Would you buy a specialty tool your friend needs?

[Magnum440d100]

Didn’t know how to word the question.

Basically, if your friend needed a specialty tool, but was too cheap to buy it, would you buy it and then “rent” it to them?

I have a friend needing a certain socket to rebuild the pump on his VW Beetle TDI.

The socket is only $23 and shipping, but he is too cheap. It’s getting to the point of being able to smell the diesel fuel as it’s running. For sake of safety (at least for his kids that may and have occasionally ridden in the car) I’m thinking of buying the dang socket and “renting” it to him when he needs it.

Is that a d!€k move on my part?

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Is he cheap or can’t afford it? If he can’t afford it, you may want to help but if he can afford it but just doesn’t want to spend $30, then well, unless you are his mother, let him be.

 

[ken w.]

My best friend is really cheap when it comes to buying tools like this. I have bought a few tools , but it gets old. $ 23.00 isn't that much for a specialty tool.

 

[Shane6377]

Is he cheap or can’t afford it? If he can’t afford it, you may want to help but if he can afford it but just doesn’t want to spend $30, then well, unless you are his mother, let him be.

Only thing I'll add is that if it's a tool you'll use yourself then it may be worth it if he's willing to rent it for a few bucks. Makes your cost less in the long run. If it's something you won't use then refer to the above post.


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[Motorman55]

If he's a good friend and in need, then buy it and give the damn thing to him and tell him "Don't say I never gave you anything".

 

[Magnum440d100]

That’s just it. He may be able to afford it, but if he can “make something work” he would rather go that route....

As for if I need it, I have a Jetta TDI in the lineup that needs that pump replaced. Probably the only time I’ll use it (never say never though). The Jetta is way way way down the line of vehicles to be worked on. So I’ll need it maybe end of the summer....

 

[JRC3]

Does Autozone or the like "Rent" it? Had to replace a Northstar water pump and loaned a socket from them some years ago.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

I've done this kind of thing before - Was about a $120 tool that he needed for one project but a tool that I would use for other projects in the distant (years) future. We split the cost and I kept the tool. He got to use the tool when he needed it (and has used it a few times since actually), I have a tool for when I need it in the future and we each paid half price.

I'm guessing it's the triangle socket for the injection pump cover bolt.

Just use a straight, sharp, cold chisel right in the middle of the bolt head and give it a few solid hits and you'll be able to spin it out with a screw driver. Then you can replace the bolt with a non-security head one. It's a M6x1.0 x 62mm long. Rumor has it that a 7mm 12 point socket works as well.

 

[Magnum440d100]

I've done this kind of thing before - Was about a $120 tool that he needed for one project but a tool that I would use for other projects in the distant (years) future. We split the cost and I kept the tool. He got to use the tool when he needed it (and has used it a few times since actually), I have a tool for when I need it in the future and we each paid half price.

I'm guessing it's the triangle socket for the injection pump cover bolt.

Just use a straight, sharp, cold chisel right in the middle of the bolt head and give it a few solid hits and you'll be able to spin it out with a screw driver. Then you can replace the bolt with a non-security head one. It's a M6x1.0 x 62mm long. Rumor has it that a 7mm 12 point socket works as well.

Yes it is the triangle socket

We tried to find a socket to hammer on, but couldn’t find one we could sacrifice haha (first world problems, right)

I’ll tell him about the cold chisel to make a slot. I’m not sure if he wants to keep it a triangle bolt, or replace with another type.....

 

[matt_i]

Basically there are two philosophies, try to address issues as they arise, or run stuff into the ground. Both have their place but the way money is spent is different. The first one usually involves spending smaller amounts more regularly, in the latter there's periods of very little spending and then big amounts are required. E.g. one elects not to buy the $23 socket and continues to run the diesel pump. But it could get to the point where something internally is damaged and then one would need to buy an entire new pump which I am going to WAG is a 4 figure item at the VW dealer. Or the car is deemed too raggedy to put "more good money after bad" and its time to pony up for a new/used car.

So no, I wouldn't buy the socket. Your friend is just saving up for his next big purchase.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

If it was something he really wanted I'd buy it and send him a picture of me holding it.
Eventually I'd loan it to him, or just do the job for him. (So no I would not rent it to him).
See if auto parts places rent/loan it. (You could do the picture thing cheap).

If he had it would he actually use it? Some people make excuses not to do things.

 

[Lucky13driver]

Buy it give it to him and tell him how important it is to keep his family safe. And how ridiculous risking his family's safety over $25.

 

[cderalow]

if you're going to need it in the future, buy it and 'rent' it to him for a 6-pack.

 

[chaosracing]

Does Autozone or the like "Rent" it? Had to replace a Northstar water pump and loaned a socket from them some years ago.

^^^^^^^
This

Auto Zone, Advanced Auto and Some NAPA stores rent tools, actually you buy them, use them and then return them. But they are not put on the shelves for resale, they are kept there to re rent.

 

[aka Larry]

When you said specialty tool, I'm picturing the super expensive variety like BMW uses. $23 is pretty darn cheap!

 

[ratdoggy]

Buy it give it to him and tell him how important it is to keep his family safe. And how ridiculous risking his family's safety over $25.

When you said specialty tool, I'm picturing the super expensive variety like BMW uses. $23 is pretty darn cheap!

Most people wouldn't think twice about buying it.
Hell take it to a repair shop and see how much they mark up the cost of using that specialty socket.

 

[bwringer]

You could buy it as a sick burn; basically use this to blow him **** for being a cheapass. Make some jokes about passing the hat among the neighbors and the EPA so his broke *** could fix his Exxon Valdez Germexican disaster area of a POS car... it's a golden opportunity to rub it in.


A while back, a friend of mine refused to replace the pitiful glow worm headlight bulb on one of his motorcycles. The original bulb from 1982 still sorta worked, and he didn't see the point since we rarely ride at night. And he could definitely afford it; he was just being a cheapass. Once I made the tactical error of mentioning it to him, I think the ******* actually enjoyed the fact that it bugged me.

So I bought a bulb and next time he came over, I grabbed a screwdriver and replaced the damn thing without asking, telling him I'm sick of seeing that weak-*** yellow glow in my rear-view mirror. Well worth the $20 for a good Silverstar bulb, not some generic POS.

You gotta knock your friends around a little to show you care...

You could probably milk this incident for years of "cheap *******" insults, so $30 or so is a pretty good value.

 

[JRC3]

You could probably milk this incident for years of "cheap *******" insults, so $30 or so is a pretty good value.

This.


Reminds me of a friend of a friend who was a total tight-***. Years ago we were all out drinking and someone said. "everybody throw in a few bucks, it's Dave's turn to buy a round."

 

[slow]

I would likely buy it just to have in my toolbox and let me friend use it. Not the smartest financial move, but I like tools. I would look for a used one on eBay or amazon if possible.

 

[cvairwerks]

If he's too cheap to buy the proper $23 tool to fix a $1000+ injector pump, he's a *****. The socket and the seal kits, along with shipping is cheaper than what it would cost him for a fast food lunch every day for a week.

Hacks like him are why a buddy of mine makes about 25 grand a year turning repaired TDI's

 

[vavet]

1. Buy it.
2a. Give it to him for his birthday or Xmas.
2b. Give it one of his kids, and have them wrap it up as a Father's Day present.
2c. Give it to his wife. It can be his Valentine's or anniversary present.

 

[Dodge]

This.


Reminds me of a friend of a friend who was a total tight-***. Years ago we were all out drinking and someone said. "everybody throw in a few bucks, it's Dave's turn to buy a round."

Sounds like everybody know one!

 

[Flail]

If he is to cheap to buy the tool, is he too cheap to buy the repair part too?

 

[GrayFlattop]

If he truly is a friend, just buy it and give it to him or let him use it.

It's easy to spend small dollars on tools (unless perhaps he is really pressed financially - we've probably all been THERE at some point in our lives) - what's not easy is finding good friends.

People aren't perfect, obviously if this becomes a pattern it will put a strain on the friendship, but if you can afford it - then it makes you the bigger person.

 

[A**holes Garage]

If he truly is a friend, just buy it and give it to him or let him use it.

It's easy to spend small dollars on tools (unless perhaps he is really pressed financially - we've probably all been THERE at some point in our lives) - what's not easy is finding good friends.

People aren't perfect, obviously if this becomes a pattern it will put a strain on the friendship, but if you can afford it - then it makes you the bigger person.

I've never rented a friend anything. I've purchased lots of tools to help a friend, and fabricate things for them as well, at no cost. Has cost me thousands of dollars over the years. But, they were items I wanted to make and tools I could use afterward as well.

 

[JRC3]

Does this friend have a wife???

 

[Spulen81]

I had this socket at one point but it disappeared when I loaned out my timing belt tool set. I didn't think I'd be messing with them anymore so I didn't buy another. Then one came up that I had to get it done, no time to order it. I just smacked on a 12pt. I've done 5 or so pumps since without it.

 

[SteveCh]

If the guy's too cheap to buy the tool for a few bucks, what makes you [OP] thinks he's gonna be happy paying a few bucks to use it?

 

[dogdog]

Is he cheap or can’t afford it? If he can’t afford it, you may want to help but if he can afford it but just doesn’t want to spend $30, then well, unless you are his mother, let him be.

Amen. ....


last thing you wanted is that if he haven't lend me that tool,I wouldn't have start fixing that thing, and it wouldn't have broken beyond repair.. now, I can't drive it.... if ain't broke, I shouldn't have fix it...

but yea I Have done it before to some frugal "friend"... will never do it again... and that item was $100+ ... but anyways. it's your decision.... I just learn from my bad experience.... your "friend" might turn out different....


OTOH... have you try those gator grips ... I would think if your bolts have enough space for these things... might work...

 

[b-boy]

If he's a good friend and in need, then buy it and give the damn thing to him and tell him "Don't say I never gave you anything".

This one...I'd say Happy Birthday, hand it to him, then demand beer. I'd make sure I drank $23 worth of beer.

 

[shoot summ]

His decisions, his journey, you aren't helping him by not letting him learn his lessons...

I have friends I would buy the tool for, but they aren't buying a cheap ***.

 

[Magnum440d100]

If the guy's too cheap to buy the tool for a few bucks, what makes you [OP] thinks he's gonna be happy paying a few bucks to use it?

That and he is the type of guy that if I bought it, and he found out before it came time for him to need it, he would buy one because I had one...

I was pulling a Honda apart. I needed to take the O2 sensor out of the front manifold. To get a wrench on there I would have to take the heat shield off (more time wasted). He started grabbing tools and telling me I needed to remove the heat shield. I ignored him, turned around, reached in my tool box, and grabbed my O2 sensor socket and had the sensor out in under a minute.

He says “man that was quick. Maybe I should get one of those sockets!”

 

[Ign]

I would likely buy it just to have in my toolbox and let me friend use it. Not the smartest financial move, but I like tools. I would look for a used one on eBay or amazon if possible.

I do this a lot. Any excuse to buy tools, but if I buy it it's mine. I'll let responsible friends use it.

 

[mjeff87]

I'm finally breaking down and buying a 20T press, but I really don't have a good place to store it in my garage. My buddy just had a 80x100' shop/garage built on his property a couple minutes up the road and we struck a deal yesterday. I buy the press but he keeps it in his garage and we both use it when needed. Win-win.

 

[pepi]

Didn’t know how to word the question.

Basically, if your friend needed a specialty tool, but was too cheap to buy it, would you buy it and then “rent” it to them?

ROTFLMAO Really, you need others to tell you what to do... YES for sure buy the tool, and when he needs a new car buy that for him also

 

[ford33]

It's not your place to shame him into fixing it. Leave him alone.

If you feel the need to help, instead of buying the tool, donate the money to a charity. They'll put it to better use.

I personally do not have "cheap" friends. Life's too short to associate with people who take from you and never think of others needs. They are welcome elsewhere.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

It's not your place to shame him into fixing it. Leave him alone.

If you feel the need to help, instead of buying the tool, donate the money to a charity. They'll put it to better use.

I personally do not have "cheap" friends. Life's too short to associate with people who take from you and never think of others needs. They are welcome elsewhere.

Amen. Agreed.

All us Chicago people are smart!

 

[Jhoff310]

If he was truly in need I would consider it. If he's too cheap or a ******* with his money I would NOT.
a few year back a friend of my drove his truck around on a bad hub for almost a year, because he was throwing money at a piece of tail he was trying to get. The hub went out mothers day weekend, and the truck ended up in my driveway. Yeah my wife was PISSED. He didn't have the money for the parts, or any of the tools to do the job. My wife scolded me about it, and I had to pay a tow truck to get the damn thing out of my driveway. Now, if the situation was different, again, I would've considered it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If he's a friend in need, yeah help him out.

If he's too cheap and you buy the tool, I'd imagine, you'll be helping him fix it in your garage.

 

[Bellaireroad]

It sounds like the diesel smell is bothering you more than him...he probably doesn’t give a #%€¥ , and is using the excuse to get you off his back

Life’s lessons are not learned when there is always someone there to bail you out


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