[mikeesik]

Not a stupid post.

I had to clean up my Fathers Machine Shop for years and I know exactly what you are talking about.
Usually industrial booms come with a couple of wire braces attached with a wood screw. Eventually they will loosen and are lost and you end up with a flinging rod every time you make a sweep stroke.

Anyway, you have done well in the 'Heavy Duty'-field.

I wish I had your broom back then.