Small Sharp Iron

Date1890-1950

Object number00053674

NameCaulking Iron

MediumSteel

DimensionsOverall: 123 x 50 x 1 mm, 132 g, 25 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bernard Lake

Terms

Shipping and Trade
caulking irons
Shipping and Trade
Shipping, Trade and Industry
Metal

DescriptionA small sharp iron used for cutting out defective strands of oakum before the pitch is laid out. A 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.