Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid, for example cooling water, to the surface of an axially moving elongated element, for example a hot rolled rod in a rolling mill. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior chamber through which extends a guide assembly. The guide assembly in turn defines a longitudinally extending passageway which is suitably adapted and dimensioned to accommodate movement therethrough of the elongated element. Liquid is admitted into the chamber through an inlet in the housing and is thereafter fed into the passageway through an orifice in the guide assembly. Vanes in the chamber prevent the liquid entering the orifice from swirling about the longitudinal axis of the passageway.