Discover the sturdy, time-tested caulking material sailors and plumbers trust. This edition highlights Oakum’s enduring role in shipyards and modern piping alike, detailing the grades, uses, and practical advantages of Stratford’s Oakum and its Kindred products.

From hemp and jute fibers soaked in pine tar to the two main classes Marine Oakum and Plumbers’ Oakum, the book explains how each grade is designed for specific jobs. It covers the brand’s range, including New Best, Best, U. S. Navy, Navy, and Special Oakum, plus Plumbers’ Spun, Plumbers’ Coiled, Plumbers’ Navy, and Rope Oakum. It also explains the origins of Plumbers’ Oakum in 1891 and the introduction of machine-spun Marine Oakum, fire-proof Oakum, and other by‑products used in construction and repair.

• Understand what sets each Oakum grade apart, including fiber quality, tar type, and finish.
• Learn how spun and unspun Oakum differ in usage, waste, and ease of preparation.
• See practical notes on rope Oakum, Plumbers’ Navy, and fire‑proof Oakum for specialized jobs.
• Get a sense of the material’s long history in ships, homes, and industrial settings, plus safety testing results.

Ideal for readers interested in shipbuilding, plumbing, or historical industrial practices, and for anyone evaluating Oakum options for caulking, sealing, or filler work.

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