John Davis asks:

> What's your worst memory of letting a good tool slip away?

    Oddly, it was not a high dollar item at all.  A few years back, Tom
and I were still taking our Friday road trip to the fleamarket even
though both of us were in the midst of tight finances.  It seemed like
both of us routinely showed up with only $5 or $10 each week.  Not too
bad a problem since there are always some odd or end shop accessories
available for 50 cents or a dollar.  So, the enforced austerity program
wasn't ruining all the fun.  For about a month we would routinely pick
up a Millers Falls racheting screwdriver and delicately fondle its
smallness.  I can't remember if it was a 61A, or if it had a different
number because of the size.  But it was small, at most 8" overall, and
it was in great shape.  Each time we would put it back with the comment
of how nice it was.  Each time that was followed by the proud user
comment that we already had YANKEEs, that we were not collecting these
things, and $8 was way too much because we had never payed more than $4
for a YANKEE.

    And at the end of that month when that screwdriver was gone, we were
both remorseful pathetic wretches.  We still uncontrollably search that
dealer's screwdriver bin in the hope that it will return.  This time it
will be shown the respect it deserves, and be given a loving adopted
home.  Always the remorse when I see that screwdriver bin.  And I swear,
off in the distance, a crow can be heard cawing, "Nevermore!"

Regards,
Steve - and that damn tool dealer's heart just pounds, Pounds, THUMPS!
away....