2 idiots using my tools this week [rant]

[Vinko]

1. Guy looses a 13mm socket inside a van door while tightening the hinges and locking mechanism (trying to make door close flush). I notice the 13mm deep socket is gone about 3 days after it happened. Socket was an SK from a 3/8th's drive general service set.

So then I ask the ******* about it, and he said "oh, yeah, I forgot...but if you go to autozone, you can get one of those magnetic pick tools that goes like this (demonstrates a wavy line).

Anyway, what pissed me off is not that the socket dropped into an opening of the sheetmetal door, but that the f*cker didn't say anything, closed the service set box, and put it back where it's supposed to be, I suppose thinking no one would check. And then expects me to go to autozone and get a f*cking pick up tool to get it out. (My BP magnetic tool doesn't flex, and my flexible pick up tool can't "grab" onto the socket way down on the bottom inside of the door, so I do, in fact "need" one of these tools, but still].


2. I find a custom made open-ended wrench completely obliterated, like it was chewed up, put in a vise, bent, etc -- (wrench is supposed to be used for fasteners to hold down a jig on a CNC machine). This happened probably within last month. I think the guy who did it happens to be in jail (didn't show up for work a few weeks ago), so when he gets out, I'll have to confront him with it when he picks up his last check.


I have a bunch of other stories but I'm too pissed off to regale you with them.

I don't know, this 13mm SK socket thing. Not a lot of money, but the fact that the guy didn't tell me about it, apparently tried to hide it, and then doesn't give a **** about it.

Part of the job requires good tools, or they won't hold up. And part of the job can get by with Harbor Freight stuff, though most of it won't last.

I'm sick of getting everything set up right, so the we can be efficient, or get some good quality out the door, and then having some ******* with no respect screw something up.

I don't know what I'm going to do about guy from #1 rant. Maybe have him do stuff other than mechanical, maintenance for a month, and then make him check out stuff from me or someone else, and check it back in after that.

 

[Az Scooter]

I may be a jerk, but this indicates a generally cavalier attitude about everything to do with work. I would keep knucklehead 1 on a very short leash.
One of the first things I tell employees is that their primary job responsibility is not X, Y or Z. It is to make the company money. If the company does not make money, there will likely be no job. So, if they think that their job is a specific task, and I ask them to do something else, they can just figure it is part of their job description. I hire mostly older guys, so it works.

 

[TheGrooveking]

You need to make tool care part of everyone's reviews and increase structure. The guy with the SK socket, to me that is a written warning and I would post that incident for all to see. The whole crew needs to understand that they are screwing over the next guy who needs that tool. Make it well understood that tools wear and they break and that is no big deal, but they need to know they are responsible for reporting those things and loosing a tool is a personal problem that they are personally financially responsible for.

TheGrooveking

 

[wreckercologist]

Welcome to my hell

J/K! I feel your pain. It all comes down to a lack of respect by the borrower. They were never taught how respect works........like a two way street. So, like little children, they must be taught and punished when they mess up. Shouting and swearing usually don't work, but could be a good place to start.

I tell 'em "My tools, my rules! If you don't like it, don't let the door hit you where the Lord split you!"

 

[sams]

so your an employer of these guys?

 

[selohssa]

I may be a jerk, but this indicates a generally cavalier attitude about everything to do with work. I would keep knucklehead 1 on a very short leash.
One of the first things I tell employees is that their primary job responsibility is not X, Y or Z. It is to make the company money. If the company does not make money, there will likely be no job. So, if they think that their job is a specific task, and I ask them to do something else, they can just figure it is part of their job description. I hire mostly older guys, so it works.

Very, Very true.

 

[comedyman809]

time for your men to have their own tools.

you next want ad should read:

Must have own tools.

tell this guy to purchase his own set of tools.

 

[Stick Figure]

i can't believe anyone would let them use their tools like this. I just can't do it anymore. I would but a cheap craftsman set, and tell them if they lose something it comes out of their paycheck. If they lose it and can't work with out it, then they get the day off unpaid. Sorry but you really shouldn't have a problem losing tools if you are wrenching on things professionally.

 

[Professur]

time for your men to have their own tools.

you next want ad should read:

Must have own tools.

tell this guy to purchase his own set of tools.

+1. That's the rule I insist on in our lab. The company will replace any tool of yours that you damage through normal use during company time ... but you make the initial outlay. Even though they'd be reimbursed, guys get a whole lot more considerate of the tools then.

 

[Arne73]

This demonstrates the general lack of knowledge, courtesy and respect that most people have. Mechanics/electricians at my job are required to own their own tools, I won't lend mine except in extreme instances.
Many of the common tools are treated poorly, left about and so on. We have what used to be a real nice SO puller set, it's now just a collection of odd, useless parts.

 

[arkangel06]

Make him buy you a new socket

After he hands you the socket make him spend the whole day getting the old one out.

 

[babzog]

Sorry but you really shouldn't have a problem losing tools if you are wrenching on things professionally.

Or at least just 'fess up. I mean, a socket down a door panel is not a big deal - could happen to anyone (I lost a couple tools in my car last weekend, took a few minutes of fishing around and some help from my young son to get them extracted). I'm sure if buddy had told you, the two of you would have had it out in a few minutes.

But, with the hiding of the fact (essentially, sneaking around), I'd be pissed too. +1 to tell him to get his own tools.

 

[JSBriggs]

I find it funny that he knew what the solution (mag pick up) to the problem he created was, but didn't take the initiative to solve it. He also didn't come clean until confronted.

I'm guessing it would have gone better if he said "Hey, I dropped a socket in the door. Ill go buy a pick up tool at lunch, and you'll have it back this afternoon."


-Jeff

 

[rockchucker]

I loaned my Tile Saw and some other Woodworking Tools to my buddy that I grew up with. All of my Tools Especially all of my Tile Tools and Saws and such are meticulously cleaned RIGHT AFTER USE!!! Well my Saw sat with crusty used water in it for about a week I guess then he rinsed it out (did not clean it) and gave it back to me. I whacked him with a piece of Lathe all the way out of my shop right over to the Hose Bib where he was thrown some soap and a scrub brush. After cleaning he was informed to NEVER ask for my Tools EVER again. =)


Your story reminds me now that my BRAND NEW Craftsman set that I carry everywhere with me when I drive and let people borrow is mysteriously missing a 3/8 1/4" Drive Socket...

My Dad used to have a Red Sticker with this little Yellow puff-ball guy on it giving the Finger. It read: NO TOOLS LOANED


You should make the guy go buy a Magnet (making a squiggly line with your hand) and tell him to return your Socket to it's Home.

 

[comedyman809]

here is something i have in maint. shop....i went out and bought(company money) a very cheap set of tools...basics...hammer, screwdrivers, adjustables.pliers...etc....all for around 20 bucks.

they are my official loaner tools. and i do chase people for them back if i have to, but if one does slip away, then im not totally screwed. the guys who borrow are not mechanics and only need a tool once in a while to help setup there machine. these are machine operators making little money in the first place, so they are not required to buy tools.

 

[Monte]

Fire him

 

[Brad54]

On payday, give the guy a coat hanger and tell him to go fish the socket out of the van door. Tell him he has until closing time to get it, and if he doesn't have it by they, he can try again on Monday.
This will do two things--it'll train the guy to take better care of your tools, and it'll get your socket back, because the guy isn't going to go home on Friday night without a paycheck for the weekend.
Sometimes you need to treat grown adults just exactly like children.

Oh yeah... give him the coat hanger 15 minutes before the shop closes. Start shutting down the lights and locking up as the time gets closer. When 5 o'clock hits, tell him you gotta go and he can give it a shot again on Monday, as you're standing there by the last light switch waiting on him.

He was an inconsiderate, irresponsible ****--you have no shame in being a **** right back. You're the boss. Sometimes that's what the boss has to do.

If he doesn't get it out of the door when you kick him out, tell him to swing by the parts store over the weekend and pick up one of those magnetic retrievers, and you'll reimburse him on Monday for it, after he gets the socket out.

-Brad

 

[Toolhorder]

It's an SK socket, he probably was doing you a favor leaving it in there. lol j/k

A couple of months ago I had this big job on my lift I was trying to get out by 5pm. It's like 4:15pm and I had to do bushings still on both control arms and align the car still. I see our used car monkey going to the press to do something with a wheel bearing. I tell him don't use our bushing drivers or mess up that press I need to use it. Half hour later I have both control arms out of my car and he's gone so I go to the press and start the job. I try to put the bushing driver on top of the bushing and what do you know a used wheel bearing race is stuck in the bottom of the driver... WTF? I call over the used car guy and he trys about 30 seconds to remove it and gives up and says tell the company to buy more tools. I had to grind the race in half and pound it out to make the driver usable again. I wasn't a happy camper.

 

[Danglerb]

I'd assume after a couple days of that socket rolling around in the door the customer would come back and kill him anyway. Thats what I would fire him for. OTOH not having his own tools to start with would have kept me from hiring him.

 

[mdbeck1]

On payday, give the guy a coat hanger and tell him to go fish the socket out of the van door. Tell him he has until closing time to get it, and if he doesn't have it by they, he can try again on Monday.
This will do two things--it'll train the guy to take better care of your tools, and it'll get your socket back, because the guy isn't going to go home on Friday night without a paycheck for the weekend.
Sometimes you need to treat grown adults just exactly like children.

Oh yeah... give him the coat hanger 15 minutes before the shop closes. Start shutting down the lights and locking up as the time gets closer. When 5 o'clock hits, tell him you gotta go and he can give it a shot again on Monday, as you're standing there by the last light switch waiting on him.

He was an inconsiderate, irresponsible ****--you have no shame in being a **** right back. You're the boss. Sometimes that's what the boss has to do.

If he doesn't get it out of the door when you kick him out, tell him to swing by the parts store over the weekend and pick up one of those magnetic retrievers, and you'll reimburse him on Monday for it, after he gets the socket out.

-Brad

I'd tell him that when the socket shows back up in the set he gets his check. I don't care if he gets the original OR goes and buys one as long as it looks like it's part of the set.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I am responsible for ordering most supplies for my department.A couple of months ago a co-worker asked me to order a pair of slip-joint pliers to keep handy for loose forearm nuts on shotguns(we are hard on guns...more like torture testing).I checked on the pliers a week later and they were gone.Now i will not order any tools for anybody.They must go the head supervisor for them.As for the two jokers at the start of this thread...sad news...in my opinion young people don't give a damn about anything but a paycheck.The people my age(52) are hard workers and have seen some hard times and value a good paying job.I say write 'em both up and use progressively harsher punishment for any other infractions.

 

[z28snksknr]

Not work related, but I lent my tools (my first Crasftsman socket set) to a friend for 2 weeks a few years back. He left them out in the rain for 4 days. At that time, I was a poor college kid too.

People are jackasses with other people's property. My tools stay in my hands only now.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Drop a ballpoint pen into the same pit as the socket. Hand him his paycheck unsigned... point out to him that you need your socket and pen to complete the transaction...

 

[dieseldodge01]

I really don't like borrowing any tools if I don't have to. When I started to work on my cars and tractors that I own, I bought my own tools because I hated to have to borrow my Dads tools. If I broke or lost his I would feel like **** for breaking it. If I break my own no big deal. I have loaned a puller to my neighbor once, but I never like doing it, not sure how it will return. It does piss me off that someone would lose or break a tool and not tell the person, that is one thing I can't stand. I wouldn't say all young people just care about a paycheck, I would say I'm a very hard worker and want quality over quantity, but maybe I'm just old school.

 

[sberry]

Who hired him?

 

[mooman]

Sadly, you've gotta pay someone for the hours they've worked.
Damn laws!!

 

[LoneGunman]

Why does he not have his own tools? The company I work for as an electrician has a list of tools we must provide, if they are damaged on the job they will replace it or repair it. The only thing they supply is stuff like hydraulic knockout sets and benders, large hammer drills and other high dollar items, they are checked out and checked back in when you are done using them.

I carry a LOT more tools in my van than I am required because I hate not having the right tool for the job, the vans are take home vehicles so I don't worry about it getting broken into at the shop. The company also has agreed to replace stolen tools if a van is broken into, if you leave it on a job site it's your problem.

 

[oldgoat]

I'd have to tell the guy that I would be expecting a new SK socket the next day or the old one back. I don't usually mind loaning a tool to someone unless I already know that they don't take care of them. But if they screw up then it is the end of the loaning. Maybe stopping by HF to buy a set of tools for the purpose of loaning out might work.

 

[boiler7904]

Sadly, you've gotta pay someone for the hours they've worked.
Damn laws!!

Doesn't mean you can't make him sweat a little. I'd tell he was suspended without pay until the tool was retrieved (and in a condition equal to when he borrowed it) or replaced. Give him a couple of days to act. If not, consider it a resignation and withhold the cost of the replacement from his final check which would be waiting for him when he comes in to pick up any personal items. Sounds like the other guys in your shop need an example or you're going to keep getting walked all over. Also make it policy that loaning of basic tools ends on such date. No tools = no job. Plenty of guys with proper tools willing to use them given the opportunity in this economy.

 

[olds88]

give him a small raise and tell him now he has to buy his own tools. Craftsman minimum, Harbor Freight doesn't count because then he'll be looking for your tools anyway.

 

[bgott]

My Dad used to have a Red Sticker with this little Yellow puff-ball guy on it giving the Finger. It read: NO TOOLS LOANED

I've been looking for another one of those for years! Does anybody know where to get them?

 

[wreckercologist]

Drop a ballpoint pen into the same pit as the socket. Hand him his paycheck unsigned... point out to him that you need your socket and pen to complete the transaction...

Awesome idea!

 

[atari]

I left a 240pc socket set with my BROTHER for 2 weeks, I got back a 1/4 drive ratchet and 4 1/2 in drive sockets back. Now 7 years later I am the *** hole for keeping my tool box locked. We used to share dads garage but that is changing on Saturday, thank god.

 

[Blk63Vette]

Hello
I have accumultated my fair share of tools over the years. I am like everyone else I get "sensative" p.o. when a tool is returned dirty or not returned at all. My twin brother and I become closer since he divorced his "over bearing" wife. He decided changed his oil last week when I was painting the inside of the garage. (motivation came from recent unemployment and garage journal got some kick *** garages) He borrowed oil wrench and gave him a filter he drives a toyota truck and I have a toyota truck same oil filter. Im still painting in the garage trying to keep everything clean and not get too much paint on the garage floor. My brother hands me the tools he borrowed they are full of oil now my hands have oil and paint on them. He is taking the hand cleaner and squirting it all over the place and walked in the garage stepped in some paint and is now making a trail inside the garage!! I told him W.T.F.? Cant you see what I am doing? He just worried about what he wants to do..Maybe Im lil ****?? But, I wasnt in the mood to help him with his car problems...Oh well he family..

 

[Michael]

I will hardly lone out any tool anymore. I have a 5 foot pry bar that I used to let a guy borrow to bust open lawnmower crates. Well after finding it laying on the ground outside of the shop after closing time I decided to put a end to it. I stashed it away so no one could find it then asked him for it the next day. He looked everywhere for it but couldn't find it. I told him I wanted it replaced so he bought another one. Then I went and got mine from where I had it. He wasn't happy at first but after that he could use his own when ever he wanted. And if he wanted to leave it outside in the dirt that was fine with me.

Another time the owner of the place I worked at decided we would grab a #4 phillips screwdriver from my box to pry open a wooden box. I was on the forklift at the time and just happened to look over and see him with it in his hand. I thought to myself that it better not be my screwdriver. Sure enough when I get done I pull that screwdriver out and it is bent. I brought to the service managers office and told him I was gone if it's not replaced within the next couple days. There was new one on my box the next day. After that I would lock my box just to go to the bathroom.

 

[Hawk321]

I don't know what I'm going to do about guy from #1 rant. Maybe have him do stuff other than mechanical, maintenance for a month, and then make him check out stuff from me or someone else, and check it back in after that.

I would sue you for mobbing and discrimination!!!!

Where is the problem??? When you are not able to get some basic tools like a mag pick up so shut up!

Now you wasting your energy what penalty is the right one??? Hell...start with you!

Just do the standard...tell your employess to buy own tools and pay him 10$ less for the lost of those 2 sockets....
It's easy....



@monte

That's why I hate germany...fire your employes for nothing.
Problems like Vinkos has is a evidence for poor stupid leading!

Why does he not have his own tools? The company I work for as an electrician has a list of tools we must provide, if they are damaged on the job they will replace it or repair it. The only thing they supply is stuff like hydraulic knockout sets and benders, large hammer drills and other high dollar items, they are checked out and checked back in when you are done using them.

I carry a LOT more tools in my van than I am required because I hate not having the right tool for the job, the vans are take home vehicles so I don't worry about it getting broken into at the shop. The company also has agreed to replace stolen tools if a van is broken into, if you leave it on a job site it's your problem.

Right!!! That's social buisness. Work with your employees and not against them!

 

[Fubar]

Not work related, but I lent my tools (my first Crasftsman socket set) to a friend for 2 weeks a few years back. He left them out in the rain for 4 days. At that time, I was a poor college kid too.

People are jackasses with other people's property. My tools stay in my hands only now.

A buddy of mine borrowed a two week old Snap-On cobalt drill index. He had left it out in the rain (or at least it got sprayed down) And that's the way I got it back. He never said a word to me about it, and I didn't notice until a couple of weeks later...

 

[Shadowdog500]

I am extremely selective who I loan tools to because of similar experiences. I lent a Mac 1/2" ratchet and socket set to a friend. A few weeks later I called and he said I never lent them to him. This went on for about six months and he kept saying I never lent him the tools. Finally I lucked out and spotted my set on top of his toolbox. Turns out my friend forgot who he borrowed them from and was waiting for his brother to pick them back up. What pisses me off even more is that this actually happened to me twice and the second time I had to go over to his neighbors house to get my stuff, because he though he borrowed them from his neighbor, and when he brought the stuff to the neighbor, the neighbor actually took the stuff like they were his. I also have multiple stories of people abusing my stuff then acting surprised when I get pissed off. I guess they treat all their stuff like **** and think everyone else does too. Maybe that is why they have to borrow because they cant find or use theirs.

Chris

 

[porphyre]

Hello
I have accumultated my fair share of tools over the years. I am like everyone else I get "sensative" p.o. when a tool is returned dirty or not returned at all. My twin brother and I become closer since he divorced his "over bearing" wife. He decided changed his oil last week when I was painting the inside of the garage. (motivation came from recent unemployment and garage journal got some kick *** garages) He borrowed oil wrench and gave him a filter he drives a toyota truck and I have a toyota truck same oil filter. Im still painting in the garage trying to keep everything clean and not get too much paint on the garage floor. My brother hands me the tools he borrowed they are full of oil now my hands have oil and paint on them. He is taking the hand cleaner and squirting it all over the place and walked in the garage stepped in some paint and is now making a trail inside the garage!! I told him W.T.F.? Cant you see what I am doing? He just worried about what he wants to do..Maybe Im lil ****?? But, I wasnt in the mood to help him with his car problems...Oh well he family..

Maybe your brother wasn't thinking and/or is in-experienced. A lot of times, people don't have a reference point for the golden rule. They don't know how you should be treated because they don't know how they'd like to be treated. Here's my story....

Many moons ago I was young, lived in an apartment, had never had my own garage, etc. I was just learning to do car maintenance. My buddy was showing me how to change my oil and I spilled a quart of dirty, black, old oil on his floor. He had some kitty litter and some rags. We tried to clean it up as best we could. Looking back, I feel worse and worse about doing that in his garage. Kind of a **** move. But I didn't know any better!

Anyway, long story short, if I'm ever helping out somebody or borrowing someone's big tools (lift, cherry picker, etc) I'm sure to bring a few pounds of kitty litter, a roll of blue towels, and some cardboard. Now that I own a garage and tools, I know how I'd like them to be treated so I treat others the same way.

 

[crewchief888]

I've been looking for another one of those for years! Does anybody know where to get them?

i see them at swap meets