I saw bolts like this, except somewhat larger, used to secure the
foundation of a large machine or power transmission device (gear or
pulley), in a 19th century mill foundation in Jefferson County, New
York.  The first of several mills was built on this site in 1802, and
the final mill burned at sometime between 1908 and 1930.

D. Babson.


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Daniel H. Weiskotten
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 8:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Barge vs boat spike


Perhaps you are right!  ...  I'll look into this further, as the long
rods I saw on the canal boats had to have been longer than a few feet
and if I recall, actually followed the curve under the bottom of the
barge.

I did find an on-line description of drift pins which sound like the
same

"A drift bolt (or drift pin) is a long pin of iron or steel, with or
without head or point. It is driven into a bored hole through one timber
and into an adjacent one, to prevent the separation of the timbers
connected and to transmit lateral load. The hole in the second member is
drilled sufficiently deep to prevent the pin from hitting the bottom."
http://www.wood-handbook.com/wood-handbook-chapter-7-9-fastenings

Also, see:
http://www.lcmm.org/site/mri/mri_arch_projects/missisquoi_bay_barges4.ht
ml


Speaking of Chesapeake log boats, you have seen the one at Kerr Place in
Onancock, MD?  I was fascinated by its construction techniques.  I don't
recall drift bolts, though.

         Dan W.



>I believe the iron rods you mention are called drift bolts. They also 
>were used to secure the logs in multiple-log Chesapeake Bay canoes.
>
>A barge spike was a tool.
>
>At 3:30 PM -0500 2/15/04, Daniel H. Weiskotten wrote:
>>
>>I think that barge spikes were larger than boat spikes, but I also 
>>think that barge spikes are the long rods that are driven down through

>>the planks, from plank to plank, to hold them and give them much added

>>strength.
>
>--
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