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 TM 55-1905-223-SDC
once, therefore, with priority being given to holes at the waterline on the low side.
Section III. METHODS OF REPAIRING HOLES
8-9. REPAIRS-GENERAL. There are two general methods of repairing a hole: either put something in to it
or put something over it. In either case, try to reduce the area through which water can enter the ship or an
area through which it can pass from one compartment to another.
a. Wooden plugs. Wooden plugs provide the most simple method of repairing small holes. Plugs
made of soft wood are effective under battle conditions, especially in holes not over 2 x 3 inches. They have
held up well in much larger holes. Every ship should have a large assortment of conical, square-ended, and
wedge-shaped wooden plugs at each repair station. The plugs should not be painted, as unpainted soft wood
absorbs water and grips better. The plugs should be stowed in canvas bags secured to the overhead.
Combinations of conical, square-ended and wedge-shaped plugs may be used to get better conformation with
the shape of the hole. It is best to wrap the plugs with lightweight cloth before inserting. The cloth will help
the plugs to grip better and will also fill some of the gaps between plugs. Wooden plugs will not always make
a watertight fit, but by caulking the remaining leaky area with rags, oakum, and smaller wedges, the ingress of
water can be greatly reduced. Square-ended plugs hold better than conical plugs in holes in plating 1/4 inch
or less in thickness.
Most wooden plugs are inserted from inside the ship. In that case, they have to contend with metal edges
protruding inward. Plugs driven in from outside may not have as much interference, but outside plugs cannot
be tended readily. They are often knocked out by the action of the sea and do not hold up as well over
extended periods of time.
b. Pillows and mattresses. Pillows and mattresses have been rolled up and shoved into holes. They
have been rolled around a wooden plug or a timber to increase their size and to provide rigidity. Wrapping
them in a blanket sometimes helps. Such plugs cannot be relied upon as they have a tendency to be torn
out of the holes by the action of the sea.
c. Cloth plug. A most effective plug was made by a ship after an enemy shell had torn an 8" x 10"
hole in the side at the waterline. Unable to make repairs from inside because of wreckage, the ship crew
made a built-up conical plug of cloth. The core was a piece of heavy line 3 feet long. An eye was spliced into
each end of this core line, which was then wrapped with strips of blanket until a cone was built up, 2 inches in
diameter at one end and 2 feet in diameter at the other end. The layers of cloth were held together and to the
core line by stitching. Lines were secured to the eyes in the core line, and by means of these lines the plug
was lowered over the side and pulled into place. Such a plug has flexibility; it will adapt itself to irregular
shapes. Furthermore, it will absorb water and swell making it more effective.
d. Plate Patches. Prefabricated patches can be made with a square piece of 10-pound (1/4-inch)
steel plate. One method is to place a thick gasket near the edges. Strips of old rubber tires will do, but a far
better gasket is a thick tube of canvas stuffed with oakum or cloth. It can be secured to the plate with
machine screws, washers, and nuts, but the holes through the
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