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I used to work in a hardware store. One day a guy came in looking for a skyhook.

After we called his boss to confirm the situation (this was well before cell phones), we all had a good laugh. I think the boss was shocked he fell for it.

At school in Scotland, one art teacher would send the kids to see the other art teacher to ask if they had any tartan paint left. Alternatively, he would send them to go and ask for a long stand.

When I was a starting line cook, they told me to recirculate the air in the freezer. I said "what?" They said "recirculate the air in the freezer." while handing me one of those giant black trash bags. I opened the door to the freezer, opened up the bag fully, and then went "wait a minute..." they had a laugh, and I started eyeing all of their requests through the lens of "is this bullshit?"

Later on, at more professional jobs, they have the same sort of requests. Not ones that are hazing jokes, but just actual bullshit assignments that mean very little, are looked at by nobody, and that accomplishes nothing. Except now those assignments are like 90% of the job. Hooray office work among middle management!

"Bring the 13-14 key" is a basic mechanic's joke.

Note: in mm.

On work experience the guy sent me to get a long weight and I was like to myself 'fine ill go look for something that doesn't exist and have my lunch too. If you want a long wait..' I go back and he gets off his ladder exasperated, goes to the van and gets a long string plumb line.

Was a guide in a youth movement, had one child that was way too disruptive when I tried to make camp for the group.

Sent him to the supply room to bring a straight rope. 30 minutes latter he comes, dragging along a straight rope, taking every turn very slowly, taking a fuckton of leaves with it. Camp was built.

When I was in charge of the supply room I saw many funny requests, and some that thought the very real device they were asked to bring was a prank. My favourite pranks are electricity powered and trees straightner.

I miss those parts of being a teenager.

My high school chemistry teacher told me that when he was in university, they'd send the frosh chem majors down to the depot to get a "bucket of mercury". The depot guys would be in on it and fill up a bucket and laugh at them while they struggle to move it. Even a small bucket would weigh something like 200 lbs.