Pay for something in the hardware store? (5)
I believe the answer is:
screw
'pay' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for screw that I've seen before include "fast turn" , "swerve" , "Kind of nail with spiral groove (5)" , "Tapered fastener with a slotted head" , "Helical thread" .)