Anybody still loan tools to friends (former?) or co-workers? – this post prompted by a Ron T. post regarding advise to neighbors.
Took lots of years, but finally learned to never loan tools unless I want to give them away.
Lesson 1, circa 1975. Loaned chain saw (relatively lots more costly then than now) to friend, said he’d sharpen it and refuel before return – he used a flat file down across the teeth to ruin chain, had run without oil in fuel after he went thru the 2 gal premix I’d given him (along with the manual)- chalked that one up to “education”
Lesson 2, mid-80’s – loaned crawler/loader to son of deceased friend who had died before I could repay a number of significant favors. I’ve no idea how the son abused it, but blew tip off one diesel injector and stripped the reversing clutch within 2 weeks, returned it with the comment that it didn’t work too well anymore.
Live and learn or just stupid at the start??
Replies
If I'm not on the job my tools aren't on the job. No loans.
OK. I do keep a small collection of inferior or worn tools that I will loan out if you are deemed worthy. 99% of the human race need not apply. A direct blood relation or someone I work with regularly may qualify. I don't loan out anything I can't live just as well without or replace easily and almost never power tools. They never seem to come back the same. I could swear my saw didn't make those noises before I loaned it out....
yep, it's a constant truism that most people will not treat a loaned tool as well as they do their own tools. Probably only conscientious builders that respect tools and have lent out their own only to see them returned in crapped out state will be attentive enough to take care. I keep old seconds around solely for the purpose of loaners. If I ever needed to borrow a tool I use to tell myself if I damage this in any way I will replace it. Even scratched casings. Needless to say I do not borrow tools anymore.Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
I've had pretty good luck with loaning stuff out. Never had a serious problem, or anything really damaged.
I would've been in a world of hurt many times if friends and relatives hadn't loaned me stuff. (Even borrowed a bulldozer last year)
Maybe I'm in a unique situation - Small town, with close friends and family that help each other out a lot. Loaning stuff is almost second nature.
When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.
I never get request for tools that people know are my living. But I have had good luck loaning out other things, such as a small chain saw that I purchased for $20 at a garage sale. I loaned it to my neighbor and he ran over the handle with his tractor. Before I knew what had happened he went a purchased a brand new replacement, knowing that I only paid twenty bucks for it. I refused to accept the new saw; the fact that he was willing to replace it was enough satisfaction for me. Now I borrow his Hehehe.
i borrowed atool from slim shadey and it broke just a button popped off if i could of found it i could of replaced the button and the tool wouldnt have been broke. but i couldnt find it so i bought him a new one . i did find it later but i feel if i borrow a tool ill give it back in as good or better condition then i borrowed it in. that way i can keep my friends and keep usuing there tools if i need to. Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
I can see it now, you borrow the neighbors rotozip and what happens. The button pops off. They all do.
Only now you were the one using it when it happened. Its the manufacturers fault but...Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
many years ago I bought a Mak recip saw in the parking lot of a local tool store. The guy had it bought for him by his parents in hopes that he might enter an honest trade. I offered him $50.00(All I had on me)and after much hemming and hawing he took my 50 and I had "the deal of a lifetime". Actually I felt pretty slimey and coudn't bring myself to use the thing. I already had the exact same tool but couldn't pass up the opportunity. Finally, I decided it would be a loaner tool for a year or so until the bad karma wore off. I loaned it to so mnay people that I lost track of who had it. It was returned to me 3 months ago looking a bit worn but still working. Now I feel I can use it with a clear conscience. One saw for metal, one saw for wood! No blade changing each time.
I know I covered this in another thread, Shadey said he bought i tat the HD and they wouldnt help me at all they told me I had to take it to Rotozip to get fixed. So I had to buy him a new one Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
ya, I've a couple friends with rotozips and guess what broke on the things... enough to keep me from buying one.Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
Went to a Jonny Cash concert at 14. Had Dads expensive hunting binoculars. Dad didn't enjoy me using his stuff anyway. Guy next to me asked if he could use them to see the stage, guy next to him..... saw them go about half way around a 30,000 person statium. Was never so glad to get an object back in my hands!
Yall think that they have no clue as to what they are asking for ????
Tim Mooney
I've been burned a few times loaning tools, so I've just become selective about what I loan to who.
A couple of years ago, I loaned my timber framing chisels (razer sharp), a mallet and a slick (also razer sharp) to a friend of mine who is a fine finish carpenter and a great caretaker of his own tools. My chisels and slick were returned with chipped edges, like he'd hit nails with them, and spots of rust. I told him in the future, I might be persuaded to loan him my anvil, but not to count on it.
On the other hand, I try to be generous with letting people I know well use some of my equipment, but I also make a note in my work journal so I don't forget.
I had one thing to add -
When you have to buy a Christmas present for a relative, but them a tool that you need.
Then borrow it from them..............(-;
Learn from your parents' mistakes use birth control.
Boss , that was a good one I wont forget.
First off , my family has spoiled my fatherinlaw , so I follow the long train in doing the same.
I have known family that has done as boss has done , and it seems to work well except some bitching.
I stumbled into something by accident a few years ago. A close friend wanted to borrow my life traps for racoons [8 of them ] . I said sure , but you know they are notorious about getting ripped off. Kids playing under bridges will take them home. etc. If you lose any of them , I want fifty dollars a peice for them . He never ever borrowed one, and he was planning on taking them all. [I thought hmmmm] I continued to do this , plus ask WHEN, would the article be returned .
That said ; noone else has successfully borrowed anything but daddy in law!!!!!! Amazing !!!!!! My first cousin wanted to borrow my dry wall equiptment , [ this was tuff to do], I told him the same thing , and hes like a brother . Same thing happened!!!
Tim Mooney
Ron:
Must be a central IL thing, my dad (82) says all my brother ever bought him for BD, Christmas, FD, etc. when brother was building his house was the tools he needed <G>
Anytime I cant find one of my tools I head over to my brothers house and poke around in the garage. Nine outta ten times the tool Im lookin for is there. The one time its not, its in his truck. Hes pretty good about caring for my stuff, just LOUSY at returning it! Hes my baby brother....what am I gonna do?
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
You start out in life wanting to help people out - for instance by lending them your tools. After a series of negative experiences you re-think this policy. For instance, I like to keep my tools in the original box - or at least keep the original box and papers. A lot of people tend to throw this stuff away. So I lend out something in the box and it comes back without the box. Lesson learned.
Another point is that people will go to extraordinary lengths to borrow a tool but when it comes time to return it: "Yeah. I have your whatever. You can come over and pick it up whenever I'm home." [Diana Gurney rule.]
-Peter
My tool loan rules:
1) I'll lend out any tool as long as it doesn't have a trigger or cord.
2) Never borrow a tool. Rent it. When it's scheduled to break it will do so when you are using it.
3) Never rent the same tool twice, buy one. If you need it twice, you'll need it more.
4) Never lend a tool to your diy neighbor unless you want to do the job for them.
5) Never ask to borrow my pick-up truck.
6) Lending out used sandpaper is o.k.
7) Exception to rule #1...chisels.
re: Never rent the same tool twice, buy one. If you need it twice, you'll need it more.
I've tried to follow that, but what's a guy to do when the wife says you don't "need" another tractor. - still don't have a backhoe!
I try not to borrow or loan tools.. I have done both. I had a friend try to borrow a tool again before he returned it. Needless to say I don't loan him tools anymore.. A neighbor borrowed some tools from me and his wife brought them to me after about 6 months. i don't loan him tools anymore either. I do have a tool of a friend of mine that I have had for over 3 years (allen wrench set) and he knows i have it. I told him that I would return it when he gives me a sub on one of his jobs ($$$) I have given him some good subs and he has never given me one.. So I rag the heck out of him about it and he just laughs and told me to keep the allen wrenches.
Best solution that I have come up with is to loan myself with the tools, if you want my stuff then you are stuck with me too. Seems to speed up the return, and if something happens then I know who to blame! When they say they don't want to be a bother then I explain the effects of not having the proper tools on the job when I need them. Sometimes I have to remind them that my income is earned with those "toys" and that I still have bills to pay.
Dan
I have been burned a lot, but I still do it.
Tools are just tools, and they still make them. It might be a good idea to assume they will be fried if you get them back. Or the cords will be cut to pieces. Or you never see them again.