Friday, July 07, 2006

The Importance of Using UL-Rated Tools

Notice the dark char mark where the cord was cut(A comedy in one act)

Scene: Exterior of dome, morning.
Enter
Mike, carrying a hedge trimmer, and Ali from stage left.

Mike: OK, kiddo, I've got a job for you.
Ali: Sure, what is it?
Mike: I need you to trim back the bushes & weeds that have grown up under this window. That'll make it easier to get the ladder in here to finish putting up the lathe.
Ali: Sure! Cool! (reaches for hedge trimmer)
Mike (holds back trimmer:) Wait a second! You need to be careful with this thing, it can be dangerous if you're using it incorrectly.
Ali: I know, Dad, I'll be careful.
Mike: I want you to cut the bushes about 6 inches off the ground. (demonstrating on a five-foot or so area) Hold the trimmer level with the ground and sweep it from side to side.
Ali: I know, Dad!
Mike: And most important, make sure you keep the cord well away from the trimming blade!
Ali: I know, Dad, I know! I'm not dumb!
Mike: Ok, then, here you go. Be careful.
Ali: I know, Dad.
(About fifteen minutes later, there is a large popping sound. Sparks fly & the circuit breaker trips with another loud pop.)
Mike: Al-l-l-l-i!
Ali (in a very small voice:) ummm.... sorry?

(Disclaimer: No one was hurt during the enactment of this comedy.)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Steven and Daniel have still not stopped laughing!!! Some lessons just have to be learned the hard way.

Boo in L.A. said...

Heh heh heh heh.

Heh heh ... oh wait, I shouldn't be laughing. At least not until I learn to properly use a torque wrench and don't snap off bolt heads inside the engine. Still ...

Heh heh heh heh. Been there.

:)

Kay said...

Hey Ian, no I can't leave comments on your site, you've got it set up to require an MSN account. But I do check your progress frequently, the second floor is looking good! :-)