TM 9-243
USING THE MATTOCK - Continued
2 When practicing using the mattock, swing with
either the right or the left hand leading. When your
position becomes tiring, reverse your hands on the
handle of the mattock.
3 With the right hand leading, the left foot should be
brought slightly toward the work. To start the swing,
hold the handle at the end with the left hand and
near the center with the right hand. Raise the mat-
tock over the right shoulder. Swing the mattock
down toward the work, allowing the right hand to
slide back along the handle toward the left hand so
that at the finish of the swing, the hands are close
together.
4 With the left hand in the center of the handle, the
mattock is swung in the same manner, except that
the positions are reversed.
5 Light swings are accomplished with wrist motion
only, allowing the head of the mattock to do the
work.
6 Use the wrists, forearms, and shoulders for heavy
swings.
CAUTION
Slight prying may be done with the mat-
tock. However, this must be done cauti-
ously to prevent breaking the wood
handle.
CARE OF MATTOCKS
1.
Clean the mattock thoroughly after use and before
short or long-term storage.
2.
Store the mattock so that the head will not be struck
against metal or other hard surfaces. The mattock
should be placed on its head against a wall or hung
on a rack for storage. Coat the head with oil.
WARNING
CLOTHS USED TO APPLY OR
REMOVE LINSEED OIL ARE FIRE
HAZARDS BECAUSE THEY MAY
IGNITE BY SPONTANEOUS COMBUS-
TION, THESE CLOTHS SHOULD BE
EITHER DESTROYED AFTER USE OR
HUNG UP TO DRY IN A WELL-
VENTILATED PLACE AND STORED IN
METAL CONTAINERS.
3.
For long-term storage, coat the head with a rust-
preventive compound and store in a dry place in a
rack or box with the cutting edges protected.
4.
The raw wood handles of mattocks should be
rubbed thoroughly (preferably prior to use) with a
cloth soaked in boiled linseed oil. This will prevent
drying, checking, and moisture penetration.
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