Last week I visited a well-known model engineers supplier. Amongst otehr items I bought four two-foot lengths of 5/16" brass angle.

After cutting some 10" lengths I discovered they were only 22" long, so I was short by 8" in total.

As the brass cost over £25 and was over £3.50 a foot I wasn't very happy.

I wouldn't complain about stock a little bit short, but most suppliers cut fractionally over-length so you always get the usable length you need. Nearly 10% short is well oput of order.

Luckily I needed several lengths 10" long – I had needed 11" I could have been faced with having to spend another £25 as how I can I prove they were short when sold?

I have sent an email to the supllier in question suggesting they check their stock before a disgruntled purchaser names them or tips off trading standards.

I won't name and shame, as this may be a genuine mistake, but if they know it's short and keep selling it as 2' lengths, then poor show indeed.

Next time I will buy 8mm FSA conceptr from B&Q by the metre and save a few quid.

If you do buy materials from suplliers don't assume the lengths are always spot on.

Caveat emptor!

Neil