"They spiked the cannon""18th Century question.

[2Dogs]

During the Revolution and other 18th conflicts in order to keep cannon from being used by the enemy after being captured they were spiked. What was the technique used to do this?

[bayonetman]

There were different methods used at times depending on the time period or the circumstances that required spiking. Normally it was done as a last ditch method when guns had to be abandoned. Given time, the spikes could be removed, but was time consuming and sometimes quite difficult.

 

Basically however, a spike was basically a long nail which was inserted in the touch hole of a muzzle loading cannon to block the hole so the cannon could not be fired. Sometimes they had jagged edges to wedge the spike in the touch hole, and it was hammered in so it could not be withdrawn and had to be drilled out. Often it was long enough and the end was soft enough that it could be inserted with the long tip in the bore enough so that a rammer could be used to bend it back inside the bore so it could not be removed.

[m1ashooter]

There actually was a tool that looked like a cotter pin that was driven into the vent hole and it spread out filing the hole. If that was not available anything that could be broken off in the vent hole was used. It took a person with a brace and bit to redrill the hole which wasn't really hard to do later on.

[m1ashooter]

Gary you beat me by seconds.

[2Dogs]

Thanks for the quick replys. I had a feeling that that was the technique used.

[Darktrooper]

the gunners carried on their cross belts a nail/ spike and a hammer so they would have easy access in case they needed to take care of the guns.

[gwb123]

It was more of a delaying tactic than permanent sabotage. Keep in mind a battery that was over run on a battle field could be easily turned on its former owners.