So why not boil/clean/sterilize adapters and reuse them?

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Originally Posted by DrTimPerkins

With all of these approaches, there is a range of cost and benefit (both in terms of sap yield and net profit) in any strategy or combination of strategies. Some of it due to material cost, some of it due to labor costs. CV adapters/spouts cost more up front for the material. The other approaches (cleaning, drop replacement) cost some for the material, but generally cost quite a bit more on the labor side.

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With that being said, I always ask myself, think to myself, why is there not an easier way/cheaper way/faster way to replace drops? I dream of inventing a better way. Is there any kind of new technology on the horizon to replace just the drop without having to replace the T as well? Wouldn't it be great if you could just pull the old drop off, keep the T, and slide a new drop on without having to use tubing tools and cutters.

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Originally Posted by markcasper

Wouldn't it be great if you could just pull the old drop off, keep the T, and slide a new drop on without having to use tubing tools and cutters.

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At least one maple equipment company developed the fittings to make that possible. It didn't really catch on (in my opinion) due to high cost of implementation (you need two fittings, a length of dropline, and a new spout annually), and the perceived possibility of adding another leak point. That was when syrup was $2.90/lb bulk. Would be even less competitive now. It would have been profitable for the equipment company....not so much for the producer.

The poly seasonal spouts I use including CV2s don't have barbs and they seal very well. I'm not sure why the drop side of the T could not have a similar style connection for the drop so it could be easily removed. I do occasionally have drops come off spouts when it freezes hard, so I guess that may be the drawback of not having a barb.

I know some folks that just cut off the drop right above the T and just use a straight connector to splice on a new piece of tubing instead of replacing the whole T and drop. That has been discussed here as well. It still requires tools, but is certainly easier and faster than replacing the whole drop.

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Originally Posted by GeneralStark

I know some folks that just cut off the drop right above the T and just use a straight connector to splice on a new piece of tubing instead of replacing the whole T and drop. That has been discussed here as well. It still requires tools, but is certainly easier and faster than replacing the whole drop.

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Didn't you just double your prospects for leaks and more bacterial growth?

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Originally Posted by markcasper

Didn't you just double your prospects for leaks and more bacterial growth?

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I didn't do anything as I don't use the practice I mentioned. Just mentioning it as an idea... I personally don't have issues with leaks at connectors but yes with any additional fitting I suppose that is a potential leak.

Here is one discussion of this that I quickly found: http://mapletrader.com/community/sho...highlight=drop