Home Depot Workers make me shake my head

[Rob Holcomb]

Today, I put together my new band saw. It was wired for 220v and didn't come with a cord or plug. So off to Home Depot I go. I buy 10/3 wire and a plug and head back home. I wire the saw up and after finishing putting everything together, I want to fire up the saw to test it out. The plug I bought wouldn't fit into the plug in the wall. I mistakenly bought a 20A plug and the wall outlet has a 30A receptacle. So back to Home Depot I go. Of course, I can't find the right plug so a worker about 65 years old asks if he can help. I explain what I need and he starts asking me questions about what I need the plug for. I tell him its for my band saw. He asks how many amps does the saw use and I tell him its wired for 220v and the motor pulls 10 amps. He says, I'm no electrician but you can't do that. You'll trip the breaker or worse, burn up your motor. I look at him puzzled and then I said, with your way of thinking, if I have a 20 amp receptacle in my house and I plug a lamp into it rated for less than 1 amp, I'll trip the breaker or burn up my lamp? The saw motor only uses 10 amps. I have 30 amps available but I won't be using 30 amps of power. He says, well here's the right plug but just be careful. You don't want to start a fire. I took the plug and left. When I got home, I wired it up and the saw works fine.

[mike mcilroy]

so a worker about 65 years old asks if he can help.

Wow I've never not had to go on safari to track one down and he approached you?

[William Payer]

Wow I've never not had to go on safari to track one down and he approached you?

Mike,

I have found a sure fire way to get someone to help you at the orange box store. Find one of those big rolling ladder things and start walking up the stairs being sure to make a little noise. The employees have apparently been trained to stop customers from being on them ( most likely for liability reasons) and they will be at your side in seconds telling you that you cannot climb them. I acknowledge their presence and then ask them to help me find the item I am looking for!

[Mel Fulks]

William, I tried that. Made it to the top and started belting out some show tunes. Crowd went wild and wouldn't let me
off stage for two hours!!

[Leo Graywacz]

When they ask me if I need help I tell them "I'm all set thank you".

If I don't know what I'm looking for then I shouldn't be doing the project.

[Ole Anderson]

HD, Lowes, Menards: you love to hate them, but in reality, we go there because they often have a better selection and pricing than whatever else is close to us, which is a lot less than it used to be as they have driven a lot of smaller retailers out of business including my favorite hardware store, they lasted less than 2 years after HD moved in.

But, and I will kick myself later for saying this, there was one lady in the plumbing section that knew her stuff and made my heart skip a beat every time she waited on me . OK that is my story, what is yours?

[mike mcilroy]

But, and I will kick myself later for saying this, there was one lady in the plumbing section that knew her stuff and made my heart skip a beat every time she waited on me . OK that is my story, what is yours?

You mean you got "flushed" when you saw her!

[Mike Henderson]

The people in the local HD that I go to are nice people. I generally don't ask for advice but they usually can tell me where something is located - and they're just nice, polite, helpful people.

Mike

[Dan Hintz]

You mean you got "flushed" when you saw her!

I wondered how long it would take before this thread went down the drain...

[Jason Roehl]

I wondered how long it would take before this thread went down the drain...

Puns are the #2 reason for that to happen.

[Garth Almgren]

Mike,

I have found a sure fire way to get someone to help you at the orange box store. Find one of those big rolling ladder things and start walking up the stairs being sure to make a little noise. The employees have apparently been trained to stop customers from being on them ( most likely for liability reasons) and they will be at your side in seconds telling you that you cannot climb them. I acknowledge their presence and then ask them to help me find the item I am looking for!

Another good way to get some help quickly is to wander slowly around the power tool aisle with your hands in your hoodie pocket and looking over your shoulder frequently. This is more effective the younger you look.

[Mel Fulks]

Rob, did the guy have full facial hair? Sounds like with little TV work now .....Smokey Bear might have a part time job.

[David B Thornton]

I get the same thing from the people at my local Lowe's. I don't like going there unless I don't have an option, but it's funny to hear their logic when I know what I'm talking about.

[Daniel O'Neill]

I get the same thing from the people at my local Lowe's. I don't like going there unless I don't have an option, but it's funny to hear their logic when I know what I'm talking about.

Sometimes even when I don't know much about the topic the big box logic still throws me for a loop. (example buy this 1/2" connector to fit your 3/4" pipe....)

[Steve Meliza]

If they know something helpful you can't find them but if they are clueless and unable to offer real help you can't beat them off with a stick. I go to Home Depot if I want low prices and Platt if I want an intelligent conversation on my needs.