Had a young trainee start in our workshop a few years ago, first day it was the usual pristine, dark blue overalls ( still with the creases in ) and unbelievably shiny black steel toe cap boots on.
“Can’t wear them boots in 'ere son.”
“Eh?”
" They’re too new lad, ‘ere put these on."
as someone tossed him a knackered old pair that had been lying under a bench for months, covered in dust and split down the side.
" I ain’t wearin’ them, they’re minging!"
“Look lad, you’ve got to, they’re the rules.”
Someone pointed to the blue sign on the wall…" Safety Footwear Must Be Worn"
“See lad…worn, as in not new”
He believed it. 
Spent the next couple of days hobbling about in this old pair of boots. 
We had to tell him in the end.
On the long weight theme:
When I was very young my Dad owned a garage business. (too bad he sold it 
)He told me they used to send the rookie apprentices to the stores to ask for…
“A long stand”
In a workshop environment, maybe a bit less sussable (no such word, but you know what i mean) than a long weight.
Steve-o:
I sent a work experience lad through to the other workshop for a box of sparks for the grinder as it was looking a little low lol
If that was in Newcastle in the early 80`s, that was probably me
I was also told, as a spotty herbert, in my first ever job, the best way to break in a new shiney pair of safety boots was to "soak em in diesel over night " 