Handtools for Trail Work

Abstract

The Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC), working with trail crews throughout the United States, has standardized a comprehensive document on the use and maintenance of handtools involved in trail work. Information collected from industry experts, from interviews with trail crew members, and from extensive literature and market research on the subject provides the text for this document. It stresses safe and efficient tool use. It describes each tool and presents nomenclature and maintenance procedures, including sharpening techniques and rehandling methods. The document is intended for both experienced and inexperienced trail crews.

About This Document

The tools shown here are those used most often by Forest Service trail crews. They are categorized into tools for sawing, chopping, grubbing, digging and tamping, pounding and hammering, lifting and hauling, peeling and shaping, and sharpening and rehandling. Each tool is described along with helpful techniques for use and maintenance.

Introduction

Trail work requires many kinds of handtools like saws, axes, picks, hammers, shovels, and grub hoes. To be safe and productive, trail workers must know how to select the best tools for the job, use them skillfully, and maintain them correctly. However, modern technology has caused a gap in our handtool knowledge. Most trail tools have become uncommon in our everyday work world, which contributes to accidents, low productivity, and frustration. This manual should help reduce accidents and increase production. It is intended for Forest Service employees, volunteers, and others who do trail work. It provides tips for using and maintaining common trail tools. Proper use and maintenance of handtools contributes to safe and efficient trail work and to a better trail system.

Safe Trail Work

Keys to productive, safe, trail work are sharp tools, proper tool use, team work, and awareness of hazards. Such knowledge cannot come from a manual. Ask experienced crew members for help. Work as a team. Watch for hazards to other crew members. Alert each other to unsafe tools and hazards. Productive, safe crews depend on each member being alert, informed, and caring.

There are general safety rules to observe when using handtools. Survey the environmental hazards surrounding each task and use proper personal protective devices like hardhats, gloves, and safety glasses. Select the right tools for the job. Carefully inspect their condition before you use them. Make sure handles are sound, smooth, and straight; heads are tight; and cutting edges are sharp.

Avoid transporting tools loose in vehicles. Use tool boxes. Place tools in sheaths, especially if they have sharp cutting edges. Load and unload tools with care. Always use gloves. Pass tools so others avoid grasping a cutting edge. Never throw a tool.

Be aware of nearby workers. On the trail, carry tools by holding them at your side and downhill, with blades forward and the handles behind. If you should slip, drop the tool to the side to prevent falling on the blade. Designate a central drop point for tools near the worksite so tools are less likely to be lost. Mark handles with a small strip of bright orange paint for easy visibility.

You need training to use a crosscut saw. Your training, experience-and in some cases-level of certification, can allow you to buck trees already on the ground, or to undertake the more advanced (and hazardous) business of felling standing trees. Be sure you are properly trained and certified before cutting either standing or fallen trees. Remember that using an ax exposes you to similar hazards.

At day's end, identify tools that need maintenance and schedule time for repairing or replacing tools. In the field, store tools safely and out of the weather.