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Discussion Forum

Would you Rent Me Your Tools?

Waterbear | Posted in Business on June 30, 2005 12:55pm

I’m replacing all the galvanized water supply lines in my parents’ house with PEX tomorrow.  The problem is that I don’t have the PEX tools.  A plumber aquaintence has agreed to rent me his tool kit and set me up on the install.  The question is what’s a reasonable price?  He’s currently unable to work due to an injury, so his van and tools are out of commission for the time-being.  The way I see it we’re both doing each a favor.  Anyone willing to bite on what they consider to be a reasonable exchange for this agreement? 

Reply

Replies

  1. TMO | Jun 30, 2005 01:07am | #1

    Case of beer?

  2. User avater
    EricPaulson | Jun 30, 2005 01:12am | #2

    I'd say it's gotta be worth $100.00.

    Whats the kit worth?

    Eric

    I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,

    With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.

    [email protected]

    1. Waterbear | Jun 30, 2005 02:58am | #3

      I was thinking substantially more than either a case of beer (I knew that would be a suggestion or $100, so that's nice to hear.  I guess I was coming to it from: what would I need to be offered to agree to set someone up on a job and loan them my tool kit.  From what I've heard PEX tools aren't cheap (then again, what tool is?   For me a case of beer wouldn't cut it.  Thanks for the honest replys.

      Jack 

    2. User avater
      IMERC | Jun 30, 2005 02:59am | #4

      Whats the kit worth?

      500 plus.. 

  3. mrhodes | Jun 30, 2005 05:24am | #5

    I bought all the tools I needed for pex for 215. 

  4. Piffin | Jun 30, 2005 06:08am | #6

    Rent for a week should be a tenth of the cost of the tools. his time and experience to advise you - could be invaluable, but definitely worth a bit more than his normal hourly rate

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  5. jet | Jun 30, 2005 06:30pm | #7

    How much would it be if he were to do the whole job? Then see if say 50% would fit in yer pocket book.

    If the guy is out of work anyway, the money for his tools and advice would go a long way right now.

    "Sir! You are drunk!"

    "Madam! You are ugly, and tomorrow I shall be sober!!"  Winston Churchill

    1. FastEddie1 | Jun 30, 2005 10:18pm | #8

      Pay him enough to make it worth his while, and to get good advice from him.  What options do you have?  Hire it out to someone else for more money, or buy the tools for a one-time job.

      If you don't want to "rent" his tools, what about hiring him to bring his tools to your house and shadow you through the job telling you what to do?  You get the use of good tools, and accurate supervision, and he gets to do a little of his profession.  Sounds like he needs the work anyway.

       

      I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

      Edited 6/30/2005 3:20 pm ET by Ed Hilton

  6. JTC1 | Jul 01, 2005 01:00am | #9

    I think EdHilton has it. 

    The only problem I could see would be if you are a total klutz and he gets frustrated enough watching that he jumps in and further aggrevates his existing injury.  Sounds like you are friends -- your call as to whether there is risk involved for your buddy.

    Jim

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

  7. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jul 01, 2005 04:40am | #10

    My Pex kit cost close to $400, FWIW.

    I never met a tool I didn't like!
    1. Waterbear | Jul 02, 2005 02:16am | #11

      We ended up settling on $500 plus materials. This includes design, oversight and hooking me up with some choice fixtures I wouldn't have otherwise been able to procure. I'm pretty happy with the arrangement, and ended up looking at it like this: To me it's worth more to learn a skill than to have someone do it for me. Essentially I get a free PEX class and access to a darn good plumber for the term of the project, all for $500. Worth it to me...Thanks all for your input.-Jack
      Waterbear Remodeling

      1. Bear | Jul 02, 2005 02:58am | #13

        Sounds like your a good man.Bear

      2. User avater
        dieselpig | Jul 02, 2005 03:54am | #14

         To me it's worth more to learn a skill than to have someone do it for me.

        Truer words have never been spoken my friend.  Good on ya.  And good on your buddy, the plumber, for sharing the wealth.  And good on ya again for realizing that his expertise are worth something and compensating him appropriately.

        He11, good on everyone.  It's the weekend!  A long weekend!

        (even though I'm working tomorrow)

  8. WillGeorge | Jul 02, 2005 02:19am | #12

    I did not know PEX was code for Potable water?

    1. Piffin | Jul 02, 2005 11:31pm | #15

      There is a hy-pex produced for potable 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. DonK | Jul 03, 2005 02:57am | #16

      Check your local codes. It isn't universally allowable. 

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