Fig. 10.
Fig. 11.
Fig. 12.
Fig. 13.
The head of a sledge is of iron; it consists of a pierced central portion called the “eye,” and two shanks or “stumps,” the steeled ends of which form the striking faces or “panes.” The form of the head varies in different localities, but whatever the variations may be, the form may be classed under one of four types or “patterns.” A very common form is that shown in [Fig. 10] and known as the “bully” pattern. By varying the width, as shown in [Fig. 11], we obtain the “broad bully,” the former being called for the sake of distinction the “narrow” bully. Another common form is the “pointing” pattern, represented in [Fig. 12]. The form shown in [Fig. 13] is designated as the “bloat” pattern; and that given in [Fig. 14] the “plug” pattern. Each of these forms possesses peculiar merits which renders it more suitable for certain uses than the others. The same forms are used for hammers. The eye is generally made oval in shape, but sometimes, especially with the bloat pattern, it is made circular, as shown in [Fig. 13]. The weight of a sledge head may vary from 5 lb. to 10 lb., but a common and convenient weight is 7 lb. The length of the helve varies from 20 inches to 30 inches; a common length for blasting sledges is 24 inches. The average weight of hammer heads is about 3 lb., and the average length of the helve 10 inches.
Fig. 14.