Went to buy 9/16ths freeze plugs.......arraaagggghhh!!!!

[Momz]

Went to AutoZone to purchase some more freeze plugs for a Desmog. The girl behind the counter asked "what kind of car and what year"? I said that I was looking for a generic freeze plug; either 14mm or 9/16ths. She pointed me towards some expandable rubber plugs.

Sorry girlie but that aint it,.....and I asked "let me speak to someone that knows something".

The store manager came to help me, and she wanted to know what make and year car these were to go on. And again I stated that it was not for a car, rather for a motorcycle project that I was working on. Ms manager then asked if I knew the particular brand; as AutoLight, Bosch, or NGK?  I tried to tell her that I wasn't looking for spark plugs, rather that I needed "FREEZE PLUGS"! Ms Manager didn't seem to understand and went on her way.

I felt defeated in my attempt to get the freeze plugs, but I also needed vaccum plugs so I asked where I might find those. Another associate came to my rescue, and he also asked what kind of car and the year. I simply told him that I was looking for 1/8 inch rubber vaccum plugs for plugging emission control vaccum lines.....period. He looked at me and proceeded to tell me that that was illegal, and that he couldn't and wouldn't help me to pollute the air we breathe.

Well......I was by now frustrated and quite pissed at the lack of KNOWLEDGE that the people that are working and running in an auto parts store here in metro Detroit. This lack of product knowledge is unforgiveable and in my opinion the main reason our country is falling behind in so many ways. It seems that companies want to make money, so they hire the cheapest untrained labor that is available, all the while losing and eroding their real customer base. 

LORD HELP US ALL!!!!

[Ricky-D]

Most freeze plugs have the size stamped right on them, at least the ones I have seen. You just need to be able to look at them prior to purchase. A friendly assistant may let you look in the drawer to find what you need.

The vacuum caps can easily be made using a short length of hose with a plugged up end. Simply slide the plugged hose over the barb and presto - it's done.

[X Ring]

I ended up going to a machine shop to get the freeze plugs when I desmogged my Valk.

[valk2128]

I was able to 9/16 Freeze Plugs at a NAPA Auto Parts store, Autozone and Advanced Auto only sold them in kits for specific cars.

[Joe Hummer]

I try to NOT go to Autozone when I can help it.  The stores in the STL area have gone to a self-help counter where you look up the parts you want based on your vehicle.  Yeah, they have counter people lingering around, but it seems they aren't very friendly or helpful.  One guy tried to argue with me when I knew what parts I wanted (for a P/U I used to have).  Unfortunately, he was an older man...just saying stupidity isn't inflicted on only the young. 

The Advanced Auto Parts store I go to now is much better.  So far, I haven't stumped them with anything I have gone in to ask about. 

Joe

[Madmike]

Try going to an Industrial or farm supply store that deals with heavy equipment type customers and ask to see their assortment of expansion plugs and they most likely will have them in a small suitcase style bin box or drawer with all the different sizes along with assortments of other generic hardware.  In Canada this stuff is supplied by companies like Papco or Fastenal.

I agree with you about the competency of staff, it is a product of trying to supply cheaper parts and being competitive.  They don't have full qualified parts people just staff that is minimally trained and can do a computer search.  It is very frustrating.

[ibsrp]

What happens when those plugs thaw out? (Couldn't resist)

[FLAVALK]

And WHY would ANYONE want to plug their vacuum hose???? If ya did that, you could vacuum all day and never get your carpets clean....DUH 

[Bob E.]

Went to AutoZone to purchase some more freeze plugs for a Desmog. The girl behind the counter asked "what kind of car and what year"? I said that I was looking for a generic freeze plug; either 14mm or 9/16ths. She pointed me towards some expandable rubber plugs.

Sorry girlie but that aint it,.....and I asked "let me speak to someone that knows something".

The store manager came to help me, and she wanted to know what make and year car these were to go on. And again I stated that it was not for a car, rather for a motorcycle project that I was working on. Ms manager then asked if I knew the particular brand; as AutoLight, Bosch, or NGK?  I tried to tell her that I wasn't looking for spark plugs, rather that I needed "FREEZE PLUGS"! Ms Manager didn't seem to understand and went on her way.

I felt defeated in my attempt to get the freeze plugs, but I also needed vaccum plugs so I asked where I might find those. Another associate came to my rescue, and he also asked what kind of car and the year. I simply told him that I was looking for 1/8 inch rubber vaccum plugs for plugging emission control vaccum lines.....period. He looked at me and proceeded to tell me that that was illegal, and that he couldn't and wouldn't help me to pollute the air we breathe.

Well......I was by now frustrated and quite pissed at the lack of KNOWLEDGE that the people that are working and running in an auto parts store here in metro Detroit. This lack of product knowledge is unforgiveable and in my opinion the main reason our country is falling behind in so many ways. It seems that companies want to make money, so they hire the cheapest untrained labor that is available, all the while losing and eroding their real customer base. 

LORD HELP US ALL!!!!

I actually had a very similar experience when I tried to buy Lock-tite one time.  The kid actually asked me what kind of vehicle it was for...no kidding!!!

[Black Dog]

If I know what I want/need (oil, filters, bulbs...), Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone are near and I'll go there.  If I need something specific, like the lug bolts I needed for my son's '03 GTI this past weekend, I will always go to my local NAPA store.  The guys behind the counter have been there for years, and always do everything they can to be sure I get what I need.

There is a lot to be said for a 'Parts Guy' that has been in the business for a few years.  The guys at my NAPA store are probably older than their mid 30's, and a few look to be older than me    I've had experiences with young kids that don't care and have no interest in anything but a pay check, but I've also had experiences with some kids that really know their stuff.

As always, I'll take the time to tell their manager about a good job   , and if someone pi$$eS off enough, I'll stop and talk to the manager and vent my frustrations 

Black Dog

[fudgie]

You need some? I can send you some. I have 3 and can get you another this week. Let me know how many you need. 

[Momz]

I had two bent freeze plugs and they didn't look quite right. So I simply knocked down the bent freeze plug and filled the hole with clear RTV, then added the chrome allen plugs from the Riser clamp. Looks real good.
I found the vaccum plugs at another store today.

[theman8120]

REALPARTS STORES LIKE CARQUEST, NAPA, PARTS PLUS, AND AUTO VALUE WILL BE MUCH BETTER AT FINDING RANDOM STUFF NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON. I USE TO WORK AT A CARQUEST AND WE ALWAYS HEARD A BUNCH A CRAZY AUTOZONE STORIES, LIKE SOMEONE HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON IN THERE CAR AND WENT TO AUTOZONE THEY SAID A BURNT OUT DOME LIGHT IN THE CAR COULD CAUSE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LOL. 

[98valk]

I used 9/16" coarse thread bolts, which I shortened. They self-tapped into the soft aluminum. Then I removed them, filled the holes with steel epoxy and re-installed the bolts.