Squaw brake handle

Always heard it referred to as the "chicken stick"

 

Using trailer hand brake valve is proper way to couple a trailer and check 5th wheel lock by performing tug test.

 

Some new fleet trucks does not even have one, I guess they leave their valve out to do the tug test, but can't test the brakes themselves without one. I can't imagine the thinking of the bean counters there.

Other than checking the king pin lockup and brakes, it is very usefull when when your jakes lock up coming off a hill and the trailer starts around, to stab it just for a second while you get a couple of gears to get back under it. I would not drive a truck without one.