3.1.1 Ferrules. The type I- shears shall have the wooden handles securely anchored in seamless steel ferrules with metal end caps to prevent loosening, cracking, or deformation when the shears are operated. The ferrule and cap shall be plated or painted to prevent corrosion. A metal fastening device such as a bolt shall be provided in each handle. The fastener shall pass through the ferrule, handle, and cutting head tang to secure the handle in the ferrule and secure the cutting head tang into the handle.

3.2 Type II, Shears with handle’s other than wood. Type II shears shall have handles made from tubular steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. Handles made from non-corrosion resistant material shall be plated to prevent corrosion. Metal handles shall be provided with permanently affixed hand grips, manufactured from non-conductive material. The type II shears shall be similar in design to figure 2.

3.3 Cutting head. The cutting head shall consist of a convex blade and a concave hook. The blade shall have a ground and keen cutting edge. The cutting head assembly shall be constructed from high carbon steel or alloy steel having a minimum thickness of 5/32 inch (4.0 mm) . The cutting head, including the tangs shall have a hardness of not less than 46 nor more than 58 on the Rockwell “C” scale when tested in accordance with ASTM E 18. The overall length of the cutting head assembly in the closed position shall be 8-1/2 inches ± 1/2 inch (21.6 cm ± 1.2 cm) when measured along a centerline between the tangs to the tip of the cutting head. The cutting head tangs shall extend a minimum of 2-1/2 inches (6.4 cm) into the handle.

3.4 Pivot Bolt. The pivot bolt for the cutting head shall be hardened to withstand normal use and shall have a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). A friction type locking fastener shall be provided at the pivot bolt to prevent loss of tension during normal usage.

Figure 1 - Type I Shears