Editing Broom (section)

== Materials and production ==
=== Brush ===
The brush of a broom is most commonly made with the fibers of broom corn. Other common plant materials used in brooms include palmyra, rice straw, rice root, [[piassava]], grass, [[sedge]], and twigs. They may use a mix of materials, with lower quality fibers filling out the brush.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=3}} Broom making involves botanical knowledge, particularly about broom plants.{{Sfn|Nedelcheva|Dogan|Guarrera|2007|p=4}}

For manufactured brooms, the fibers are sorted by quality and fitted into the appropriate type of broom.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=4}} They are then put through an evener to align the fibers, a saw to remove stems, and a scraper to break open the straw and remove the seeds. The fibers are dyed or bleached to achieve a uniform color, or they are wetted if they are already high quality so they can be more easily wound.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|pp=4–5}} The outer fibers of the brush are typically treated with a dye, called broom crystals, to preserve the color after use.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=4}} 

As an alternative to plant fibers, brooms can be fitted with synthetic brushes made of materials like nylon or plastic.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=3}}

=== Handle and fastening ===
Wooden broom handles are commonly made from [[hardwood]] or [[fir]]. Commercial wood broom handles are painted or [[Wood finishing|finished]].{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|pp=3–4}} [[Lacquer]]s can increase the lifespan of the broom's handle in addition to serving an aesthetic purpose.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=4}} Wooden broom handles are often about 42 inches long and seven-eighths to one and one-eighth inches in diameter.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=3}}

Metal tension wires, sometimes crafted specifically for use in brooms, are put through a winding machine to fasten the bristles to the handle.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=4}} The wire is wound through a hole in the handle before fastening the brush, typically over the last six inches of the handle. Additional bristles are added to the sides for a flat brush shape and to provide a surface for sweeping. The stem ends of the fibers are then cut and tapered and the wire is nailed into the handle. The wire is then finished by one of several methods, such as with a metal cap, with a velvet coat, or by being tapered.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=5}} After the broom is wired, the fibers can again be scraped or seeded.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=6}}

Twine, often made of cotton or linen, is used to stitch the brush.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=4}} At least five stitches will typically be used. The outside of the brush may be wrapped with a material like leather, replacing a twine band used to hold the brush together during manufacturing.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=6}}

Commercially sold brooms may apply a glued label to the fastening with the brand name or broom model, which can be used as a cover for the clamp marks left by a wiring machine.{{Sfn|International Cooperation Administration|1957|p=4}}