Each rod is placed in an instrument to check for bends or twists in
the rod. Any uneven gaps between the rod and the instrument
indicate a bad rod. If a rod passes the test, it will be reused.
Each rod cap and rod end are placed squarely against a grinder to
ensure the surfaces are completely flat when the two parts are
reunited. This process collapses the space between the rod and rod
cap. Here, a rod cap is shown in the grinder.
As he does with all the parts, Herman noted the original location of