Name that drain

[SmokyMtn]

Long ago moonshiners used a drain on boilers that tapered much like a lyne arm. They would use a green sapling with rags tied to one end. Then feed the stick down through the top of the still and into the drain. Pulling the stick with rags outward would stop up the drain. Pushing the stick inward allowed mash/wash to rapidly flow out.

I have found a few reasons why it was done like this: economical, ease of use- required little effort to open or close drain. And lastly although not confirmed, if unexpected company was heard coming. You could kick the stick into the boiler draining the evidence as you ran away.

With all my reading I cannot find a name for the drain or stick. Anyone know what it was called?

[shadylane]

Swab stick

[smokeybowls]

Slopp arm

[SmokyMtn]

Slopp arm

Thanks, makes sense.

[Chauncey]

This is a question for goose eye

So im tole


Edit i asked my soh for whatever reason shits and giggles. She said a flue like on a fireplace she also said not to be probing any drains with swabs in the woods

[LWTCS]

This is a question for goose eye

So im tole

First person I thought of.
Though I don't remember him ever commenting on this type of set up.
Definitely a low budget solution.

[SmokyMtn]

This is a question for goose eye

So im tole

Definitely a low budget solution.

My guess is that a shut off valve was cost prohibited. Here are some examples I found online