A Matter of Leverage

The vintage metal step stool wouldn't lock into place when I unfolded it. Rather than forcing the joint, I knelt to inspect the hinge. Grit had collected along the pivot pin. I took the folded edge of an archival index card and methodically worked out the accumulated dust. A firm downward press followed; the safety catch engaged with a sharp snap. I climbed the two steps, retrieved the logbook from the upper shelf, and set it squarely on the cart. Routine maintenance keeps things moving.