237. Handspikes are to be made of well-seasoned white hickory, of the form and dimensions directed by the Bureau. They are always to be shod, stained black, and oiled. The Ordnance Officer of the Navy Yard will ascertain that they ship freely in the training-loops or sockets, and that the toe is sufficiently rounded not to cut the decks when held vertically.

Details of Handspikes.No. 1.No. 2.No. 3.
LengthTotalin.64.60.
Square partin.20.20.
Octagon partin.6.6.
Round partin.38.34.
Shoein.18.18.
Diameterof squarein.2.752.50
of small endin.1.751.6
Radius of quarter roundin.4.53.5
Weightlbs.16.12.

ROLLER HANDSPIKES.

238. There are two sizes of roller handspikes: No. 1 for the IX-in. shell-gun and 100-pdr. Marsilly, or two-truck carriage; No. 2 for all other guns.

They are composed of—the head and socket of bronze, handle of hickory, and the roller of lignum-vitæ.

The boss on the head makes, with the handle, an angle of 70°, and, when vertical, lifts the carriage half an inch (0.5).

Commander Beaumont's roller handspike has been adopted.

It is a common error of seamen to stoop, with a view of raising the carriage higher. The lift is greatest when the end of the handle is at the hip.

Details of Roller Handspikes.No. 1.No. 2.
LengthExtremein.70.566.
of handlein.63.62.5
of socketin.12.7.5
of bossin.1.61.3
of boss from centre of rollerin.4.53.6
of axle-pinin.9.57.5
Diameterof rollerin.4.52.5
of socketin.2.92.5
of hole in socketin.2.62.25
Small end of handlein.1.51.50
of hole for axle-pinin..75.62
Widthof rollerin.4.52.5
Exterior of headin.9.007.00
Weight lbs.32.19.5

IMPRESSION-TAKERS.