07-31-2021, 10:02 PM
Chapter 83
Hey Steve, you up to an extended road trip? Like farther up Ferguson to Sears? It is still plenty early enough. We have the time, if you want to go?
Sure man, what are we going there for? Really Steve, you have to ask?
Oh yea, we can go to the tool and drool section. I am up for that. They have some decent wood working tools there too. I can play with those easily as the ones here. Lets get to it then.
After Topher paid for his small stash of hardware, we headed out a little bit farther from home. It was only another two miles, but a lot of traffic this time of day on Ferguson. So we took the back roads thru the neighborhood to get there.
When we got to Sears, it was nearly 1:30. The store closes at 4 pm. So we had plenty of time to see what we could not live without in the tool department. It was sort of a waste, since we were not doing much but hands on window shopping.
What are you thinking about getting for your first tools? Do you want to buy them as sets or just certain ones that you need to work on your kart? If you can afford the sets, it is a one time purchase. You will have most of what you need plus the other sizes that might work for other things later on.
This stuff gets expensive really fast. I have this small 1/4 inch drive socket set. It fits most of the things on our karts. A Crescent wrench works good enough for the larger sizes. Then a combination wrench set from 3/8 up to 3/4 like this one gets you covered pretty good. Except for a screwdriver set, that will do most of what you need to work on.
All of these tools would be so cool to have. I just about have have enough money to buy most of what you have suggested. But I dont have a way to get all of it home today. What do you think I should buy first?
Maybe I should go ahead and buy everything I can right now. None of it will do any good if I am missing part of what is needed to get any work done.
Are you serious? You have enough money to buy all of this? Huh? Oh no, I didnt bring that much with me. I wasnt planning on buying tools today. Only those parts from the hardware store.
Well, if you have enough money at home, what about putting all of this on lay-away? Then you can come back, pay off the ba1ance and take everything home when you have a way to carry all of it.
What a great idea! I didnt know I could do that. Alright then, help me pick out everything I need. I dont want to waste a lot of money just to have something I might not ever use tho. Can you help me with this?
Steve went to grab a shopping kart. We went thru some of the tool sets and made sure Topher had the right tools to do most of the work he would likely have to do on a kart. He decided on the larger set of screwdrivers, thinking there was other things at home they could be useful for.
The socket set he chose was the standard 1/4' drive set. Similar to mine minus a couple of luxury items. The sockets ranged from 3/16 to 1/2 inch. This set included a ratchet, short and long extension, and break over bar. He wanted to stay with only the wrenches that fit his kart. But after adding up the individual prices, it was cheaper to buy the medium size set and one extra size it didnt have.
I also told him to add a socket the set does not come with. He needed to grab the 9/16 socket to his tools. Then he should be set with the basics for now. Just remember what sizes you find out later that are needed so you can pick them up next time at the store.
Another two items he wanted is wire cutters and needle nose pliers. I can make use of these for a lot of things at home. This is getting expensive, but I knew eventually they would be have to be bought. This will also make it a lot easier if I need to do work on my bicycle too.
Time to head out I guess. Lets make some lay-away happen. As we were pushing thru the lawn and garden section, I saw a shiny new David Bradley chainsaw sitting up on display. I couldnt just pass on by. Topher, check this out. I grabbed the big chainsaw with only one hand and set it down on the floor. Hey pick this big dude up.
Topher reaches down and grabs it one handed with no luck. Then tries again with both hands. But the saw only tilted over slightly. Otherwise it didnt move from the floor. I got a big laugh seeing him try to pick it up. That dang thing is heavy.
I was using this exact same model all morning. By the time I got finished cutting up the tree, my arms were so tired, I couldnt even pick it back up off the ground. Just like you tried there. Can you imagine throwing one of these around all day every day?
Wow, I think it would be fun to play with. You know to try cutting up a tree. But no way could I ever use one all day. He then held up his arm trying to make his muscle more pronounced. But there wasnt any difference relaxed or in form.
As you can see muscles are not my strong point. With him saying that he followed by a slightly high pitched chuckle. Steve squeezed his arm trying to find a muscle. Man I would demand my money back if it was me. That followed by another chuckle from Topher.
Hey Steve I am going to hold on to the saw. You try to start it, OK? Heck no man, what if it actually fires up. Get real, there isnt any gas in the tank. And besides the kill switch is in the off position.
Steve got a hold of the pull handle and yanked really hard. The roped tightened up, jerked back and his hand broke free of the grab handle. What the heck? Is it locked up? Or does it have some serious compression?
Dude you are such a wimp. Let me show you how it is done. Hold on to it. And hold on tight. I dont want the chainsaw flying across the store. Yea man, I got it. If you are trying to show off, then go right ahead and try. I bet a coke you cant do any better.
Steve had just grabbed the rope and yanked without knowing what to expect. I pulled the rope up tight and rolled the engine over to top dead center. OK guys, watch this? Then making sure there was no slack, I pulled it thru hard and fast.
The chainsaw went gur-gur-gur-grgrger, then stopped. That is how you do it. OK Steve I have recuperated from this morning. You ready to try me at arm wrestling yet? Its been over 30 minutes, so I am good now.
Nah man, I will pass again. No reason for me to show you up. I dont want to embarrass you in front of the kid here. No reason to shatter his illusion of you so soon and let him down. Oh you know I was just kidding about the coke.
We seemed to catch the attention of a sales clerk. He came over, actually running, then started in to us about messing with the merchandise. You kids quit playing around with that. It is not a toy. Why do you kids think it is alright just to come in here and help yourselves to whatever you want? You kids have no business messing with something like this chainsaw, especially since you arent old enough to even use one.
This sales clerk kept ranting on about how kids should behave and if he had any say so in how they should be disciplined when defying their elders would set them straight.
About this time the store manager came over to see what all the commotion was. Edgar, what seems to be the problem here?
Sir, I was just explaining to these juvenile delinquents about life. I caught them here vandalizing this chainsaw inside the store for some reason. Kids these days just dont think before acting out. They just want to tear everything up. I doubt they were up to any good either. Just like those hoodlums back in Chicago. They are all the same everywhere. Nothing but trouble. What would have happened if the chainsaw started? I bet they didint even bother to think about that!
I looked up to the manager and said, Hello Mr Jackson how is it going today?
Just great, you boys staying out of trouble? So, are you breaking in my new sales clerk?
Sir, with all due respect, I have been employed by Sears for more than 4 years. I would hardly consider myself new with that much experience.
Edgar, there is a difference in kids showing interest in things and kids that like to vandalize. I dont think we have anything to worry about here. And you cant be serious about the possibility of this chainsaw actually starting up. I sure hope you are smarter than that.
Sir you just dont know how bad kids are these days, Well back in Chicago, there wasnt one day that past without some major trouble from these kind of juvenile delinquents. They are all the same. Turn you back for a second and they will rob you blind. Mark my words.
That will be all, Edgar.
So boys, you in the market for another chainsaw? Terry, how is that one holding up your grandfather bought a few years ago? I cant imagine it is worn out already. Oh I am so sorry to hear about his passing earlier this year. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Thank you sir, I appreciate that. His chainsaw still looks brand new. Sometimes a little bit hard to start when sitting up for a long time. Sure was heavy to haul around all morning cutting down a tree. I used it this morning helping out my grandmother. Man that sure was a workout.
I took this opportunity glancing over to Edgar and give him a smirky grin. Just could not help myself. He didnt look too happy right now for some reason.
Edgar, Mr Jackson goes on to say, I believe there are some customers in need of assistance over there with a mattress. Maybe you should head over to your department and see what help you might have to offer them. Edgar didnt respond back. Instead just turned and walked off.
Sorry boys, Edgar was just transferred down from Chicago. Seems he isnt too partial to kids. Maybe things are not so layed back up there in Chicago. He is sort of an uptight fellow as it is. I dont know yet if things are going to work out with him. He had several complaints from customers already. I dont take too kindly to that.
Well if there is anything I can help you boys with, be sure to let me know. Mr Jackson looks around and sees the shopping cart full of tools. So are these yours? Man that is a nice haul there.
Yes sir, Topher here is buying his first set of tools. We were trying to pick out only what he would need to start with.
So your name is Topher. Seems like I have seen you in the store one time before? Is that correct?
Yes sir, I was looking at the tools a few weeks ago. But didnt know what I should buy. Terry and Steve have been helping me a lot today. Then he holds out his hand and says, It is nice to meet you, Mr Jackson.
Likewise there Topher.
Mr Jackson reaches into his pocket and pulls out a few nickles. Hey I bet you boys could each use a bottle of pop. There is a machine right past the Lay-A-Way counter. Go help yourselves. You boys take care now. I need to get back to work. Looks like Edgar may be at it again.
Hey Steve, you up to an extended road trip? Like farther up Ferguson to Sears? It is still plenty early enough. We have the time, if you want to go?
Sure man, what are we going there for? Really Steve, you have to ask?
Oh yea, we can go to the tool and drool section. I am up for that. They have some decent wood working tools there too. I can play with those easily as the ones here. Lets get to it then.
After Topher paid for his small stash of hardware, we headed out a little bit farther from home. It was only another two miles, but a lot of traffic this time of day on Ferguson. So we took the back roads thru the neighborhood to get there.
When we got to Sears, it was nearly 1:30. The store closes at 4 pm. So we had plenty of time to see what we could not live without in the tool department. It was sort of a waste, since we were not doing much but hands on window shopping.
What are you thinking about getting for your first tools? Do you want to buy them as sets or just certain ones that you need to work on your kart? If you can afford the sets, it is a one time purchase. You will have most of what you need plus the other sizes that might work for other things later on.
This stuff gets expensive really fast. I have this small 1/4 inch drive socket set. It fits most of the things on our karts. A Crescent wrench works good enough for the larger sizes. Then a combination wrench set from 3/8 up to 3/4 like this one gets you covered pretty good. Except for a screwdriver set, that will do most of what you need to work on.
All of these tools would be so cool to have. I just about have have enough money to buy most of what you have suggested. But I dont have a way to get all of it home today. What do you think I should buy first?
Maybe I should go ahead and buy everything I can right now. None of it will do any good if I am missing part of what is needed to get any work done.
Are you serious? You have enough money to buy all of this? Huh? Oh no, I didnt bring that much with me. I wasnt planning on buying tools today. Only those parts from the hardware store.
Well, if you have enough money at home, what about putting all of this on lay-away? Then you can come back, pay off the ba1ance and take everything home when you have a way to carry all of it.
What a great idea! I didnt know I could do that. Alright then, help me pick out everything I need. I dont want to waste a lot of money just to have something I might not ever use tho. Can you help me with this?
Steve went to grab a shopping kart. We went thru some of the tool sets and made sure Topher had the right tools to do most of the work he would likely have to do on a kart. He decided on the larger set of screwdrivers, thinking there was other things at home they could be useful for.
The socket set he chose was the standard 1/4' drive set. Similar to mine minus a couple of luxury items. The sockets ranged from 3/16 to 1/2 inch. This set included a ratchet, short and long extension, and break over bar. He wanted to stay with only the wrenches that fit his kart. But after adding up the individual prices, it was cheaper to buy the medium size set and one extra size it didnt have.
I also told him to add a socket the set does not come with. He needed to grab the 9/16 socket to his tools. Then he should be set with the basics for now. Just remember what sizes you find out later that are needed so you can pick them up next time at the store.
Another two items he wanted is wire cutters and needle nose pliers. I can make use of these for a lot of things at home. This is getting expensive, but I knew eventually they would be have to be bought. This will also make it a lot easier if I need to do work on my bicycle too.
Time to head out I guess. Lets make some lay-away happen. As we were pushing thru the lawn and garden section, I saw a shiny new David Bradley chainsaw sitting up on display. I couldnt just pass on by. Topher, check this out. I grabbed the big chainsaw with only one hand and set it down on the floor. Hey pick this big dude up.
Topher reaches down and grabs it one handed with no luck. Then tries again with both hands. But the saw only tilted over slightly. Otherwise it didnt move from the floor. I got a big laugh seeing him try to pick it up. That dang thing is heavy.
I was using this exact same model all morning. By the time I got finished cutting up the tree, my arms were so tired, I couldnt even pick it back up off the ground. Just like you tried there. Can you imagine throwing one of these around all day every day?
Wow, I think it would be fun to play with. You know to try cutting up a tree. But no way could I ever use one all day. He then held up his arm trying to make his muscle more pronounced. But there wasnt any difference relaxed or in form.
As you can see muscles are not my strong point. With him saying that he followed by a slightly high pitched chuckle. Steve squeezed his arm trying to find a muscle. Man I would demand my money back if it was me. That followed by another chuckle from Topher.
Hey Steve I am going to hold on to the saw. You try to start it, OK? Heck no man, what if it actually fires up. Get real, there isnt any gas in the tank. And besides the kill switch is in the off position.
Steve got a hold of the pull handle and yanked really hard. The roped tightened up, jerked back and his hand broke free of the grab handle. What the heck? Is it locked up? Or does it have some serious compression?
Dude you are such a wimp. Let me show you how it is done. Hold on to it. And hold on tight. I dont want the chainsaw flying across the store. Yea man, I got it. If you are trying to show off, then go right ahead and try. I bet a coke you cant do any better.
Steve had just grabbed the rope and yanked without knowing what to expect. I pulled the rope up tight and rolled the engine over to top dead center. OK guys, watch this? Then making sure there was no slack, I pulled it thru hard and fast.
The chainsaw went gur-gur-gur-grgrger, then stopped. That is how you do it. OK Steve I have recuperated from this morning. You ready to try me at arm wrestling yet? Its been over 30 minutes, so I am good now.
Nah man, I will pass again. No reason for me to show you up. I dont want to embarrass you in front of the kid here. No reason to shatter his illusion of you so soon and let him down. Oh you know I was just kidding about the coke.
We seemed to catch the attention of a sales clerk. He came over, actually running, then started in to us about messing with the merchandise. You kids quit playing around with that. It is not a toy. Why do you kids think it is alright just to come in here and help yourselves to whatever you want? You kids have no business messing with something like this chainsaw, especially since you arent old enough to even use one.
This sales clerk kept ranting on about how kids should behave and if he had any say so in how they should be disciplined when defying their elders would set them straight.
About this time the store manager came over to see what all the commotion was. Edgar, what seems to be the problem here?
Sir, I was just explaining to these juvenile delinquents about life. I caught them here vandalizing this chainsaw inside the store for some reason. Kids these days just dont think before acting out. They just want to tear everything up. I doubt they were up to any good either. Just like those hoodlums back in Chicago. They are all the same everywhere. Nothing but trouble. What would have happened if the chainsaw started? I bet they didint even bother to think about that!
I looked up to the manager and said, Hello Mr Jackson how is it going today?
Just great, you boys staying out of trouble? So, are you breaking in my new sales clerk?
Sir, with all due respect, I have been employed by Sears for more than 4 years. I would hardly consider myself new with that much experience.
Edgar, there is a difference in kids showing interest in things and kids that like to vandalize. I dont think we have anything to worry about here. And you cant be serious about the possibility of this chainsaw actually starting up. I sure hope you are smarter than that.
Sir you just dont know how bad kids are these days, Well back in Chicago, there wasnt one day that past without some major trouble from these kind of juvenile delinquents. They are all the same. Turn you back for a second and they will rob you blind. Mark my words.
That will be all, Edgar.
So boys, you in the market for another chainsaw? Terry, how is that one holding up your grandfather bought a few years ago? I cant imagine it is worn out already. Oh I am so sorry to hear about his passing earlier this year. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Thank you sir, I appreciate that. His chainsaw still looks brand new. Sometimes a little bit hard to start when sitting up for a long time. Sure was heavy to haul around all morning cutting down a tree. I used it this morning helping out my grandmother. Man that sure was a workout.
I took this opportunity glancing over to Edgar and give him a smirky grin. Just could not help myself. He didnt look too happy right now for some reason.
Edgar, Mr Jackson goes on to say, I believe there are some customers in need of assistance over there with a mattress. Maybe you should head over to your department and see what help you might have to offer them. Edgar didnt respond back. Instead just turned and walked off.
Sorry boys, Edgar was just transferred down from Chicago. Seems he isnt too partial to kids. Maybe things are not so layed back up there in Chicago. He is sort of an uptight fellow as it is. I dont know yet if things are going to work out with him. He had several complaints from customers already. I dont take too kindly to that.
Well if there is anything I can help you boys with, be sure to let me know. Mr Jackson looks around and sees the shopping cart full of tools. So are these yours? Man that is a nice haul there.
Yes sir, Topher here is buying his first set of tools. We were trying to pick out only what he would need to start with.
So your name is Topher. Seems like I have seen you in the store one time before? Is that correct?
Yes sir, I was looking at the tools a few weeks ago. But didnt know what I should buy. Terry and Steve have been helping me a lot today. Then he holds out his hand and says, It is nice to meet you, Mr Jackson.
Likewise there Topher.
Mr Jackson reaches into his pocket and pulls out a few nickles. Hey I bet you boys could each use a bottle of pop. There is a machine right past the Lay-A-Way counter. Go help yourselves. You boys take care now. I need to get back to work. Looks like Edgar may be at it again.