The actual tapping was not done by hand, nor was it done particularly gently or subtly. The sticks (or wands) used to do the tapping were usually long straight poles of stout local woods, and were sometimes tipped with either brass knobs, forks (both added and natural in the wood), or fox tails.
The actual striking was not done manually, nor with a gentle hand. The sticks (or wands) used to accomplish the striking were usually lengthy, sturdy poles of regional timbers, occasionally featuring brass fittings, fork-like protrusions, or fox tail appendages.