Oakum Caulking Fiber

This oakum is made in England -- where the tradition of wooden boat building borders on the religious -- so you know it's the good stuff.

Caulking is the process of sealing the gaps between wooden hull or deck planks using fibers such as oakum (typically hemp or jute treated to prevent rot) and cotton, along with traditional pitch or modern seam [sealing] compounds.
The purpose of the caulking is to make the individually planked surface watertight. Caulking also stiffens the hull by preventing movement of the hull planks as the vessel moves through waves.

During the caulking process, the oakum (wider gaps) or cotton (narrower gaps) - or a combination of the two - is inserted into the seams and "hardened" in place with specialized chisel-like tools (caulking and hardening irons) struck with caulking mallets.

This Davey & Co. product represents the best Navy oakum steeped in Stockholm Tar (pine tar made from pine tree sap) to make it rot resistant. Its quality and high-durability make this oakum ideal for caulking below the waterline.