Whilst perusing a popular on-line beer and wine making site I got a yen
for buying a plastic agitator rod -- retail $14.95US plus shipping. Being
somewhat of a cheapskate, I looked around for alternatives. I found a
plastic rod used for opening/closing window blinds for sale at a local home
building supply store -- $1.98.
I ended up buying a second one because when I was bending the rod to
look like the agitator rod in the catalog, I got it just a wee bit too close
to the flame from the propane torch. After I bent the end to suit me, I cut
the length to leave about an inch space between the drill chuck and the neck
of the carboy when the other end touchs the bottom.
Works great -- whips the heck out of the liquids and costs less than the
shipping charges on the thingy in the catalog, even including the second
rod.
By the way, if you make one for yourself, pull out the spacers and
stiffners from inside the rod.