So, I just streaked my first plates. Fun!
![Grin ;D](http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
I used my inoculation loop as most sources I have read instruct.
I have an inoculation needle though as well. In my eagerness to get going I placed an order with more beer and got their overpriced needle. This was before I learned about cynmar. So now I have both and I am not sure what the needle is for.
What I have read indicates that the loop is for streaking plates and slants and the needle is for stabs. I don't understand the purpose of a stab though. I get that you stab the inoculated needle into the agar in a slant, but what does that do? How do you then work with this?