It produces a fine sort (5)

I believe the answer is:

sieve

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'sort' is the definition.
(I know that sort can be written as sieve)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sieve that I've seen before include "Mesh used for straining or sifting" , "Screen, sift, strain" , "Separate" , "Forgetful head is like it" , "Jumblies' vessel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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