Prefab changing dimensions when parent changed

First question at Unity Answers so hopefully I can be clear. Thanks for the all the great information here - fantastic community!

I am cloning a new instance of a prefab when the user right clicks their mouse. They can then move the mouse around and rotate the object on the X and Y axis. The problem is I parent the clone to the player transform and then unparent when the player lets go of the right mouse button. When that happens the dimensions of the model gets twisted based on what angle it's at when they let go. :/

So, a wood 'plank' prefab becomes a 2x4 at one angle and skis at another angle.

 // Happens when you right click
 function carryPlank()
 {
     var clone : GameObject;
     var distance : float = 15;
     var throwPos : Vector3 = transform.TransformPoint( Vector3.forward * distance );
 
     clone = Instantiate ( plank, throwPos, transform.rotation );
 
     clone.rigidbody.isKinematic = true;
     clone.transform.parent = transform;
     assetHeld = clone;
 }
 
 // Happens when you let go
 function dropAsset()
 {
     assetHeld.transform.parent = null;
     assetHeld.rigidbody.isKinematic = false;
 }