McLeod (tool)

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This combination heavy duty rake and hoe tool is named after Ranter Malcolm McLeod. Firefighters use this tool to cut through matted litter and duff and clearing loose surface materials.

The McLeod is a wildland firefighting tool with its large hoe like blade on one side and tined blade on the other is a forest fire tool common in American western mountain ranges.

It was originally intended for raking fire lines with the teeth and for cutting branches and sod with the sharpened hoe edge. The McLeod is useful for removing slough and berm from a trail and tamping or compacting tread. It can also be used to shape a trail's backslope.

Because of its shape, the McLeod is an awkward tool to transport and store. It is carried with the tines pointing toward the ground, ideally with a sheath over the cutting edge.

[edit] See also

• Branddasker
• Driptorch
• Fire flapper (tool)
• Flare (pyrotechnic)
• Pulaski (tool)

[edit] References

Website - American Trails Retrieved July 15, 2006