Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:22:32-1:23:21

Tools and methods for removing battleship armour plate

Dockyards could remove riveted plates directly or use cutting torches and powerful mechanical tools when damage crossed plate boundaries.

ArmourBattleshipsDockyardsNaval Repair
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Question

How did dockyards cut and remove battleship-grade armour plate during repairs?

Short answer

They removed rivets where possible and otherwise used cutting torches and heavy mechanical tools to take out the damaged section.

Notes

Armour attached as a discrete riveted plate could be handled differently from damage that crossed a larger section. Workers could remove the rivets and replace an intact plate-sized unit. More extensive removal called for cutting torches and heavy tools comparable to the jaws of life used in vehicle rescue. This follow-up adds the practical workshop method to the earlier answer about spare armour stocks and fitting replacement plates.