Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

1. Head is within specifications as per gauge (NFES# 000510).
2. Grubbing end is not bent or twisted.
3. Blade or grubbing hoe ends have not been tapered or rounded to point the tool cannot be sharpened to meet gauge standards.
4. Handle is twisted, bent, or open grain.
5. Cracks, or suspect based on sound of hammer rap on end of handle (sharp ringing sound is good; dull thud sound is suspect), or pressure application to side of handle.
6. Head is loose and/or contains metal wedges.
7. Handle has been shortened.
8. Nonstandard handle.
9. Dispose of tool if there is obvious structural damage to cutting edges or head.
10. Dispose of tool if modifications have been made to head, such as rivets through side of head to hold handle.
11. Return to stock if item does not show signs of use and passes inspection.
12. Refurbish if damage and/or use is detected and can be repaired.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

1. Remove dirt, rust and grime from head with wire brush or hose.
2. Let dry or wipe dry.
3. Wipe handle with damp cloth.

B. Repair

1. Sharpen tool to specifications as per tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
2. Tool should NEVER be ground to the degree that the metal temperature raises high enough to remove temper, i.e., blue or burned edges.
3. Ensure that blade corners are square.
4. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.    Black paint only.
5. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
6. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
7. For handle replacement utilize NFES #001857 handle with plastic wedge.
8. Metal wedges can be added only in the field as an emergency measure for field refurbishing.

C. Testing for Performance

• none

D. Repackaging

1. Install plastic sheath NFES #000257.
2. Package 10 each in carton NFES #000338 carton (37” x 18” x 7”).