Always asking to borrow my tools...
- Thread starter DieselRiver
- Start date
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Mostly my SO long handled double box wrenches or SO pliers, but when i bring a new Snap On tool or two in and he see's me bring them to my toolbox, he'll say "Oh nice to know if i need one of those i can borrow them sometime".. Not only does he always ask to borrow, but he also routinely steals tools if you leave your box unlocked, or takes some of shops tools.
Well,,, We need to give you some grumpy old fart lessons!!
he says:
" Oh nice to know if I need one of those I can borrow them sometime"
One Possible Response:
Oh ya sure ya betch ya ,,, This is $XXXX, that is too damn rich for your taste;;;; If you are too damn cheap to buy your own; you sure as heck would be too cheap to replace this one if you lost it or screwed it up..
or:
Yes, It is a $XXXX tool; but it has a glitch that you will not like; it is allergic to freeloaders...
or:
Snappy has one for you on the truck, If you need one you can still catch him,,,,, better run!
or:
They got your version at Harbor Freight
or:
Dream on!!
or:
Screw that noise
or:
If you needed one, you would have owned one by now
or:
You might have to cut into your drinking and smoking money and buy one
or:
no, I am going to break my bad habit of loaning out tools...
or:
no
Take your pick,, but remember one thing: words can be like emotional bullets, so don't use unnecessary force... pick your battles wisely.... But stand up for YOURSELF....
It is not totally uncommon for experienced technicians with years of experience and loaded toolboxes to occasionally loan out or borrow a specific tool or different brand of tool from each other.... I rather DOUBT that this would describe your situation....
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I can see the value in occasionally loaning out a tool to someone with a decent amount of tools -- in case you ever need to borrow something from them or need a hand. But a guy with a little bit of HF isn't serious about their career.
Trey T
Well-known member
How is your co-worker's work performance? is he a slacker?
When I was working as a tech. That's how I handled it. If you loan someone something on a regular basis then yes by all means they need to get thier own. It's not being mean or out of line. I'm the first to help, but there is a limit to things.
That is a viable exception. Two like minded people who on their own are invested in their futures. Those same people will end up buying a tool like the one they borrowed. Not out of a need to keep up with the Jones or who's got a bigger **** or budget, but out of personal pride for their craft.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Next time just say "man, you really need to start buying some more tools". If you have never felt the need to borrow his knowledge or tools, then you have nothing to loose. There is no reason why a middle aged man who has money for cigs and beer should be borrowing tools from a 17 year old kid. Don't get pushed around because of your age. What did this guy do before you were around?
Mostly my SO long handled double box wrenches or SO pliers, but when i bring a new Snap On tool or two in and he see's me bring them to my toolbox, he'll say "Oh nice to know if i need one of those i can borrow them sometime".
Okay dude, home depot has balls on sale. Nip it in the bud. Why deal with a scrub?
Makoto
Well-known member
If you are a mechanic and can't afford to get some tools from sears you're spending way too much money on beer and hookers.
Trey T
Well-known member
If he steal tools, that's out of line and can be terminated of his job. You should report it to your superior! That's more important than complaining about your current issue.
Mostly my SO long handled double box wrenches or SO pliers, but when i bring a new Snap On tool or two in and he see's me bring them to my toolbox, he'll say "Oh nice to know if i need one of those i can borrow them sometime".
I would stop loaning tools to this guy...Take a serious chat with him! In sweden the firm is buying the tools so its not the same thing if your coworker break or lost your tools here! BUT i hate when someone borrow my tools at work and use it like a hammer or prybar!
F-Bobby
Well-known member
When i first started out I had to borrow stuff. It was just a necessity. But I was told very early on that If I had to borrow it twice, then I should buy it. I've lived by that rule since then. Tell him the same thing. If he's any kind of a decent person then he will understand. If he's not, then the next time he tries to go into your box, yell at him and let him know that he needs to buy his own stuff.
OP
DieselRiver
Well-known member
He has money, he just doesnt spend it on tools.
ttpete
Well-known member
If you're the only one who he borrows tools from, that means everyone else has cut him off. He's taking advantage of you. He's a hack and a bum. Just tell him flat out that you're not there to loan out your tools, and to keep his hands off of them. Don't worry about hurting his feelings, he's heard it from everyone else already.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
What's the guy spend all his money on if he don't buy tools? He's probably the type that spends a hundred dollars a week on cigarettes instead of buying tools. Either that or spend it all on beer.
OP
DieselRiver
Well-known member
Cigarettes and multiple cars
just a noob
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2013
- Messages
- 261
Paint all of your tools pink
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Yep, just as I thought. Tell him that if he wants to borrow anymore tools, he's gonna have to quit smoking and drive just one car.
OP
DieselRiver
Well-known member
Drinking is usually cheaper too
At my rate lol. On the average I would say I go through a small bottle of Woodford Reserve, maybe 20-30 beers, and 4-5 bottles of wine in a year.
AlwaysInTraining
Member
Drinking is usually cheaper too
Very true. I smoke but I make my own so it costs me roughly 70 cents a pack. I can't imagine buying 7 dollar packs.
mikeselky85
Well-known member
I made a similar mistake as well. I gave one of the guys I'm good friends with at work my spare key because he normally closes and he's just starting out and doesn't have everything. Well I gave him the key and told him to use it if he ever gets stuck on a job. But I've noticed when I show up on my days off my box is always unlocked and he's working out of it. It's irritating because he's so reluctant to buy his own tools. And worst part is that he's a friend, but I figure when I buy my next add on for the box I'll request my key back to have the box "re-keyed" and just never give him the spare
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Your key could become "lost" and You could ask for that spare key back from the buddy. Just time it so he does not have time to hike down to the hardware store and get a new key made for you (((and plan to keep your spare)))) That is your key; it's return is due upon request..... or.. You could be up front and simply ask for the key back,.. Would not be selfish at all... You have helped him get started... But isn't it time for him to buy a few more tools.... If he figures that he will need a certain tool when you are not at work, loan him that one tool and lock your box when you leave....
However,,, try not develop any bad habits; like loaning the same tool to the same guy on a regular basis..