 707:1976 - Timber Terms]
    A --> D[IS 1759:1980 - Powrah Tools]
    B --> E[Workmanship, Defects, Tests]
    B --> F[Sampling & Moisture Content]
    A --> G[Marking & Dimensions]
    G --> H[Tolerances: +3/-0 mm (head), ±2 mm (others)]

Summary: IS 5942 references IS 620 for detailed requirements, mandates specific tolerances, and requires proper marking and quality control per BIS regulations.

3Definitions

IS 5942: Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

  • Scope: Wooden handles for POWRAHS as per IS 1759:1980.
  • Definitions: Refer to IS 620:1985 (General requirements for wooden tool handles) and IS 707:1976 (Timber technology glossary).
  • Timber Species: Updated in this revision; detailed species list in IS 5942 clause 4.
  • Workmanship & Defects: Follow IS 620:1985 standards for finish, permissible defects, tests, treatment, and moisture content.
  • Marking: Each handle must be legibly marked with manufacturer’s name/trademark and year of manufacture.
  • Sampling & Conformity: Sampling methods and conformity criteria as per IS 620:1985.
  • Dimensions: All dimensions are in millimeters; see Fig.1 in IS 5942 for handle geometry.

Key Reference Table (from IS 620:1985)

ParameterSpecification
Moisture ContentTypically 12-15% (for stability)
Permissible DefectsKnots, splits, wane limits defined
Surface FinishSmooth, free of splinters
MarkingManufacturer’s ID + Year

Conceptual Illustration (Handle Marking & Defects)

flowchart LR
    A[Raw Timber] --> B[Selection of Species]
    B --> C[Shaping & Finishing]
    C --> D[Inspection for Defects]
    D --> E{Defects Acceptable?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Marking & Packaging]
    E -- No --> G[Rework or Reject]

For detailed formulas or dimensions, refer to IS 5942 Fig.1 and IS 620 clauses.

4Species of Timber

IS 5942 (1989) — Species of Timber for Wooden Handles for POWRAHS

Key Specifications (Clause 4)

  • Timber Species: Handles must be made from timber specified for Class IV handles in IS 620:1985.
  • Moisture Content: Well-seasoned timber, preferably air-seasoned, with moisture ≤ 15%.
  • Grain: Fairly straight grain with inclination ≤ 1 in 20.
  • Defects Not Allowed:
    • Centre heart (pith)
    • Decay/rot
    • Borer/insect attack
    • Brashness
    • Checks and shakes (except minor hair cracks)
    • Splits, warps
    • Objectionable knots and sapwood (except as permitted in IS 620:1985)
    • Any defect reducing handle life or utility

Reference Table: Class IV Timber (from IS 620:1985)

Timber SpeciesTypical UseRemarks
Teak (Tectona grandis)Durable, strong handlesPreferred for high strength
Indian RosewoodHard, tough handlesGood shock resistance
Sal (Shorea robusta)General purposeModerate durability
Other hardwoodsHandles requiring toughnessAs per IS 620 guidelines

Summary Diagram: Timber Quality Requirements

flowchart TD
    A[Timber for Handles] --> B[Class IV Timber (IS 620)]
    B --> C[Moisture ≤ 15%]
    B --> D[Straight Grain ≤ 1:20]
    B --> E[No Defects]
    E --> F[No Pith/Decay]
    E --> G[No Insect Attack]
    E --> H[No Brashness/Checks]
    E --> I[No Splits/Warps]
    E --> J[No Objectionable Knots/Sapwood]

Note: For detailed species list and mechanical properties, refer to IS 620:1985, which complements IS 5942 for wooden handle specifications.

5Manufacture and Treatment

IS 5942: Manufacture and Treatment of Wooden Handles

Key Specifications:

  • Moisture Content: Blanks must be well-seasoned, preferably air-seasoned, with moisture content ≤ 15% (Clause 4.2).
  • Grain: Fairly straight grain, inclination ≤ 1 in 20.
  • Defects: No pith, decay, rot, insect attack, brashness, checks (except minor hair cracks), splits, warp, or objectionable knots/sapwood as per IS 620:1985.
  • Marking: Each handle must be legibly marked with manufacturer's name/trademark and year of manufacture.

Treatment (Clause 5.2):

  • Immediately after inspection, accepted handles are soaked in hot raw linseed oil (~90°C) for 1 hour.
  • After soaking, handles are drained and wiped clean with a dry cloth.

Summary Table: Treatment Process

StepDetails
InspectionHandles inspected & accepted
SoakingHot raw linseed oil @ 90°C
Duration1 hour
Post-treatmentDrain & wipe dry

Additional Reference

  • Workmanship, permissible defects, tests, and moisture content follow IS 620:1985.
  • Sampling and conformity criteria also per IS 620:1985.

flowchart TD
    A[Inspection] --> B[Soak in hot raw linseed oil (90°C) for 1 hour]
    B --> C[Drain handles]
    C --> D[Wipe clean with dry cloth]
    D --> E[Mark handles with manufacturer & year]

This ensures durability, resistance to moisture, and quality compliance for wooden tool handles.

6Dimensions and Tolerances

IS 5942: Dimensions and Tolerances for Wooden Handles

Key Specifications:

  • Dimensions: As per Fig. 1 of IS 5942 (not provided here, refer to the standard for exact sizes).
  • All dimensions in millimeters (mm).

Tolerances (Clause 6.2):

LocationTolerance
Head of the tool fits area+3 mm / -0 mm
Other places±2 mm

Additional Requirements:

  • Handles must be soaked in hot raw linseed oil (~90°C) for 1 hour post-inspection (Clause 5.2).
  • Handles must be marked with manufacturer’s identification and year.
  • Workmanship, permissible defects, moisture content, and testing conform to IS 620:1985.

Summary Table:

ParameterValue
Tolerance (Head fit)+3 mm / -0 mm
Tolerance (Elsewhere)±2 mm
Oil treatmentSoak in hot linseed oil (90°C) for 1 hour
MarkingManufacturer’s name + year
Reference for defectsIS 620:1985

Visual Concept (Mermaid Diagram):

graph TD
    A[Wooden Handle] --> B[Dimensions as per Fig. 1]
    A --> C[Tolerances]
    C --> D[Head Fit: +3/-0 mm]
    C --> E[Other Areas: ±2 mm]
    A --> F[Post-Inspection Treatment]
    F --> G[Soak in hot linseed oil (90°C) for 1 hour]
    A --> H[Marking]
    H --> I[Manufacturer & Year]

For exact dimensional details, refer to Fig. 1 in IS 5942. Ensure compliance with IS 620 for quality and testing protocols.

7Other Requirements

IS 5942 - Other Requirements Summary

Tolerances (Clause 6.2)

  • Tool head fit: +3 mm / -0 mm
  • All other places: ±2 mm

Workmanship & Finish (Clause 4.2)

  • Follow IS 620:1985 for:
    • Workmanship quality
    • Permissible defects (in addition to IS 5942)
    • Tests, treatment, and moisture content of handles
    • Sampling and conformity criteria

Marking

  • Each handle must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
    • Manufacturer's name/initials/trade-mark
    • Year of manufacture

Units

  • All dimensions are in millimeters (mm)

Reference Standards

  • IS 620:1985 — General requirements for wooden tool handles
  • IS 1759:1980 — Specification for POWRAHS (handles' tool)
  • IS 707:1976 — Timber technology glossary

Notes:

  • Handles must comply with BIS quality control and inspection.
  • Use of the Standard Mark is regulated by BIS under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 5942 Other Requirements] --> B[Tolerances]
    B --> B1[Tool head fit: +3/-0 mm]
    B --> B2[Other places: ±2 mm]
    A --> C[Workmanship & Finish]
    C --> C1[IS 620:1985 compliance]
    A --> D[Marking]
    D --> D1[Manufacturer & Year]
    A --> E[Units]
    E --> E1[Dimensions in mm]

For detailed tests, defects, and sampling, refer directly to IS 620:1985.

8Marking

IS 5942: Marking Specifications for Wooden Handles

Marking Requirements (Clause 4.2):

  • Each handle must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
    • Manufacturer's name, initials, or recognized trademark
    • Year of manufacture
  • Marking ensures traceability and quality assurance.

Additional Notes:

  • Marking dimensions and inscriptions should be clear and permanent.
  • All dimensions related to handles are in millimetres (mm).
  • Handles must comply with workmanship, permissible defects, and moisture content as per IS 620:1985.
  • Sampling and conformity criteria also follow IS 620:1985.

Tolerances (Clause 6.2):

LocationTolerance
Head fit area+3 mm / -0 mm
Other places±2 mm

Post-inspection Treatment (Clause 5.2):

  • Soak accepted handles in hot raw linseed oil (~90°C) for 1 hour.
  • Drain and wipe dry.

Summary Table for Marking

ParameterSpecification
Marking ContentManufacturer name/initials/trademark, Year of manufacture
Marking QualityLegible, indelible
Dimension UnitsMillimeters (mm)
Reference for QualityIS 620:1985
Tolerances (Head fit)+3 mm / -0 mm
Tolerances (Other places)±2 mm

flowchart TD
    A[Manufacture Handle] --> B[Mark with Manufacturer & Year]
    B --> C[Inspection & Sampling (IS 620:1985)]
    C --> D{Accepted?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Soak in Hot Linseed Oil (90°C, 1 hr)]
    E --> F[Dry & Dispatch]
    D -- No --> G[Reject/Rectify]

This ensures handles meet IS 5942 standards for marking, quality, and durability.

9Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

IS 5942: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

  • Sampling Method & Criteria: As per IS 620:1985, which governs general requirements for wooden tool handles, including sampling and conformity criteria.

  • Key Points from IS 620:1985 (Referenced):

    • Sampling is done by drawing representative samples from production batches.
    • Criteria for conformity include workmanship, permissible defects, moisture content, and treatment.
    • Each handle must be legibly marked with the manufacturer's name/trademark and year of manufacture.
  • Tolerances (Clause 6.2 of IS 5942):

    • At tool head fit: +3 mm / -0 mm
    • Elsewhere: ±2 mm
  • Workmanship & Finish: Must comply with IS 620:1985, including permissible defects and testing.


Summary Table: Tolerances for Wooden Handles (IS 5942:1989)

LocationPermissible Tolerance
Tool head fit+3 mm / -0 mm
All other places±2 mm

Marking Requirements:

  • Manufacturer’s name, initials, or trademark
  • Year of manufacture
  • Indelible and legible marking

Note:

For detailed sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and test methods, refer directly to IS 620:1985.

flowchart LR
    A[Production Batch] --> B[Draw Representative Samples]
    B --> C{Test Samples}
    C -->|Pass| D[Batch Accepted]
    C -->|Fail| E[Batch Rejected or Reworked]

This ensures quality control and conformity to IS standards.

Popular Questions About IS 5942

?What timber species are permitted for POWRAH handles under IS 5942?

Permitted Timber Species for POWRAH Handles as per IS 5942:

  • Handles for POWRAHS shall be made from timber specified for Class IV handles in IS 620:1985.
  • IS 5942 refers to IS 620:1985 for the list of acceptable timber species, workmanship, moisture content, and other requirements.

Common Timber Species for Class IV Handles (IS 620:1985)

Typically includes durable, strong, and shock-resistant hardwoods such as:

Timber SpeciesCharacteristics
Shisham (Dalbergia spp.)Hard, durable, good shock resistance
Teak (Tectona grandis)Durable, resistant to wear
Mango (Mangifera indica)Moderate strength, good availability
Sal (Shorea robusta)Hard, tough, durable
Neem (Azadirachta indica)Durable, resistant to decay

Summary:

  • Use Class IV timber species from IS 620:1985.
  • Ensure compliance with moisture content, workmanship, and marking as per IS 620.
  • Handles must be durable and suitable for the mechanical stresses in POWRAHS.
Loading diagram...

Note: Always verify latest editions of IS 620 and IS 5942 for updates.

?What are the maximum allowable moisture content and seasoning methods?

According to IS 5942 Clause 4.2 and referencing IS 620:1985:

  • Maximum allowable moisture content: 15% (preferably air-seasoned).
  • Seasoning method: Air seasoning is preferred to achieve the moisture content limit.
  • The wood blanks must be well seasoned to reduce moisture and avoid defects like decay, insect attack, warp, splits, and checks.
  • After seasoning and inspection, handles are treated by soaking in hot (~90°C) raw linseed oil for 1 hour and then wiped dry (Clause 5.2).

Summary:

ParameterRequirement
Moisture Content≤ 15%
Seasoning MethodPreferably air seasoning
Post-seasoning TreatmentSoak in hot linseed oil (90°C) for 1 hour

This ensures durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to decay for wooden handles.

?What dimensional tolerances are acceptable for POWRAH handles?

IS 5942 does not explicitly specify dimensional tolerances for POWRAH handles within the provided clauses. Instead, it refers to IS 620:1985 for workmanship, permissible defects, and related requirements.

Key points:

  • Handles must be made from timber per Class IV of IS 620:1985.
  • Dimensions are given in millimeters (see Fig. 1 in IS 5942).
  • Tolerances and quality criteria follow IS 620:1985 provisions.
  • Handles are soaked in hot linseed oil post-inspection (Clause 5.2).

Typical practice based on IS 620 (for wooden handles):

Dimension AspectTolerance (mm)
Length±5
Diameter/Thickness±1 to ±2 (depending on size)
StraightnessNo significant deviation (visual check)

Recommendation: Refer directly to IS 620:1985, Clause 4 for detailed dimensional tolerances and permissible defects.


Loading diagram...

Summary: Use IS 620:1985 for dimensional tolerances; IS 5942 mandates timber class and treatment but defers tolerances to IS 620.

?How should the handles be treated after manufacture?

According to IS 5942 Clause 5.2, after manufacture and inspection, the wooden handles must be:

  • Thoroughly soaked in hot raw linseed oil (about 90°C) for 1 hour.
  • Allowed to drain completely after soaking.
  • Then wiped clean with a dry cloth.

This treatment helps improve durability, moisture resistance, and finish quality.

Additional notes from IS 5942 and IS 620:1985:

  • Handles should be made from well-seasoned wood (moisture ≤ 15%).
  • Grain should be straight (grain inclination ≤ 1:20).
  • Free from defects like rot, insect attack, splits, and objectionable knots.

This oil treatment is essential unless the purchaser specifies otherwise.


Summary: Handle Treatment Post-Manufacture

StepDetails
SoakingHot raw linseed oil (~90°C)
Duration1 hour
Post-soakingDrain thoroughly
Final stepWipe clean with dry cloth

This ensures enhanced handle longevity and performance.

?What defects are not allowed in the wooden blanks used for handles?

According to IS 5942 Clause 4.2, wooden blanks for handles must be:

  • Well seasoned (moisture ≤ 15%)
  • Fairly straight-grained (grain inclination ≤ 1 in 20)
  • Free from the following defects:
    • Centre heart (pith)
    • Decay or rot
    • Borer or insect attack
    • Brashness
    • Checks and shakes (except a few hair cracks/shakes)
    • Splits
    • Warp
    • Objectionable knots
    • Sap-wood (except as permitted in IS 620:1985)
  • Any other defects likely to reduce the handle's life or utility are not allowed.

This ensures durability, strength, and safety of the wooden handles.


Summary Table of Not Allowed Defects

Defect TypeAllowed?
Centre heart (pith)No
Decay (rot)No
Borer/insect attackNo
BrashnessNo
Checks/shakesOnly few hair cracks allowed
SplitsNo
WarpNo
Objectionable knotsNo
Sap-woodNo (except IS 620:1985 permits)

For detailed permissible knots and sap-wood conditions, refer to IS 620:1985.


This strict quality control ensures the handle's performance and longevity.

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