Borrowing tools at the shop...

[phil du jour]

So I started my first day as a tech at an Audi dealership through the Vets to Techs program. As part of the program I purchased a big Snap-On tool set that is really a bargain (it's $1500 for the 6 drawer compact rolling cab and a whole slew of tools including socket sets, filter sockets, screwdrivers, plier set, breaker bars, ratchets, you name it). I am essentially buying a 6 drawer Snapon box and getting a toolset for free.

Anyway my kit was ordered by Audi corporate and has not arrived yet, it has been a week. The guy who works in the stall next to mine knows this and understands it, and we get along pretty well (he was very interested in my aircraft maintenance stories from the Air Force). Since I don't have my Snapon kit yet, I brought the only tools I really have currently - which is one of those Craftsman 100-something piece kits, plus a few odds and ends. No air tools or anything.

Throughout the day I apologized profusely to the guy and asked him if I could borrow his tools. I know that it's a cardinal sin in this career field and I do not want to make it a habit. However, I have little choice right now until my stuff gets in, which could be another two weeks since the kit is not shipped by any local franchisee, it comes straight from the castle on the hill. My father in law is going to loan me a bunch of his tools as well. I really need to get an air wrench but I can't afford one until tax returns come in which won't be for a few days yet.

Anyway, how big of a deal is this? Am I blowing it out of proportion? I understand that guys invest upwards of 10k in their tools and that their tools are their livelihoods. It won't be long before I've got my own collection, too, I'm just having a rough start is all. Should I step lightly? I offered him a 12 pack, I just felt really ******* horrible and I just felt... plain ashamed to ask him to borrow tools.

 

[Hopalong604]

It's no big deal if I lend tools once in a while, but if it becomes a habit then I'll pull the plug on it. We have an apprentice that parties every weekend and tells us all about it every Monday morning. His box is basically empty and he borrows tools from all the techs. We all told him to fak off and stop partying and start buying tools.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I don't think it's a big deal if you borrow tools because you don't have any, but have some coming. It's a different thing if you're making money off of his tools and you aren't willing to fork out cash to make your living. I'm sure he understands.

 

[blown94conv]

If he is understanding of your situation, make sure you show him the same appreciation. Return the tools promptly, don't make him ask for them back. And a gift card once you can afford it, just to say thanks, goes a long way. I let someone borrow some tools I have that he can't afford, and they are special use tools, but when he returned them promptly, cleaned them, and threw me a gift card to say thanks, I am much more willing to help him in the future. I didn't ask, he did it on his on.

 

[BajaBound]

Offer to buy his lunch for a few days.

 

[Westly]

Most people will let a nice guy borrow tools until they can afford some. I think the main thing that would piss a loaner off would be the thought that you won't lay out like you need to and like they did but in your case your tools are already ordered. It will be a pain to you but you should ask before you borrow each time. Hopefully he'll say you don't have to ask and that will end that

I had my own tools and got accused of stealing a tool by person A, who was loaning tools to person B. Ironically, person B stole one of my tools until I was asking everybody if they'd seen it, then he said he found it, and returned it.

 

[Diddly]

Given your situation I would be be happy to lend you my tools if in that position. As stated it's the apprentices and tight wads that are borrowing more than buying that is the problem. I give my guys the three strike rule,if they need to borrow it more than twice they need there own.

 

[tshetter]

Offer to buy his lunch for a few days.

^This^

And maybe a case or two of beer or a bottle of something that he likes.

Also let him know just how much you appreciate his help as you are getting on your feet in the new job.

I worked with an old Army guy that was a helicopter mechanic and also a technical inspector, he had tons of great stories, awesome work ethic, and a ton of mechanical knowledge. One of the best guys I have ever known let alone worked with.


Good luck with your new job!

 

[yost69]

I don't see a big deal in this situation.

You have tools ordered and coming. It's not like you started working and don't plan on buying any tools.

I am not familiar with the program so I have a couple questions.

Did you have to go to some schooling to get this job?
You say you repaired aircraft in the military so you have no auto experience?

The reason I ask is because most people I know that work on their own and others cars have tools. And if you have no auto experience, why the heck did Audi throw you under a car without a trainer?

But as for borrowing tools, if you take care of them better than the owner I can't see there being a problem. But I am not one of the people that get pissed when someone asks to borrow a tool. Me and another guy I work with, work out of each other boxes all the time. It has been 3 years now and not one of us have "lost" a tool yet.

As for the new guys that pop in it is a kind of check out situation. You check with me before you borrow a tool and if it is not wiped off and put back in the drawer it came from, you don't borrow anymore.

So maybe this guy is like me. Doesn't give a hoot as long as you are asking to borrow something and not abusing his tools.

 

[Wayfastwhitie440]

Its just good that you have a understanding co-worker. I loan out stuff and I borrow stuff. Bu yours will show up soon hopefully. But Yeah I would definitely take him to lunch. I had a new guy come in and would buy tools to upgrade but not expand his tools. I told him If you have to ask everyday to borrow the same tool then you need to buy one now. But once your box does come in you need to make sure you post it up in lets see your toolbox

 

[Rico.]

He sounds like a good guy and understands your situation, you sound like a good guy
and deeply appreciate his generosity...

Maybe along with the odd lunch you could buy him a tool that he want's but never got
round to buy for himself, that way whenever he uses it he will always think of you and feel
pleased that he helped one of the good guys out when they were just starting.

I wish you the best of luck with your new career.

 

[3baygarage]

I understand the situation and I agree with most of you guys. Just seems strange the dealership would put you on the clock before your tools were available.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Sure you could borrow my tools but....you will have to buy me lunch (Steak Sandwich) and a bottle of Crown....that day...

 

[Tool504]

I think what everyone else said is basically spot on. Just be respectful of his tools, and always return them clean and promptly when you're done using them. Be sure to thank him and also let him know your own tool set is already on order and should be arriving soon.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Like everyone else said, I don't see a problem. Just return them before he has to ask for them back, and make sure they are CLEAN! Cleaner than when you picked them up. Beer and food makes friends.

 

[iajonesy]

Go back and read what Rico said. You can also use this time to see what other tools will be NEEDED for your job. Good luck and Godspeed.

Mike

 

[jakemac]

Put $20 on a gift card from his favorite coffee place. He can fill his cup each morning on the way to work while you're waiting for your box to show up.

 

[StackedDodge96]

I started with my company right out of school, I started with a small craftsman 4 drawer carry toolbox. Upgraded to where I am now with a 58" filled with tools and still growing. I borrow angle wrenches from the older techs that have them and some specialty items. I use them quite often but not so much that i can just drop that kind of cash yet. Especially on snap on angle wrenches!
Always clean and return before the day is through before they can ask you too.

 

[Speed4Life]

In that situation I'd think most people would be pretty understanding. Like others have said, just find a way to show you really appreciate his kindness. If you need some cheap air tools to get by, try hitting up a pawn shop. You can usually find some decent stuff for cheap.

 

[BK13]

Thank you for your service!

 

[AcuraTech225]

I agree with what everyone else has said. The past 3 hourly kids I have trained all have had to borrow some tools from me for the first month or so. We understand it's an exspensive profession to get into and you won't be able to afford everything you need at once.

I also wanted to say Thank You for your service.

 

[phil du jour]

Wow, thank you for all of the replies guys. I like the gift card idea. I will definitely be doing that for him along with some booze and some lunch. That is a fantastic idea that I would have never thought of on my own.

Now to answer some questions thrown my way:

yost69: Did you have to go to some schooling to get this job?
You say you repaired aircraft in the military so you have no auto experience?

The reason I ask is because most people I know that work on their own and others cars have tools. And if you have no auto experience, why the heck did Audi throw you under a car without a trainer?

The only experience I have working on cars is keeping my own vehicles running, nothing official. Ever since I was 16 and got my first car (with my own money that I earned I might add) I did all of my maintenance myself. I brought my car back from being nearly totaled in a nasty wreck with a drunk driver to working condition in my gravel driveway with no help from anybody but the good old Haynes manual. Even after I got into the military I kept busy with mechanical projects on the side. When I worked aircraft, if I had to do something I had never done before, I got the book and got to work and figured it out as I went.

The Audi program is set up so that any veteran with any mechanical experience - whether you fixed MRAPS, aircraft, or generators - is eligible. I am slotted to go to a 2-week fast track training program Audi set up for the vets. As far as I can tell they do not require any previous training or schooling, I hardly think I am a special case as I have no schooling or any training specifically pertinent to automotives.

As far as getting on the clock without tools - I have been working on getting this job for almost two months now. I applied at the beginning of December and interviewed before Christmas. Since then my application has gone through a lot of people at the dealership. When I finally got the 'You're hired!' call the last week of January, I ordered the tools. I was not going to drop money on all of that before I knew I would have a job using them (I have no logical use for Snapon at home, I don't do anything that Craftsman or even Harbor Freight can't handle).

The problem is the tool sets only ship out once a month, from my understanding. I ordered in time to get slotted in for February. My SM has been wanting to get me in to work as soon as possible. After today he even offered to bring a bunch of tools from his garage at home for me to use, as well, until my stuff comes in.

Thank you for all of your replies again. I feel a lot better about it, now. I did make sure to treat his tools well and I made sure they were clean before I handed them back to him and I did not assume that because he said it was okay once, meant it was okay all the time. I just really wish (I know, wish in one hand **** in the other) that the damn things would get in. I hate not being self-sufficient, especially at work.

I have heard the 'three strikes' rule. It was the first piece of advice my SM gave me - if you need to borrow a tool more than twice, you should probably buy it!

Thank you for your service!

I agree with what everyone else has said. The past 3 hourly kids I have trained all have had to borrow some tools from me for the first month or so. We understand it's an exspensive profession to get into and you won't be able to afford everything you need at once.

I also wanted to say Thank You for your service.

Thank YOU for paying your taxes and keeping me and my family fed for 6 years!

 

[efb16acrx]

In a situation like yours, where you don't seem to be a complete toolbag and put my tools back, clean, and where they came from? I'd let that slide for a while. Buying me lunch would be a nice touch.

 

[Filson]

Agree with everyone, the biggest issue for me personally, with loaning people tools is having to go track it down. I instantly get pissed when I remember someone borrowed something from me earlier in the day and I have to go track them down to get it back.

Treat the tools right, keep them clean, and return them as soon as your finished with them, and I think everything will be just fine. It's certainly not unheard of for new people to be in this situation, been there myself, and I'm sure he's seen it before and seems happy to help you out. Take the opportunity, and try to make a friendship out of it.

 

[Wayfastwhitie440]

Thank You for your service. How long were you in?

 

[Airframer]

Thank You for your service. How long were you in?

I'm guessing six years. What platform did you work on?

 

[phil du jour]

I'm guessing six years. What platform did you work on?

You guess correctly. AC-130s.

 

[Jrussell86]

Thank you for your service!

Same here I would be glad to let you borrow mine while yours were on order.

 

[nicksnothereman]

So I started my first day as a tech at an Audi dealership through the Vets to Techs program. As part of the program I purchased a big Snap-On tool set that is really a bargain (it's $1500 for the 6 drawer compact rolling cab and a whole slew of tools including socket sets, filter sockets, screwdrivers, plier set, breaker bars, ratchets, you name it). I am essentially buying a 6 drawer Snapon box and getting a toolset for free.

Anyway my kit was ordered by Audi corporate and has not arrived yet, it has been a week. The guy who works in the stall next to mine knows this and understands it, and we get along pretty well (he was very interested in my aircraft maintenance stories from the Air Force). Since I don't have my Snapon kit yet, I brought the only tools I really have currently - which is one of those Craftsman 100-something piece kits, plus a few odds and ends. No air tools or anything.

Throughout the day I apologized profusely to the guy and asked him if I could borrow his tools. I know that it's a cardinal sin in this career field and I do not want to make it a habit. However, I have little choice right now until my stuff gets in, which could be another two weeks since the kit is not shipped by any local franchisee, it comes straight from the castle on the hill. My father in law is going to loan me a bunch of his tools as well. I really need to get an air wrench but I can't afford one until tax returns come in which won't be for a few days yet.

Anyway, how big of a deal is this? Am I blowing it out of proportion? I understand that guys invest upwards of 10k in their tools and that their tools are their livelihoods. It won't be long before I've got my own collection, too, I'm just having a rough start is all. Should I step lightly? I offered him a 12 pack, I just felt really ******* horrible and I just felt... plain ashamed to ask him to borrow tools.

If he doesn't have redundant tools it's a big deal. Might want to grab some stuff at retail for the time being (I don't mean snap on, I mean craftsman, kobalt, pittsburgh pro, husky). Something is better than nothing even if they don't last a lifetime. Plus that set you bought probably doesn't have everything you need.

 

[lwlobo]

...

The Audi program is set up so that any veteran with any mechanical experience - whether you fixed MRAPS, aircraft, or generators - is eligible. I am slotted to go to a 2-week fast track training program Audi set up for the vets. As far as I can tell they do not require any previous training or schooling, I hardly think I am a special case as I have no schooling or any training specifically pertinent to automotives.

That's fantastic, it's great to see companies actively trying to give work to our vets.

I wish you the best, and if you treat your co-worker and his tools with respect (which it sounds like you are), I don't think he'll have any problem letting you use what you need until you can get your own.

Maybe I'll have to check out an Audi...

 

[BK13]

Same here I would be glad to let you borrow mine while yours were on order.

Indeed, but Oregon to Michigan is a long way to deliver tools!

Maybe I'll have to check out an Audi...

Most definitely!

 

[Airframer]

You guess correctly. AC-130s.

That's awesome - a C-130 with balls . Also pretty damned cool that Audi has a program like that.

 

[rtole]

I have helped guys in that kind of situation. As long as they were trying to buy their own stuff as they could. As far as if you need to borrow something more than once you need to buy it, for me its always worked to have stuff they dont, so they have to borrow from you. Makes it nice. For many years another tech and myself had each others keys, so on the days we did not work together, we could borrow as needed. That way we didnt need to both have every specialty tool. We could both do more work and spend less. If both parties are trustworthy, it can work.

 

[yost69]

The only experience I have working on cars is keeping my own vehicles running, nothing official. Ever since I was 16 and got my first car (with my own money that I earned I might add) I did all of my maintenance myself. I brought my car back from being nearly totaled in a nasty wreck with a drunk driver to working condition in my gravel driveway with no help from anybody but the good old Haynes manual. Even after I got into the military I kept busy with mechanical projects on the side. When I worked aircraft, if I had to do something I had never done before, I got the book and got to work and figured it out as I went.

That makes a little more sense to me now. You have more than, for the lack a better word, "basic" experience.

The Audi program is set up so that any veteran with any mechanical experience - whether you fixed MRAPS, aircraft, or generators - is eligible. I am slotted to go to a 2-week fast track training program Audi set up for the vets. As far as I can tell they do not require any previous training or schooling

I have never worked on an aircraft in my life but I imagine there is a difference between working on cars and working on planes. If someone told me to go fix a plane I believe I would just stand there with a dumbfounded look on my face for awhile.

I am perplexed as to why they would just give you a bay and let you go alone without someone guiding you. Obviously the trainer would have the tools that both of you used until you were left to go on your own. By that time your collection would be built up enough to do a slew of jobs.

As far as getting on the clock without tools - I was not going to drop money on all of that before I knew I would have a job using them

Yeah I understand that, as I am sure the guy loaning to you does also. I just thought if you worked on cars at home you had tools you could bring in until your "kool-aid" came in. (I always wanted to say that LOL) Besides your craftsman set that you already brought. That was why I was asking.

 

[Outlander]

Great initiative by Audi. Just remember to 'pay it forward'.

While not in the business, I can imagine you guys closing down on a Friday night, cleaning everything and making sure supplies and tools are back in place. Sounds like a good time to chat with your co-worker and help him out. That and the coffee/lunch ideas will get you a friend.

Thanks for your service to your country.

 

[Supe]

It's no big deal if I lend tools once in a while, but if it becomes a habit then I'll pull the plug on it. We have an apprentice that parties every weekend and tells us all about it every Monday morning. His box is basically empty and he borrows tools from all the techs. We all told him to fak off and stop partying and start buying tools.

Has this dude complied? Has he bought tools?

 

[fxgmech]

I loan and borrow tools frequently. I expect all the youngsters to get their own stuff. Until then, I'm happy to loan tools to anyone who'll bring things back ASAP, in the same or better condition. Loaning tools is a small favor to my fellow employees but a big favor to our employer.

 

[Skin]

If he doesn't have redundant tools it's a big deal. Might want to grab some stuff at retail for the time being (I don't mean snap on, I mean craftsman, kobalt, pittsburgh pro, husky). Something is better than nothing even if they don't last a lifetime. Plus that set you bought probably doesn't have everything you need.

I have to agree with this. I don't mind lending my tools out at all but if you have my only 10mm socket or wrench every day im going to get annoyed very quickly.

On the flip side I don't like being dependent on others to finish my tasks.

OP, what you borrow at work, do you have at home? If so bring it in. Go buy a tool cart at HF and fill the sucker until you get your main box. A few days I might tolerate it, but a few weeks...

You do get a pay check from this place right? If so you don't need your tax return to go to HF and pick up an impact wrench and some basics. Even after you get your primary box its still good to have those back ups and a tool cart is always useful. They'll get used believe me.

Perhaps this might sound harsh but there is no excuse for anyone to go the better part of a month without something as basic as an impact wrench if you're serious about a career in automotive repair. A few hundred dollars at HF is absolutely justified in this instance, regardless of what you have on order, instead of severely handicapping yourself working out of a very basic tool kit.

 

[rodm1]

Consistently borrowing tools really pisses me off. But if the guy is starting out and aggressively buying them then I will give him a brake. What about paying him a rental fee or buying a gift card from SO weekly or pay down his truck account? If you did that I think he will under stand your are in a pinch and trying to make things right.

I have 2 guys at work that whose there like 4 and 6 years that would always barrow tools I finally said enough get your own tools. I would like to say many tools in my trade are under $10 not expensive at all. But some guys really don't mind until they have to search the shop for there tools. I would always keep them in view sow the owner can just grab it when needed.

 

[bad_idea]

OP,

I read your post and skipped right to the response. This is a subject I take seriously and feel strongly about. I work in ship repair though, so my tools are wandering around the ship, not just inside a garage. If I were the guy working with you, I would observe how you treat my tools for the first day or two, then I would let you use whatever you need until your tools come in, quit asking me every time you need something, just grab it. You sound like a decent guy stuck in a spot we have all been in, no big deal. As long as you treat his tools w/ respect, no big deal.