Ralph writes:
>>On the other hand, I was not thrilled recently to hear corrugated
fasteners
referred to as "Jew nails," with the clear implication that these devices
were intended for use in a bad job.  Anybody else ever heard that one? I
won't rat you out to the DAL.<<

My dad used this term too, "hand over those Jew's nails," it would sometimes
slip out, then he would point to the words on the box and read out loud,
"cor-ru-gat-ed fas-ten-ers," casting a guilty eye at me so I would know to
use the correct name. I thought of "Jew nails" when I looked up Dutchman in
the dictionary, but didn't dare to bring it into the discussion. I hate when
the carpenters (and some column manufacturers) have used corrugated
fasteners in their wood column bases and plinths because they rust out. I
have found an occasional use for them, but I still have the box I bought
back in the 1970's, which tells you how occasional that is. More often I use
pinch dogs and pull them out for reuse.

John

John Leeke, Preservation Consultant

mail: 26 Higgins St., Portland, ME, 04013, USA
Phone: 01-207-773-2306
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