Making Pioneer Tools For M35A2

[bguy193]

I have been searching for tool sets and decided to improvise. I found a garden tool sale at the local hardware store and went shopping. Every tool was $10 or less.
1)...The Pick Mattock did not need to be modified just painted. It has a plastic crown on the handle, which I found to be no big deal, but it can be replaced with a full wooden handle in the future.
2)...Standard axe handles are a bit long and will not allow the shovel to sit down properly in the tool rack so it had to be shortened 1-3/4" You can see the cuts I made in the pic below.
3)...Every one knows that a standard shovel is too long and will never fit in the rack as is. The handle on the shovel had to be shortened 4-3/4" then I had to reshape the shaft to accept the grip back onto it. I drilled new holes in the shaft and re-pinned the grip to the shaft....... Refer to pic below.
4)...Then I prepped and painted everything.

 

[jcappeljr]

Good idea..Looks good.

 

[jbingvtx]

looks really good...and a little work saved you some coin. Now I need to keep my eyes open for a tool sale so I can follow your lead.

 

[maddawg308]

Coleman's Surplus has the correct sized mattox and shovel. The shovel has a plastic handle, but that just means it will be more comfortable.

The local True Value had the correct sized axe for my pioneer rack.

 

[wildbilly1760]

That is a good idea and worked out good. I had a hard time paying the 20 bucks for the right straps so I bought some foriegn mil surplus straps at the army navy store and cut them down to work in my pioneer rack.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Guess what fellas, the NSN on the shovel is still being used, but the actual shovel the Army is purchasing is too long for the pioneer rack. I've seen them, even got to handle one. Happened when the change from a true "D" handle went to more of a tulip shape like you find at most stores now. Cutting down the handle is the only way to get the proper fit.

 

[M813A1]

Memphis Equipment sales has the correct shovel that will fit in the pioneer racks !! they sell them on E bay for $ 25.00 I got my axe and maddox at the local hardware store and it is the correct length and manufacture !!

 

[Medic5050]

So, who is the correct manufacurer?

 

[badgmc56]

The ax and maddox I found at the hardware store. The shovel at the Depot had to be cut down. Cost about 40.00 for the set.

 

[avengeusa]

Nice, I did the same thing, got the maddox with the fiberglass/plastic handle and just painted it, bought a shovel and took it apart, put it on the lathe to re contour after cutting and drilled the holes, hosed it all down with green and i am good to go

 

[fuzzytoaster]

Nice work, I like.

 

[Jones]

I'm pretty sure Ames is the major supplier. might be others too.

I also carry and recommend a Pulaski, an Indian Fire Pump and a good-sized bow saw. Especially if it's dry and brushy off road where you are.

 

[CGarbee]

Looks good. I also am using a mattock that has the plastic bushing on the handle. Looks ok IMHO...

The specifications (from the 1950's) for these tools (it's the same rack as on a M37 so I figure that the tools should be the same..) show:
AXE: Single bit, 4 lb head weight, 4.750 inch cutting head, 31.00 inch handle length, Federal Spec GGG-A-926, type 1, class 1, design A.
MATTOCK: Pick type; without handle, 5 lb head, Federal Spec GGG-H-506, TypeII, Class F.
MATTOCK Handle, Hickory, 36.00 inch length, Federal Spec NN-H-93, type 5, Class 1, Grade B.
SHOVEL, Hand, Round point, open back construction, 12.500 inch blade length, 10.250 blade width, DF-style handle, Federal Spec GGG-S-326, Type 4, Class A, Style 1, Size 2.

I have a page on my website that include the above and some more info (such as a discussion on painting them). The page is located at:
Pioneer Tool Rack and Tools

 

[Jimma]

Correct Tools

I just purchased three sets in Danielsville, GA from a surplus dealer. He has the correct pick ax, ax and shovel. The entire set cost about $45. He also has them available mounted on some sort of Jeep pioneer rack that could be strapped or mounted to just about anything and the whole set with the rack cost about $65. If I remember correctly the shovel may have been made by true temper.

 

[wildbilly1760]

My Govt issued shovel was made by Tru Temper also. No maker found on the ax, or mattox. Mine came from military surplus supplied to the wildland fire services.

 

[emr]

I just purchased three sets in Danielsville, GA from a surplus dealer. He has the correct pick ax, ax and shovel. The entire set cost about $45. He also has them available mounted on some sort of Jeep pioneer rack that could be strapped or mounted to just about anything and the whole set with the rack cost about $65. If I remember correctly the shovel may have been made by true temper.

Its sounds like the humvee pioneer rack to me, and the price is about right also, at most shows they sell for less than the new stuff, Now I sure know not eveyone is lucky enough to have a bigger show with alot of competion, so what U can get is what is good.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Hehe, I got a good supply of pick/mattocks from FrankUSMC when he was peddling them. I was lucky enough to find a shovel in one of my trailers and I had a rotted out axe. Found the exact replacement handle at Hotel Delta.

 

[cjcottrill]

I have found a good selection of mattocs at our local flea market. Old ones that fit well are usually 3-5 dollars. The local True Value store had four d-ring shovel to choose from. One was too long, one too short, A Chinese wood handle with steel d-ring that fit well for 13.99 and an American made fiberglass handle that fit well for about 35.00. I spent the extra mony to buy American. With the OD paint it looks great. Back to the the flea market for the ax, most are 5-8 dollars old and fit well.

 

[tcruwithme]

The shovel that Coleman's advertises as "Shovel, NEW, US Military Pioneer Type" is 39" long. I ordered one from them and it's too long for the Poineer Rack.

 

[mikev]

OD paint question

I have been searching for tool sets and decided to improvise. I found a garden tool sale at the local hardware store and went shopping. Every tool was $10 or less.
1)...The Pick Mattock did not need to be modified just painted. It has a plastic crown on the handle, which I found to be no big deal, but it can be replaced with a full wooden handle in the future.
2)...Standard axe handles are a bit long and will not allow the shovel to sit down properly in the tool rack so it had to be shortened 1-3/4" You can see the cuts I made in the pic below.
3)...Every one knows that a standard shovel is too long and will never fit in the rack as is. The handle on the shovel had to be shortened 4-3/4" then I had to reshape the shaft to accept the grip back onto it. I drilled new holes in the shaft and re-pinned the grip to the shaft....... Refer to pic below.
4)...Then I prepped and painted everything.

Very nice and could you share your OD paint type/source? I'd like to buy some rattle cans of OD and your pictures show the correct shade I'm looking for.