Never Do It at the Hardware Store
New DIY enthusiasts often approach hardware stores like a child approaches a candy store: everything is interesting and all the cool tools are on display. Island after island of materials beckons as they load their cart with goodies… but while the tool aisle is exciting, there are some things you should never do in a hardware store.
Do not use store equipment without permission
If you’ve ever waited 20 minutes for someone to help you cut a rope, you might be tempted to do it yourself. But using the equipment that employees use is dangerous and can lead to huge store liability in the event of an accident. While attempting to cut your own plank or take your own pallet off a shelf may result in employees running to your aisle, the result is likely to be that you are asked to leave without the items you came for. Leave the hard work to the professionals, unless you have received explicit permission to use their equipment.
Do not leave equipment or parts in the wrong bin
While it can be difficult to find the parts you need, don’t take the equipment out of its drawer and then put it in the wrong place. If you can’t remember where something came from, you should seek help from someone who works there. Nuts, bolts, washers, screws and other small parts are sorted by size and type. If you put it back in the wrong place, it will be very difficult for the person who comes after you, not to mention the employees in the store.
Don’t climb the shelves
If you’re having a hard time getting something, ask for help instead of climbing the shelves. Although they appear to be sturdy, the shelves in the hardware store are not designed for climbing. It’s easy to knock something on yourself or someone else, or tear the shelf itself apart while you’re scrambling, causing it to collapse. Also, since OSHA requires prevention or protection against falls over six feet, it’s a good rule of thumb when you’re not working.
Don’t leave unnecessary things
Navigating the hardware store islands is difficult enough without the extra hassle of thrown objects blocking the path. If you choose something that you later decide you don’t need, return it to the checkout or find a worker to leave it. Leaving large, heavy or long items in the aisle can be dangerous to other customers and create problems for personnel trying to get through carts and equipment.
Don’t try to carry things that are too big for you.
There is no need to struggle to carry something through the store to get it to the checkout. If you find your item is bulky, ask a member of staff for help rather than twisting your back trying to lug something too big for you. Wearing it around the store is not only dangerous, it can be dangerous for others. Everyone has seen some version of the Three Stooges throwing a board over their shoulder and hitting each other on the head with it. Nobody needs a repeat of this at the sawmill.
Don’t wear sandals
There are a lot of people pushing heavy carts around, so sandals are a bad idea. This is doubled for places where you can find sharp objects on the ground. If you go to the hardware store, wear closed-toe shoes, not sandals or flip-flops, to protect your feet from all the dangers you may encounter. You can visit the store many times without incident, but it only takes one time for a five-gallon bucket to fall on your bare toes.