Welcome to April Fools’ Day, the one day a year where every comedian in the shop or store sacks up and decides to test the limits of the phrase, “…it’s just a prank, bro!” UPCG isn’t a stick in the mud. I can enjoy a good prank like anybody and I’ve performed a few in my time. Harmless fun is just that…fun. But this is the age of the Internet, and of YouTube, and if you haven’t noticed from the news reports about viral videos, idiots who use that “just a prank” tagline as a way out of a situation where an ass-beating was more than deserved, or people who weren’t victims of a prank but were simply victims, then here’s a tip: expect at least one person to step over the line of acceptability this year.
So, to celebrate the day, I’ve put together a Top 11 list of workplace pranks that may be on the table, and I’ll give you my opinion on whether they are acceptable or not. Some are suggestions from UPCG followers on the Facebook page, others I’ve simply dredged up from the Internet. Feel free to leave your opinions in the comments section below!
11. The Wrap Job
A classic. As much Saran Wrap as it takes to turn someone’s car into an early Christmas present. Hey, it’ll stay fresher, longer!
Harm factor: low.
10. Engine First-Fire Fun
There’s having fun, and then there’s being a world-class smart ass.
Harm factor: Low…for the prank-ee. The prankster might have one coming, though.
9. Going Out Of Your Way For Vengence?
“You can ask for empty Boston creme donuts and fill them with mustard/mayo blend. One of the mechanics at the old shop thought it was egg salad donut and finished it.” -William G.
Harm Factor: Pretty sure that’s worth an ass-beating.
8. Oooh, pretty colors!
Washable acrylic colors, balanced on the wipers. Turn wiper switch on without power, wait until they leave, hope they don’t notice before they start the car.
Harm factor: …I actually wanna try this one out. Low harm.
7. Whoops. Dropped it.
Sugar glass! Not only will they hit the roof that you broke glass, but the expression on their face when you eat a shard of it will be priceless. If you can make enough into the shape of door glass or a rear-view mirror, you’re set, man.
Harm factor: none. Have a ball!
6. It’s a Blast!
The only reason you aren’t getting the video is because the resulting nudity isn’t permitted on BangShift. But trust us…you couldn’t get your own pants off faster if you had a Victoria’s Secret Angel giving you that look.
Harm factor: Low…if there are no phones around. So…medium. Your butt is gonna be on YouTube, for sure!
5. Now *THAT’S* an attention-getter!
Courtesy of Richard S.
Harm Factor: High. Nevermind the ringing in everybody’s ears, think about Bob’s pants!
4. It’s Like Hand Sanitizer, Right?
So much for your reputation. Go pour that back into your 55-gallon drum from whence it came.
Harm Factor: Extreme – Don’t mess with the hand sanitizer this year! Bad things will happen.
3. What’s That Smell?!
I’ve personally been a recipient of this nasal horror story. Could gag a maggot.
Harm factor: High, even higher if you are found to be the sprayer. Bodily injury may result, and you will be customer-free for at least the rest of that day.
2. The Veggie Tray
At least someone eats healthy around here.
Harm factor: Low, but mob rule may dictate otherwise.
Working at a drive in theater. Co worker had VW bug with a sunroof. We filled it with popcorn to the roof. It was parked in a dark area so he didn’t notice it until he opened the door. Hey, at least it wasn’t buttered !
These are all good ones.
10. First Start Up Engine Knock Prank! Ford E350 is a classic!
The guy keeps a straight face too, I love that one; 286,537 views!
Grease zerk installed onto side of toolbox, and….
,.
Years ago one April’s Fool Day co worker and I took two stuffed pairs of pants, two pairs of boots and placed them both on the two toilets in the men’s room. I locked the one door after putting the pants on the john, then crawled over into the second one, and after placing the pants on that toilet and locking that door then proceeded to crawl over the wall while my buddy Tom kept watch. Looked like two guys using the stalls, full stop…. Man it was the funniest thing ever to see, our cases were close to the john so we could see who was coming and going and to make a long story short, this doofus named Steve after going in and out a half dozen times was screaming bloody murder over how long two co workers were using the toilets. Mass hilarity and denials took place over that one, but that was the bestest prank I was ever in on………still think he had to cash in his shorts that day……….
“Thought it was an egg salad donut” – wait, WHAT?!?
Also, one of the best pranks we ever played at the office: We bought a duplicate of one of our co-worker’s keyboards, filled it with dirt and radish seeds, and when the seeds had sprouted, hid his real keyboard and put the one with the sprouts on his desk. Unfortunately he had managed to spot the duplicate keyboard arriving and knew something was up.
Zip ties or a leather glove on driveshaft in a place that will slap around.