Keilim 11:5-6

Keilim 11:5

A bit from a bridle is susceptible to ritual impurity but the discs that cover the horse’s cheeks are not. Rabbi Eliezer says the cheek discs are also susceptible to impurity. The Sages say that only the bit is susceptible individually but when the pieces are assembled, the whole thing is susceptible.

Keilim 11:6

Rabbi Akiva says that the metal knob of a spindle is susceptible to ritual impurity but the Sages say that it is insusceptible; one that is only metal-plated is insusceptible. If spindle or a distaff (parts of a spinning wheel), a stick for driving animals, a bagpipe or a flute was made of metal, it is susceptible to ritual impurity; if only metal-plated, it is insusceptible. If a bagpipe has receptacles to hold its “wings,” then it is susceptible whether it’s made of metal or merely metal-plated.