Well.
"I usually don't respond to post like this".......
Here goes.
It gets very deep into the weeds about whether or not the metal was correct.
My eyes are crossing.
So let's not go there.
(Although I think WPON said he cut it not to specifications. But regardless of that.)
I don't think there is going to be a resolution to this that will make both happy.
So like King Soloman and two previous objective people, I think return postage (baby) in should be split in half. Whatever it is.
Here's why.
When a person is dissatisfied with an item from any retailer, I have to eat the postage to me.
I accept that.
They usually pay return shipping.
And shipping to HD seemed very cheap.
I'd eat the 25 dollars just to inspect the item.