Pioneer Tools.

[Tim Powell]

Hey Crew.
I'm going to start looking for a complete set of "Pioneer Tools" for my Lori's M-37.
Anybody have any for sale and does anybody have the "specs" in case I run across something around here?
Any measurements or specs will help. I'll also need the straps.

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[52 M-42]

The Pick / Mattock is just a standard one with a wooden handle (the wooden handle might be hard to find). The shovel and axe are unique (not impossible to find but not very common). Supposedly you only need 3 straps, but I find 5 work much better, 2 longer ones and 3 standard short ones.

John at Midwest Military has all the pieces, if you don't have the time or patience to search for them.

Where I live a machete is a very handy tool to have, so I added one to my tool rack. If you want to add a machete to your tool rack, let me know and I'll send you some photos.

[Tim Powell]

I found an old "pick" in the shed but not sure if it's the right one?
I've also got a couple of old machetes. Good idea.
Send any pictures you want to share!! I'll get you a shot of my pick.
timpowell319@q.com

[w30bob]

Here are the specs for Pioneer tools on the M37;


Axe, Single Bit 4 lb head, 36.5 in. long
Shovel, Hand Round-point D-handle, Fed Spec GGG-S-326 Type IV, class A, style 1, size 2, 10”W x 12”L Round Point, 26”-28”Long, 17”-21” Handle Lift.
The overall length could run 34 3/4" to 36 1/4"
Handle, Mattock 36 in. long
Mattock, Pick Head W/o handle 5 lb. 19.5 in. long

regards,
bob

[Tim Powell]

Thanks Bob!!
"Hells-Bells", I might even have the axe. Pictures and measurements to follow.

[Tim Powell]

This is what I found out in the shed. Anything look right?
Pick & ax are both about 36".

Straight From The Chicken House Supply Room.

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[52 M-42]

The axe looks right, the Pick / Mattock looks right (sharp point on one end and wide blade on the other end) and if the machete is 18" long that is what I used too.

Looks like all you are going to need is a shovel and straps.

I'll send you some pictures when I get home.

[Carter]

I have an extra shovel if you need one Tim.

[w30bob]

Now Carter............I'm surprised at you.

You of all people should know the proper way to mount Pioneer tools is to use only 3 straps, not 4!
Oh the shame!



regards,
bob

[Tim Powell]

As always I'm getting quite an education!!
You Guys have me more worried about the straps than the shovel!
Last thing I want to do is put Lori's truck together wrong!!
By the way, we will be attending another parade this coming Saturday!
Burlington Iowa Steamboat Days Parade & Celebration.

[w30bob]

Tim,

A "T"-square??? What's that doing in the shed?

Seriously, looks like you have the correct axe handle, which they call a Fawn's foot. Almost all new axes have a variation of that where the end of the handle is not beveled the entire way, so it's not "correct" if you care about such details.

The straps are sold on Ebay, but the cheapest place to get them is http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com. They have the correct canvas strap with the correct buckle for $2.49 each.

regards,
bob

[Cal_Gary]

...and the intention is that a single strap is all that is to be used to release each tool:
Mattock and handle-1 strap;
Shovel- 1 strap (at the handle);
Ax-1 strap.

But remember, it's your truck so you may use as many/few straps as you wish
Gary

[Carter]

Now Carter............I'm surprised at you.

You of all people should know the proper way to mount Pioneer tools is to use only 3 straps, not 4!
Oh the shame!



regards,
bob

Oh no, I have been found out. Good thing you pointed that out to me, now I can sell that extra strap and retire on the $$$$ I make. However I am surprised at you for not calling me on the cargo top line being held up out of the way so the highway patrol officers do not gig me for having my license plate obscured or for using WWII straps instead of 50s ones.

[Tim Powell]

Well, the "T-square" was only for reference! I lied, it lives in the shop now and the "chicken house" was taken down several years ago now. BUT, that was their home back then! Forgot I had them!
I'll check out your link and get some straps coming. Even though it might not be original I'm thinking 5 straps like someone suggested earlier. An old truck driver sure don't want to lose his load. Was that 2 long and 3 short?

[w30bob]

However I am surprised at you for not calling me on the cargo top line being held up out of the way so the highway patrol officers do not gig me for having my license plate obscured or for using WWII straps instead of 50s ones.

Carter,

I didn't want to be too "harsh" on you in my post.................I've heard you're very "sensitive" about such things.
And of course Gary's right......it's your truck, so tell those anal critics out there to take a hike. I only mentioned it because I remember there was some lengthy discussion on here some time ago about the only "right" way to install the 3 Pioneer straps. I think it's also talked about specifically in David Ahl's M37 Restoration book.

As for the license plate............I've never seen anyone discuss the mounting position on here. Reason I say that is when I was growing up in NJ back in the 80's there was that "Monster Truck" mania, where everyone was jacking up their pickup trucks and installing huge tires and military axles............you needed a step ladder just to climb into the cab. NJ legislators, always looking to ruin our fun decided they had to set limits on the height of your license plates from the ground. So the monster truck guys had to make a license plate mount for both the front and rear bumpers that dropped the plates down a foot or two............looked incredibly stupid. The monster truck fad died shortly after that, but the law remains. I believe you'd be issued a ticket in NJ if they saw how high your license plate is mounted on your tailgate. Just another good reason to avoid the armpit state!

As we used to say back in the day..........Keep on Truckin', Brother!

regards,
bob

Oh, Tim..........if you have trouble finding those straps on Armysurpluswarehouse they're under the "Genuine Surplus" tab at the top, then click "Straps and Webbing" and they're on the second page.