Caulking, Tools and Method

This diagram shows how a seam between planks of a ship are caulked with oakum, which is forced into the seam with a caulking iron. Four or more strands of caulking may be needed to fill the seam. There are different widths of caulking irons which are used depending on the width of the seam and how deep the caulking is driven.

This image is from Basil Greenhill and Sam Manning, The Evolution of the Wooden Ship, 1988, p. 154. Used by permission of the artist, Sam Manning.