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Roy
USA
1366 Posts |
 Posted - 06/26/2008 : 22:53:43
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Needed a "Z" bender today to make a choke cable end. None available in town and didn't want to wait or use needle noses like I've done in the past.
So, I made one from an 1/8" thick shelf bracket.
Works fine.  |
Roy
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skunkhome
USA
12827 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2008 : 00:38:05
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Roy, funny you should post about having to do things yourself. Today I was installing the new thrust bearings on my tractor and discovered that I could not re-install the E-clip on the right side unless I left off the top washer. Since I did not want to grind down the top of the axle assembly to accept the washer I decided to drill and tap the king pin shaft and insert a 5/16x1/2 NF cap screw over a small fender washer. Off to the store I go...Its 6:00PM so NAPA is long closed. I first stopped at O'Rielly Auto Parts. I stand at the counter for 15 minutes while a totally inept clerk waits on a customer in front of me. Finally when two more customers stack up behind me, she shouts to the back for Tyrone to come help. Gee, what was he doing that was so important that I had to wait 15 minutes to get waited on? I told him that I wanted a particular cap screw so he lead me over to a rack and of course they had no 5/16" NF. Ok, I thought, "I'll switch gears" and use a 5/16x18x1/2"... Well, all they had was 3/4"...OK I'll make due. Ok, Tyrone, I need an "F" drill bit so that I can drill out a hole and tap it". "Well," he said, "the taps are all here", turning to the adjacent aisle. There hanging on the peg board was a sorry selection of about 7-8 taps, and a bunch of utility grade fractional drill bits. "What size tap do you need " he asked. I have the tap but I need an "F" drill. With that he leaves me and goes behind the counter and pulls out 3 crappy electric drills (real junk) . "No, I said, "I meant to say drill bit". "What size drill bit do you need" he asks. I repeated my self and his eyes went blank. I grabbed that tap off the pegboard and showed him that it called for an "f" bit. "surely you must have an "F" bit if you sell the 5/16x18 tap" . He said he would go check in the back and disappeared for about 5 minutes only to reappear empty handed and admitted that he did not know what I was talking about. I leave from there and go to Auto Zone where I get waited on pretty quickly but likewise they only have the 3/4" bolt and some cheapy fractional drill bits. On top of that the only taps they had were set for Heli-coils. I then went to CarQuest, though I don't know why, as I can never find anything there. That also proved to be waste of time. I drove by Napa to confirm that they closed at 5PM and then went to Lowes to see if they had the bolts and washers. I wanted a Grade 5 or 8 flanged hex head but they did not have. On the way home I saw the Sears sign and it dawned on me that they usually have a good selection of tools. Sure enough they have a great selection of taps and dies and various other tools and there is a section with taps and matching drills. Hey, I don't need the tap but I'll buy it to get the drill. Well, I look for the 5/6" x anything set and there is nothing on the peg but a note stating to see the merchandising associate (clerk) for assistance. I look around then finally find two who are have a discussion about "who knows what" and act as if I am invisible (I knew I was loosing a lot of weight but I think I am still pretty easy to see at 235 lbs.) Finally, one looks up and acts as if I just walked up. I tell her what I want and she asks me if I had not seen it on the display. I am thinking, if I had seen it I wouldn't be here talking to you. I told her about the tag and she says "Oh, that means we are out." So after 2-1/2 hours of running around and driving 20 miles I come home empty handed. Tomorrow I will try Napa if I can catch them open and if their past performance is any indicator they will have to order the items so I will have to burn more gas trying to find a cap screw and a drill bit. I am really frustrated with all these stores. They all want to be Walmart and sell any cheap garbage that moves eliminating any item that stays on the shelf long enough to duct. AutoZone has a whole section of toys but not a tap and die in the house. Even Napa has a toy section. do I have to run down a Snap-on Tools truck? I guess nowadays all the mechanics are nothing but parts changers...what use would they have for an "F" drill bit? There are still a few places you can go usually mom and pops that you have to blow the dust off to see the price but but are more likely to have the knowledge and merchandise. Unfortunately those places are slowly turning into catalog showrooms as well with a catalog the size of a comic book. It looks like the tool and die makers may inherit the earth. Roy, If you can make it you are far ahead of the game. |
  Phil
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty."
Benjamin Franklin |
Edited by - skunkhome on 06/27/2008 07:28:23 |
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oldron
USA
2732 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2008 : 09:13:00
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Been there done that,when you ask for something and there eyes start to glaze over run don't walk from the store.It sure helps the blood pressure.
Ron |
 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!' |
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Homesteader
438 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2008 : 11:34:11
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Sure made your post colorful on the edit Phil. 
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Greg
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Edited by - Homesteader on 06/27/2008 11:35:13 |
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simplelife
USA
1385 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2008 : 12:55:58
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| I am convinced some of the sales people have an inside bet on who can cause a customer to lose it first! New game in town ... I can tick this customer off in 90 seconds ... I can do it in 60 secs ... I think I can do it in 45 sec ... etc... Makes ya wanna reach out and touch someone! |
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skunkhome
USA
12827 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2008 : 13:11:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Homesteader
Sure made your post colorful on the edit Phil.
greg, I knew it was so darn long I needed to put something in it to keep you from falling to sleep.  I knew that it was an excruciating read but I kept it that way for effect. |
Phil
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty."
Benjamin Franklin |
Edited by - skunkhome on 06/27/2008 13:15:25 |
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allisstuff
40 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2008 : 18:47:52
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I know what you mean. Fortunately I have Production Tool Supply stores in the area. There is the main store and two other smaller stores all within about a 5 mile drive from work.
https://www.pts-tools.com/home/home.asp
Check out page 13.
For machine tools, they not only have the tool, but then you have to decide on your country of origin (i.e. price point). I'm pretty sure that they do mail order also. |
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skunkhome
USA
12827 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2008 : 00:31:55
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quote:
Originally posted by simplelife
I am convinced some of the sales people have an inside bet on who can cause a customer to lose it first! New game in town ... I can tick this customer off in 90 seconds ... I can do it in 60 secs ... I think I can do it in 45 sec ... etc...
Mike, you may have something there...kinda like "Name that Tune" |
Phil
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty."
Benjamin Franklin |
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Leroy
USA
413 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2009 : 15:53:21
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quote:
Originally posted by skunkhome
Roy, funny you should post about having to do things yourself. Today I was installing the new thrust bearings on my tractor and discovered that I could not re-install the E-clip on the right side unless I left off the top washer. Since I did not want to grind down the top of the axle assembly to accept the washer I decided to drill and tap the king pin shaft and insert a 5/16x1/2 NF cap screw over a small fender washer. Off to the store I go...Its 6:00PM so NAPA is long closed. I first stopped at O'Rielly Auto Parts. I stand at the counter for 15 minutes while a totally inept clerk waits on a customer in front of me. Finally when two more customers stack up behind me, she shouts to the back for Tyrone to come help. Gee, what was he doing that was so important that I had to wait 15 minutes to get waited on? I told him that I wanted a particular cap screw so he lead me over to a rack and of course they had no 5/16" NF. Ok, I thought, "I'll switch gears" and use a 5/16x18x1/2"... Well, all they had was 3/4"...OK I'll make due. Ok, Tyrone, I need an "F" drill bit so that I can drill out a hole and tap it". "Well," he said, "the taps are all here", turning to the adjacent aisle. There hanging on the peg board was a sorry selection of about 7-8 taps, and a bunch of utility grade fractional drill bits. "What size tap do you need" he asked. I have the tap but I need an "F" drill. With that he leaves me and goes behind the counter and pulls out 3 crappy electric drills (real junk). "No, I said, "I meant to say drill bit". "What size drill bit do you need" he asks. I repeated my self and his eyes went blank. I grabbed that tap off the pegboard and showed him that it called for an "f" bit. "surely you must have an "F" bit if you sell the 5/16x18 tap" . He said he would go check in the back and disappeared for about 5 minutes only to reappear empty handed and admitted that he did not know what I was talking about. I leave from there and go to Auto Zone where I get waited on pretty quickly but likewise they only have the 3/4" bolt and some cheapy fractional drill bits. On top of that the only taps they had were set for Heli-coils. I then went to CarQuest, though I don't know why, as I can never find anything there. That also proved to be waste of time. I drove by Napa to confirm that they closed at 5PM and then went to Lowes to see if they had the bolts and washers. I wanted a Grade 5 or 8 flanged hex head but they did not have. On the way home I saw the Sears sign and it dawned on me that they usually have a good selection of tools. Sure enough they have a great selection of taps and dies and various other tools and there is a section with taps and matching drills. Hey, I don't need the tap but I'll buy it to get the drill. Well, I look for the 5/6" x anything set and there is nothing on the peg but a note stating to see the merchandising associate (clerk) for assistance. I look around then finally find two who are have a discussion about "who knows what" and act as if I am invisible (I knew I was loosing a lot of weight but I think I am still pretty easy to see at 235 lbs.) Finally, one looks up and acts as if I just walked up. I tell her what I want and she asks me if I had not seen it on the display. I am thinking, if I had seen it I wouldn't be here talking to you. I told her about the tag and she says "Oh, that means we are out." So after 2-1/2 hours of running around and driving 20 miles I come home empty handed. Tomorrow I will try Napa if I can catch them open and if their past performance is any indicator they will have to order the items so I will have to burn more gas trying to find a cap screw and a drill bit. I am really frustrated with all these stores. They all want to be Walmart and sell any cheap garbage that moves eliminating any item that stays on the shelf long enough to duct. AutoZone has a whole section of toys but not a tap and die in the house. Even Napa has a toy section. do I have to run down a Snap-on Tools truck? I guess nowadays all the mechanics are nothing but parts changers...what use would they have for an "F" drill bit? There are still a few places you can go usually mom and pops that you have to blow the dust off to see the price but but are more likely to have the knowledge and merchandise. Unfortunately those places are slowly turning into catalog showrooms as well with a catalog the size of a comic book. It looks like the tool and die makers may inherit the earth. Roy, If you can make it you are far ahead of the game.
Phil I can relate with the frustration in locating the right stuff.
I have done a lot of business with Fastenal. They have the right stuff. It is not worth the frustration going anywhere else.
The worst that will happen is you may have to wait a day er two.
If you get the blank stare there ask for the manager.
I don't know if they are still open in Baton Rouge.
but here ya go
10296 S. Choctaw Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
P: (225)275-5755
http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex |
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skunkhome
USA
12827 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2009 : 16:41:53
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| Leroy, you sound like you know BTR. Where are you located again? |
Phil
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty."
Benjamin Franklin |
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B-16_IC
USA
2823 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2009 : 22:11:48
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One of these days I will get smart and make one of those Roy! I have used the needle nose method a couple times, not exactly ideal.
As for the ineptness of counter people at these "modern" stores, well,,,,, it seems to never end! I try to pick up any new hardware that I can afford easily at the auctions that I go to. I might have to spend a half hour digging through my stashes to find what I need, but living in a rural area it is still quicker than running to town. And I don't have to explain to the ex fast food burger flipper behind the counter what it is that I need. Of course, sometimes I don't know what I need which makes it even harder. In these times it is especially nice to have my "selection". |
Life is all about paying. Pay attention, or pay the consequences, the choice is yours. Rich |
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Leroy
USA
413 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2009 : 00:20:26
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quote:
Originally posted by skunkhome
Leroy, you sound like you know BTR. Where are you located again?
I'm in Oregon. I have seen that blank stare, and i just help them understand while they try to get the info. Ya have to wonder why the proprietor decided to do that to their customers.
When you are looking for hardware and you get the blank stare you will try someone else next time until that stare is gone.
Before i was laid off i built automated turnkey equipment. We relied solely on Fastenal. If we had the order in early enough they would have exactly what we were looking for. I had a 6 year run with them and i have no complaint. Taps drill bits included.
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ozzman232001
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2009 : 09:39:53
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| I went threw kind of the same deal when i was looking for a drive belt for my alley, The one i remeber the most was at Tractor Supply, told the guy i needed a belt for a B1 Aliis Chalmers. He was like oo a fan belt? I told him no, a drive belt its a little lawn an garden tractor with a 7 hp briggs. He looks at me and says " Chalmers makes a tractor that small?" I looked at him and said " you call this place tractor supply?" Then walk out and went to NAPA were they orderd the belt for me. |
for free fun and wast of time go to http://ozzman232001.evony.com/ |
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Leroy
USA
413 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2009 : 10:17:45
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quote:
Originally posted by ozzman232001
I went threw kind of the same deal when i was looking for a drive belt for my alley, The one i remeber the most was at Tractor Supply, told the guy i needed a belt for a B1 Aliis Chalmers. He was like oo a fan belt? I told him no, a drive belt its a little lawn an garden tractor with a 7 hp briggs. He looks at me and says " Chalmers makes a tractor that small?" I looked at him and said " you call this place tractor supply?" Then walk out and went to NAPA were they orderd the belt for me.
For many tractor L&G parts Napa seems to be the place to go. but for fasteners, Fastenal is the place to go. |
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"Z" Bender
