Sorting the Hardware

The paint chips were handled, but the fastener aisle had real work waiting. I trotted down the aisle to a wide wooden workbench loaded with open plastic sorting bins. I scaled the lower metal strut, pulled myself onto the benchtop, and marched straight up to a clear acrylic drawer filled with assorted brass washers and shiny chrome hex nuts. One oversized hex nut was resting half-tilted on the edge. I didn't deliberate—I planted my feet, shoved both hands against the cold steel bevel, and shoved it squarely into the middle compartment with a loud, metallic clink. Right next to the partition sat a miniature orange rubber O-ring with a textured grip rim. I scooped it up, rolled it neatly over my right forearm like a tough industrial bangle, and gave the steel drawer face an assertive double-tap with my heel. Aisle seven is officially in order.