TM 9-243USING THE MATTOCK - Continued2 When practicing using the mattock, swing witheither the right or the left hand leading. When yourposition becomes tiring, reverse your hands on thehandle of the mattock.3 With the right hand leading, the left foot should bebrought slightly toward the work. To start the swing,hold the handle at the end with the left hand andnear the center with the right hand. Raise the mat-tock over the right shoulder. Swing the mattockdown toward the work, allowing the right hand toslide back along the handle toward the left hand sothat at the finish of the swing, the hands are closetogether.4 With the left hand in the center of the handle, themattock is swung in the same manner, except thatthe positions are reversed.5 Light swings are accomplished with wrist motiononly, allowing the head of the mattock to do thework.6 Use the wrists, forearms, and shoulders for heavyswings.CAUTIONSlight prying may be done with the mat-tock. However, this must be done cauti-ously to prevent breaking the woodhandle.CARE OF MATTOCKS1.Clean the mattock thoroughly after use and beforeshort or long-term storage.2.Store the mattock so that the head will not be struckagainst metal or other hard surfaces. The mattockshould be placed on its head against a wall or hungon a rack for storage. Coat the head with oil.WARNINGCLOTHS USED TO APPLY ORREMOVE LINSEED OIL ARE FIREHAZARDS BECAUSE THEY MAYIGNITE BY SPONTANEOUS COMBUS-TION, THESE CLOTHS SHOULD BEEITHER DESTROYED AFTER USE ORHUNG UP TO DRY IN A WELL-VENTILATED PLACE AND STORED INMETAL CONTAINERS.3.For long-term storage, coat the head with a rust-preventive compound and store in a dry place in arack or box with the cutting edges protected.4.The raw wood handles of mattocks should berubbed thoroughly (preferably prior to use) with acloth soaked in boiled linseed oil. This will preventdrying, checking, and moisture penetration.43-3/(43-4 blank)
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