Handcrafted in USA Handcrafted in USA
| PRICE | $20.00 - $238.00 |
|---|---|
| AVG. LEAD TIME This is the estimated/average time required to get this product ready and/or shipped. Please note that timing may be faster when picked up at our Hilbert showroom. | |
Distributed by Smoky Lake
Your Partner in Maple
Tested and Approved
Description
 Wind Resistant Bag Holders |  Tapping Bandolier |  5/16 Drill Bit |
 Hooks for Buckets |  Pruno Spout Remover |
When Are Shallower Tap Holes Appropriate?
For trees on the smaller side of tapping range, or for individuals exhibiting slow growth, low vigor, or with a large amount of preexisting nonconductive wood, shallower tap holes (1-1/2″ or less) may be more appropriate and result in higher yields over the long term (due to reductions in the frequency nonconductive wood is tapped into), despite the lower syrup yields in the near-term. In these cases, implementing thinning and other management practices to encourage more vigorous tree growth can also help more rapidly bring about conditions where deeper tapping depths, and higher current-year yields, are possible.1
1. Maple Syrup Digest, Article: “Effects of Tapping Depth on Sap Volume, Sap Sugar Content, and Syrup Yield Under High Vacuum”, Volume 60, No. 1, March 2021
Regardless of drill depth, this spile maximizes free sap flow through its reduced “reach” by blocking less sapwood. At the same time, its spine reaches inward for greater engagement with the tree, allowing this spile to carry very heavy weights of sap in an attached bag or bucket.
Tutorials and Tips
| PRICE | $20.00 - $238.00 |
|---|---|
| AVG. LEAD TIME This is the estimated/average time required to get this product ready and/or shipped. Please note that timing may be faster when picked up at our Hilbert showroom. | |
This stainless steel spout is compatible with a 5/16″ tap hole. It’s a brand new, enhanced design exclusively from Smoky Lake Maple Products!
 Sampler $4 each |  Small Pack $2.48 each |  Bulk Pack $2.38 each |
Description
Wind Resistant Bag Holders | Tapping Bandolier | 5/16 Drill Bit |
Hooks for Buckets | Pruno Spout Remover |
When Are Shallower Tap Holes Appropriate?
For trees on the smaller side of tapping range, or for individuals exhibiting slow growth, low vigor, or with a large amount of preexisting nonconductive wood, shallower tap holes (1-1/2″ or less) may be more appropriate and result in higher yields over the long term (due to reductions in the frequency nonconductive wood is tapped into), despite the lower syrup yields in the near-term. In these cases, implementing thinning and other management practices to encourage more vigorous tree growth can also help more rapidly bring about conditions where deeper tapping depths, and higher current-year yields, are possible.1
1. Maple Syrup Digest, Article: “Effects of Tapping Depth on Sap Volume, Sap Sugar Content, and Syrup Yield Under High Vacuum”, Volume 60, No. 1, March 2021
Regardless of drill depth, this spile maximizes free sap flow through its reduced “reach” by blocking less sapwood. At the same time, its spine reaches inward for greater engagement with the tree, allowing this spile to carry very heavy weights of sap in an attached bag or bucket.
Tutorials and Tips
You must be logged in to post a review.
Take advantage of our online resource library, 24/7. You’ll find illustrated instruction guides, videos, and a full range of maple topics!
Andy Lorge –
Using some new spiles that I bought out by you during the open house this year…working great! I also like how on the packaging, it reminds you which size drill bit to use, to boil them, among a few other annual tips. It’s a nice reminder since we only do this once/year. Love it! 🙂
Deane J –
I’m using these on red maple, and they are easy to put in securely, seem to allow a better sap flow than the plastic ones I was using.
Leo Boudreau –
I just received 25 of these taps and have started to replace some in my Black Walnut orchard. I was excited when I read about the reason for their creation. This might be just what the doctor ordered for my application. I’ve been wondering if tapping Black Walnut with maple spiles might result in going to deeply into the tree bypassing the sapwood. The sap band on Walnuts can be really thin. Black Walnuts are also notoriously stingy with their sap, any advantage I can find to increase sap flow, I’m going to take. I only have 150 trees I’m tapping, so it’s worth a try with 25 to start. I’m looking forward to seeing how they work out. They really look promising!