My helper grabbed the wrong rod and I had to climb 60 feet to swap it out

Last Tuesday we were working on a boiler stack in Cincinnati and my apprentice handed me a 3/32 rod when I clearly said 1/8. I didn't check it before I started tacking stuff up near the top of the scaffolding. After about 5 minutes I noticed the weld was burning too hot and looking skinny. Had to climb all the way down, grab the right rod, and climb back up while my foreman just laughed from the ground. Took an extra 45 minutes for what should have been a 10 minute weld. Anyone else have a helper mix up rod sizes on you?

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2 Comments

thompson.finley3mo ago

Sixty feet in Cincinnati? Sounds like you needed the exercise, friend. Maybe your helper was doing you a favor, making sure you got your steps in for the day.

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mitchell.dakota3mo ago

Isn't that just how life works, someone else's shortcut always costs you the long way?

5