Another successful episode of Tool Time comes to a close...or we can assume it was successful since both Tim and Al are in one piece. Then along comes Binford's new president, Wes Davidson. It seems he and Tim have a history, as they used to be tool salesmen for Binford. Tim may have been number 1 back then, but now Wes runs the show. He wants Tim and Al to showcase a new prototype reciprocating saw on Tool Time. It looks like a true, blue beauty...no, really, it's painted blue. Since it's a Binford, it's definitely got to be top quality, right? Well, Tim tinkered around with the saw later that night and discovered it to be inferior: cheap construction, plastic screws and washers, it's cheesy and lightweight. He didn't feel right promoting an inferior Binford tool, so he takes Jill's suggestion about going to speak to Mr. Davidson personally. After all, the guy is an office drone. What does he know about the things his company actually makes? So Tim and a reluctant Al go to see the president the next day. Wes is aware of the lightweight construction, saying it's more accessible to the ladies. Tim balks at the design choice, and even Al, usually a kiss-ass, agrees with Tim. They suggest rebuilding the tool with more a appropriate casing, but Wes says no dice. Tim threatens not to promote the tool, and in response, Wes threatens to replace him if he doesn't.
Meanwhile, Jill has decided to instill a sense of responsibility in the boys by trusting them to do the grocery shopping after they complained about a lack of food in the house. And how did they do? Bought junk food, of course. Well that and dented cans that were half priced. Tim comes home, peeved that he has to either promote an inferior tool or be fired. Sure, the saw works and it's as safe as any other power saw, but it's the principle of the thing. He believes in Binford's integrity and how they've always made quality tools, and the people who buy those tools look to Tim to promote them. So what now? Go back to being a tool salesman on the road? He regales Mark with stories of the old days, and how he was an even more irresponsible and boisterous rogue selling tools in cities all over the state, trashing motel rooms and rental cars, it was the life... except he never saw his family. That was the bad part. So, he goes to have a talk with Wilson, who tries to get him to question whether or not his convictions were worth the fight. Tim ponders this well into the next day, as he prepares to go out there and make a stand for tool guys everywhere... or will he puss out and promote that inferior tool? We shall see. Wes stood eagerly in the wings as Tim and Al came out and introduced everybody to the 6100 reciprocating saw. He announces that despite the rigorous testing process, this saw bombed out. Al stands right by his side as he goes on, saying not only was this tool crap, but he also ends up making Wes Davidson look good by saying this man doesn't mind a bad tool...so long as somebody else makes it. Binford is quality all the way. He invites Wes on stage, forcing the shrewd company man to swallow his pride and admit the 6100 was not up to the company's standards. As a result, Tim brings out a giant tool masher and has the saw squashed to a cube. So Tim gets to keep his job, and I'm sure Davidson will think twice before trying to make him promote another bad tool again.
This episode introduces us to Binford's new boss, Wes Davidson, who only makes one more appearance in the series in "Fifth Anniversary" and then disappears, before the next new boss comes in Season 5, but the less said about him the better. He was also the only Binford boss, next to Maureen, that liked Al. Mainly because he was in to the ass-kissers. The rivalry he had with Tim was a nice touch, and it was also interesting seeing Tim in a spot of vulnerability where somebody higher up on the hog threatens his job. The way he handled that situation is a way I'm sure we'd all like to use to stand up to our bosses, but I think it would take a live television audience to pull it off. I recommend Be True to Your Tool as it teaches some very valuable life lessons on how people can view their lives, and their tools.
Meanwhile, Jill has decided to instill a sense of responsibility in the boys by trusting them to do the grocery shopping after they complained about a lack of food in the house. And how did they do? Bought junk food, of course. Well that and dented cans that were half priced. Tim comes home, peeved that he has to either promote an inferior tool or be fired. Sure, the saw works and it's as safe as any other power saw, but it's the principle of the thing. He believes in Binford's integrity and how they've always made quality tools, and the people who buy those tools look to Tim to promote them. So what now? Go back to being a tool salesman on the road? He regales Mark with stories of the old days, and how he was an even more irresponsible and boisterous rogue selling tools in cities all over the state, trashing motel rooms and rental cars, it was the life... except he never saw his family. That was the bad part. So, he goes to have a talk with Wilson, who tries to get him to question whether or not his convictions were worth the fight. Tim ponders this well into the next day, as he prepares to go out there and make a stand for tool guys everywhere... or will he puss out and promote that inferior tool? We shall see. Wes stood eagerly in the wings as Tim and Al came out and introduced everybody to the 6100 reciprocating saw. He announces that despite the rigorous testing process, this saw bombed out. Al stands right by his side as he goes on, saying not only was this tool crap, but he also ends up making Wes Davidson look good by saying this man doesn't mind a bad tool...so long as somebody else makes it. Binford is quality all the way. He invites Wes on stage, forcing the shrewd company man to swallow his pride and admit the 6100 was not up to the company's standards. As a result, Tim brings out a giant tool masher and has the saw squashed to a cube. So Tim gets to keep his job, and I'm sure Davidson will think twice before trying to make him promote another bad tool again.
This episode introduces us to Binford's new boss, Wes Davidson, who only makes one more appearance in the series in "Fifth Anniversary" and then disappears, before the next new boss comes in Season 5, but the less said about him the better. He was also the only Binford boss, next to Maureen, that liked Al. Mainly because he was in to the ass-kissers. The rivalry he had with Tim was a nice touch, and it was also interesting seeing Tim in a spot of vulnerability where somebody higher up on the hog threatens his job. The way he handled that situation is a way I'm sure we'd all like to use to stand up to our bosses, but I think it would take a live television audience to pull it off. I recommend Be True to Your Tool as it teaches some very valuable life lessons on how people can view their lives, and their tools.
