CHAPTER 2
MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance contributes to a weapon's effectiveness as well as a unit's readiness. This chapter discusses the maintenance aspects of all hand grenades within the US inventory to include inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance before throwing live or practice hand grenades.
2-1. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Hand grenades within the US inventory are composed of a body and a fuze. Most hand grenades come assembled with the exception of the M69 practice hand grenade and the fuzes for the M69, which come in flats of 45 fuzes.
2-2. INSPECTION PROCEDURES
Hand grenades within the US inventory are specifically designed and manufactured to overcome any situation during combat or training missions. Grenades can be used to save or take lives. Hand grenades are simple yet powerful weapons used in combat or any training mission. As simple as they may seem, however, hand grenades-like any other weapon-must be inspected before use in order to avoid serious injury or death. The following inspection procedures apply to all hand grenades within the US inventory.
a. Newly Issued Hand Grenades.
(1) Remove the tape and the top cover from the shipping canister.
(2) Look down into the canister; if the hand grenade is upside down, return the canister to the issuing person (NCOIC or OIC).
(3) Ensure all required safeties are properly attached to the hand grenade. If a safety pin is missing, return it.
(4) Check the hand grenade for rust on the body or the fuze. If it has rusted, return it.
(5) Check for holes on the body and the fuze. If any holes are visible, return the hand grenade.
(6) If the hand grenade seems to be in order, remove the grenade carefully from the canister and make a visual check for proper fitting of the safety pins. Then, properly secure the grenade to the ammunition pouch.
b. Grenades That Are Unpacked or Stored on Ammunition Pouches.
(1) Inspect unpacked grenades daily to ensure safety pins are present. Under hostile conditions, the safety clip must be removed from the fragmentation hand grenade since soldiers under stressful situations sometimes forget to remove the clip when throwing the grenade.
(2) Check the body for rust or dirt.
(3) Make sure the lever is not broken or bent.
2-3. CLEANING, LUBRICATION, AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Hand grenades are like any other weapon; they must be inspected and cleaned weekly when exposed to the environment. The body of the hand grenade is made of metal, which rusts when it is exposed to moisture or submerged in water. If not removed, dirt or rust can cause the hand grenade to malfunction.
a. Cleaning. Wipe the dirt off the body of the hand grenade using a slightly damp cloth or a light brush. For the fuze head, a light brush is recommended since it can reach into the crevices.
b. Lubrication. Depending on weather conditions, a light coat of CLP may be needed.
c. Preventive Maintenance. For most hand grenades, keeping them clean and lubricated is sufficient maintenance. With the M69 practice grenade, however, maintenance is more difficult since the bodies are used repeatedly. The M69 practice grenade must be cleaned with a wire brush and painted at least quarterly. The threads must be cleaned with a wire brush on a monthly basis, and fuze residue must be removed from the body immediately after each use. Cleaning the threads and removing the residue from the hand grenade body make replacement of the fuzes easier. The grenade body lasts longer if these preventive maintenance procedures are performed.
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