Planking chain clamps

[ILikeRust]

I'm an active member of some antique tool collecting clubs. The Midwest Tool Collectors Association (MWTCA) and Early American Industries Association (EAIA) are having a meet at the Deltaville Maritime Museum in Deltaville, VA tomorrow, Saturday April 21, with the them being "boat building." So I'm pretty psyched about that.

I received an e-mail a couple days ago from a person who was looking for "boat planking chain clamps." I had never encountered such a device, and I don't recall seeing anyone mention them or show a picture of something like that here.

So I did a little Googling and discovered what a "boat planking chain clamp" is.

Looks like something a reasonably clever feller could cobble together himself, if a commercially made one is not to be found.

[sailboy3]

Yep, there's an article on making and using them, with plans, in WB 190 by Harry Bryan.

[holzbt]

Chain Clamps


The screw or clamp.


Keel hook.


Planking clip.


Notice the dimples to help it from sliding off the edge of the plank.

[holzbt]

Planking clamp. These came in different sizes. Each one would only work for a certain range of frame widths.

[holzbt]

Flexible templates.

[holzbt]

Looks like something a reasonably clever feller could cobble together himself, if a commercially made one is not to be found.

I think it wouldn't take too much to convert some web strap clamps or tie downs into a modern version of a chain clamp.

[Dave Diefenderfer]

Guys thanks for posting this up. Bill T was inquiring for me... I had searched the archives and done several google searches, but did not find this much info! The set I have used at Tuckerton Seaport Museum's Boat shop are like images 4 and 5 above. I was not aware of the other styles. I did make a couple sets for the Museum's shop from damaged/discarded C-clamps. Cutting off the lead screws, and welding them to some cold rolled steel. The T-piece is the same steel welded, with a piece of angle added. Hooks are welded on each tab. They work well, but lack the style of the originals. Perhaps I have found my collecting target! I am curious if you have any info on the origin of the different clamps you have posted? Country of origin? vintage? manufacturer? Thank you for posting!

Dave

[holzbt]

The planking clamp is the only one with any markings and you can see those in the photo. I believe these are all USA made. I used to see these in several boatbuilders shops years ago. I suppose most went in the trash or to scrap when the shops were cleaned out.

[Dave Diefenderfer]

I have blown up the image, but can't make out the name? H. B. Colter? or Colier? Thanks, Dave