Pricker
A moulder's tool with which to pierce the sand to permit the escape of steam and gas. See VENTWIRE; VENTING.
Prickers on Plates.--These are frequently called dabbers or prods by moulders. If the plate to be used for covering a loam-mould is only to form a plain surface, the prickers need only be long enough to carry as much sand as will prevent the heat from damaging the plate when the mould is cast. In the event of projections of loam or sand having to be sustained safely, the prickers are made long enough to reach such projections. The method of forming prickers is by thrusting a pricker-pattern into the sand to the required depth, after the outer edges of the plate have been formed, the bed having been previously prepared to the required density to receive it. See LOAM-MOULDING; PLATE; COVERING-PLATE.