Warning: I lost a whole weekend and $40 on that 'free' faucet from the ReStore

Everyone says to check the Habitat for Humanity ReStore first for cheap parts... and I did. Found a kitchen faucet for $15 that looked perfect. Got it home, spent Friday night taking the old one out. Saturday morning I start putting the 'new' one in and find the threads are totally stripped on the main connection. Couldn't get it to seal no matter what I tried with plumber's tape or a new washer. Had to go buy a brand new faucet anyway for $120, plus the $15 I wasted and a whole Saturday gone. That 'free' part cost me time and a trip back to the store. Has anyone else had a ReStore find turn into a total time sink? How do you check stuff like that before you buy?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_singh3mo ago

Honestly I always bring a small adjustable wrench with me now. You can test the threads right in the aisle before you buy anything. Saved me from a couple bad buys that way.

the_henry3mo ago

Smart move. I should start doing that too.

wade_perez1mo ago

Yeah but @the_henry, I dunno. The adjustable wrench thing feels like overkill to me. I've been buying stuff for years without testing threads and never had an issue worth the hassle.