The making of a simple copper elbow

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The making of a simple copper elbow

The making of a simple copper elbow

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mrsrohr

Dan, I heard you tell this beautiful story live and in person once upon a time. And I've read it several times and again today. It's such a great reminder of the chain of distribution and the families and the hundreds of thousands of people who are involved in the work that plumbers and technicians do.

I've shared this stories with others - and if I have ever not made clear who started this tale...I am rectifying that now! I take the story in a different direction. What struck me, Dan, is that the contractor who puts the heating system in for Mr. Homeowner is the one who sets the final selling price for the elbow. Many times, Mr. Homeowner, who may be the wealthiest person in the entire chain of distribution, balks at the price. "Gosh, could you take 5% off?" The contractor then turns to the wholesaler and squeezes him. And, so it goes and the whole chain takes the hit. Sigh. I know we don't talk about specific prices on the Wall. But I want to encourage contractors to consider everyone and every family that depends on that final selling price. THANK YOU for a great story. I hope you don't mind that I have elaborated on it. And I want to make sure everyone knows where I got my inspiration. YOU, Dan. Always and forever!! xoxo

DanHolohan

You've improved on the story greatly, Ellen. Thanks for all that you do for all of us.

vvzz

This is a great read!
I often think what would happen to me if I was transported 2000 years back. We are all used to all the modern conveniences and technologies, but there's a vast amount of knowledge from millions of engineers and workers that supports that. I look at any household object and realize that even know I might now a little more than an average person on how its made, I will still be completely lost back in time and they would probably burn me for speaking about unholy electricity or PEX pipes.

hot_rod

vvzz said:

This is a great read!
I often think what would happen to me if I was transported 2000 years back. We are all used to all the modern conveniences and technologies, but there's a vast amount of knowledge from millions of engineers and workers that supports that. I look at any household object and realize that even know I might now a little more than an average person on how its made, I will still be completely lost back in time and they would probably burn me for speaking about unholy electricity or PEX pipes.

Get a copy of The Evolution of Useful Things by Henry Petroski
It talks about how some of the simplest inventions came to be, like the paper clip, zippers or the pin. A fun read.

BobC

@hot rod I still have my 1970's copy of "Public Works" by Walter Szykitka. That 1,000 page book has some very useful information about all manner of things.

The shame that it was printed on newsprint so it's very fragile.

Bob