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Fantail Iron
Fantail Iron

Fantail Iron

Date1890-1950
Object number00053665
NameCaulking Iron
MediumSteel
DimensionsOverall: 185 x 55 x 2 mm, 257 g, 30 mm
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bernard Lake
DescriptionA caulking iron is a chisel-like tool, usually about 6-7 inches long, mushroom-headed and their blades are mostly flared - a shape known as fantail. Their edges are sharp, blunt, or provided with grooves known as creases. They are driven by the means of a caulking mallet. The purpose of caulking tools is to force stranded oakum into the seams between the planks to make them watertight.