Wildland Hand Tools

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Revision as of 04:40, 20 July 2023 by Hunter (talk | contribs) (→‎Shovel)

Tools We Carry

Shovel

Shovels are good for digging, scraping, tamping, and throwing dirt. They can also be used to de-limb lower branches on trees to reduce ladder fuels.

Wildland Shovel

Sharpening

Sharpen the blade of a shovel starting 1.5 in. (38 mm) from the heel on each side of the blade until a subtle point is formed at the tip of the blade. Do the same number of strokes — and with the same amount of pressure — with a 12-in. flat bastard file on each side so that the shovel point does not drift from the center line.

See this video for a shovel sharpening demonstration: https://youtu.be/3TrehiITIYM?t=209

Pulaski

McLeod/Wilson

Rogue Hoe

Super P

Combi Tool

Brush Axe

Sharpening Tools

Each hand tool must be kept sharpened to make cutting and grubbing more efficient. The sharpened edge and technique is different on each tool. The department has several aluminum sharpening guides which provide correct edge angles for a number of the tools. Please use these guides, but know they are difficult to come by so don't lose them or loan them out (we'll never see them again).

PPE While Sharpening

The following PPE must be worn while sharpening in the field or at the station:

  1. Leather wildland gloves
  2. Safety glasses
  3. Long sleeve shirt or jacket

Sharpening Tools

The most important tool you need is a 12 inch mill bastard file. Consider using the vice on the workbench if sharpening at the station.

Sharpening Technique

This video covers sharpening of a shovel, Pulaski, and McLeod.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TrehiITIYM

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