toller wrote:
I was cleaning out a storage shed prior to tearing it down, and found a can
of pipe fittings.

There was a brass valve, with a piece of rectangular stock with a hole
through it on the top, and a screw/washer/nut on the bottom.
Looking into the valve, there is a slot on each end. It wouldn't turn, so I
took it apart and found that there is a tapered cylinder in it, with a slot
corresponding to those in the body. Turned one way it blocks the water;
turned 90 degrees, it passes the water. (yes, pretty much like a ball
valve.)

So, my questions...
After cleaning, it works fine, but I presume it needs some sort of grease
between the body and cylinder. I have some "plumbers grease". Is that
okay, or do I need something else?
I have never seen a valve like this before. It seems to be in good
condition, but should I toss it and get a $8 ball valve, or is it
worthwhile? (I only started doing plumbing stuff a few years ago, so if it
went out of style 10 years ago, it is ancient to me...)




It sounds to me like it is a natural gas valve rather than water. I'd
keep it for maybe some day using for compressed air, etc.

Bob