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Buying Tools at a Hardware Store

A customer is at a hardware store, asking a sales associate for advice on selecting the right drill or other tools for a specific home improvement task and inquiring about their features and prices.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
John (Male)
Excuse me, I'm trying to decide on a drill for some home improvement tasks. I need something that can handle drilling into wood and brick.
2
Sarah (Female)
Certainly, I can help with that. For both wood and brick, you'll definitely want a hammer drill. It has a hammer function that helps it power through masonry.
3
John (Male)
A hammer drill, got it. Do you have any specific models you'd recommend? I'm looking for something reliable but not too expensive, if possible.
4
Sarah (Female)
Absolutely. For a good balance of power and value, I'd suggest our 'PowerDrive 3000' or the 'ProBuilder X'. The PowerDrive is a bit more compact, while the ProBuilder offers a bit more torque.
5
John (Male)
Okay, that's helpful. What kind of price range are we talking about for those two? And do they come with essential accessories, like a battery and charger?
6
Sarah (Female)
The PowerDrive 3000 kit is usually around $120, and the ProBuilder X kit is about $160. Both typically come as a complete kit, so yes, they'll include a battery and charger. You'll just need to purchase drill bits separately, depending on the materials you're working with.
7
John (Male)
That sounds reasonable. Are there any features I should look out for that make one better than the other for general home use?
8
Sarah (Female)
For general home use, both are excellent. The ProBuilder X has a slightly better chuck, which means it holds bits more securely. But honestly, for occasional tasks around the house, the PowerDrive 3000 is perfectly adequate and a great value.
9
John (Male)
Thanks, that really clears things up. I think I'll go with the PowerDrive 3000. Could you point me to where I can pick one up?
10
Sarah (Female)
Of course! They're located in Aisle 7, just past the hand tools. And if you need any drill bit sets, you'll find them in Aisle 8.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

drill

A tool used for making holes in materials like wood or brick. In this dialogue, it's a power tool for home improvement tasks.

hammer drill

A type of drill with a hammering action to break through hard materials like brick. It's useful for DIY projects involving masonry.

masonry

Building materials like brick, stone, or concrete. In the context, it refers to drilling into tough walls or structures.

torque

The twisting power of a tool, like a drill, to turn screws or drill deep holes. Higher torque means more power for tough jobs.

compact

Small and easy to handle or store. Here, it describes a drill that's not too big, making it good for home use.

kit

A set of tools or parts sold together, like a drill with battery and charger. It's convenient for beginners in home repairs.

chuck

The part of a drill that holds the drill bit in place. A better chuck means it grips more securely for safer use.

aisle

A walkway in a store between shelves where products are displayed. Stores use numbers like 'Aisle 7' to help customers find items.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Excuse me, I'm trying to decide on a drill for some home improvement tasks.

This is a polite way to start a conversation in a store, asking for help with a decision. Use it when seeking advice on buying something specific. 'Trying to decide on' shows hesitation and invites suggestions.

For both wood and brick, you'll definitely want a hammer drill.

This recommends a product based on needs. 'You'll definitely want' is a strong suggestion, useful for giving advice. It uses 'for both A and B' to specify requirements.

Do you have any specific models you'd recommend?

A question to ask for product suggestions. 'Specific models' narrows it down, and 'you'd recommend' is polite for seeking expert opinion. Great for shopping scenarios.

What kind of price range are we talking about for those two?

This inquires about costs casually. 'What kind of... are we talking about' is informal and natural for discussing prices. Use it to avoid direct questions like 'How much?'

Both typically come as a complete kit, so yes, they'll include a battery and charger.

This explains product details positively. 'Typically come as' means usually, and 'so yes' connects ideas logically. Useful for describing what's included in purchases.

That sounds reasonable.

A simple agreement on price or suggestion. It's polite and shows satisfaction. Use it in negotiations or when something fits your budget.

Thanks, that really clears things up.

Expresses gratitude and understanding. 'Clears things up' means makes it clearer, common in conversations after getting helpful info. End a discussion positively.

Could you point me to where I can pick one up?

Asks for directions in a store. 'Point me to' means show or direct me, and 'pick one up' means buy or get it. Practical for locating items.