Power Move In The Power Tools
A customer is looking at replacement blades for his circular saw. He has that “humming and hawing” look I see from time to time, so I ask him if he needs any help.
Customer: “Don’t you worry, miss, I’ll ask one of the experts when I see one.”
Me: “I’m actually trained to work in the power tools department, so I can answer all your questions.”
He looks me up and down, surprised that (gasp!) a woman can know a thing or two about power tools in the Year of Our Lord 2026.
Customer: “So can you tell me if I use this seven-and-a-quarter-inch blade on a saw that runs at 5,800 RPM?”
Me: “Yes, as long as your saw takes a seven-and-a-quarter-inch blade with a five-eighths-inch arbor. This blade is rated for up to 8,000 RPM, so your saw is safely below that. Just make sure the teeth face the direction of rotation, and the kerf is compatible with the riving knife.”
He stares at me, then turns to my manager, who just so happens to be walking by and is also a male. He was standing close enough around the corner of the aisle that he heard the conversation.
Customer: “Excuse me, can I use this blade on a 5,800-RPM saw?”
Manager: “No.”
Customer: “Right! That’s what I thought.”
Manager: “Well, you thought wrong. She was right about the diameter, arbor, RPM rating, rotation, and kerf. I just wanted to see whether you preferred one wrong word from a man over an entire correct explanation from a woman.”
The customer turns bright red.
Customer: “I… uh… so this blade will work?”
Manager: “I don’t know. You’d better ask the power-tool expert.”
He points at me and walks away.
