Borrowing Tools

[Gangly]

I have a separate set of tools that I generally will allow others to grab from, but there is only one other individual allowed to use my preferred tools, and they are more concerned and consistent about tool placement and organization than I am. Like me, if they break or lose a borrowed tool, they will replace it with a brand new one of the same make and model, regardless of the condition of the lost tool or the cost of the replacement. There are very few people like that left in the world, and the individual has carte blanche with my tools because I trust them that much to take care of, or replace, anything left in their care.

On the other side of things, there are friends and family members that I wouldn't let borrow a rusty pair of pliers, and I think offense has been taken as a result. They are welcome to bring over their vehicles or equipment, and use some of my tools while in my shop/driveway, but there is no way I would let them take my tools to their house to work on their projects. Do you let friends and family borrow your tools, and if so do you have stipulations and requirements?

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

I borrow to my son and he borrows from me. That's it. I borrowed tools to friends long ago; never again. One "friend" had a borrowed tool so long that when I asked for it back, he got pissed and thought it was his.

 

[kbuhagiar]

After consolidating three household's worth of tools earlier this year, I was left with one box of high-quality spares, which I kept for myself, and two boxes full of extra 'average quality' spare tools. I considered giving the AQ spares to Goodwill but changed my mind, and instead keep them on hand as 'expendables'. If someone needs to borrow a tool, or if I need a backup tool in place at some remote site, it comes out from there. If I never see the tool again, no big deal.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have a big drawer of **** tools that I lend out, otherwise no effing way. And when it's gone I'm not replacing it. I've been questioned rather nastily about why these tools and not my drawers and sheds of tools I use myself. My answer. Did you pay for them?

 

[ssjones]

I have this on my box, sometimes it works.

 

[Meursault74]

I'll let my brother borrow something. He lives a few blocks away. I just told him, "bring it back as soon as you're done with it". Because you know that will be the tool I need when something breaks, and of course it'll be at his place when I need it if you don't bring it back right away. Don't ask how I know this.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Depends on who it is and what it is. I’ve loaned the neighbor kid, who is friends with my stepdaughter, my 24” HF breaker bar, a big socket and my ball joint press, when he was fixing the front end of his Jeep Liberty. Good kid and would have no problem loaning him tools again, because he returned them the next day, wiped down, probably cleaner than when I handed them to him. My son has most of his own tools but if he needed a specialty tool that he was going to use once I’d loan it to him. His mom (my ex) not so much. I used to lock my tool box from her because she wouldn’t put tools back in the box. I had a cheap pair of pliers, a small crescent wrench, and a couple of screwdrivers in the “junk” drawer in the kitchen for her to use.

 

[four.cycle]

If my buddy LRO asked to borrow something, I'd just give it to him. I learned long ago that he just simply never returns stuff. He still has my Belden wire crimpers I "loaned" him in the late 1970s when I was still driving the Opel.
If I loan something to my brother-in-law WJE, I might eventually get it back, but it will have been left out in the rain, or it will be shotgunned with paint splatters, or broken.

Now... the young man who lives across the street - Ryan - whose last name I don't even know - he will return the item in short order, in exactly the same condition in which he received it.

Other than that, the answer not just no, but hell no. (see Kay's post above.)

 

[ecotec]

I will occasionally loan a tool out.

I will, also, help someone, so as to not loan them a tool. A neighbor wanted to borrow an impact wrench this past weekend to get out a brake bolt on his son’s pickup. It was a Chevrolet 3500 well over 25 years old. I brought over the impact and the correct size impact Allen socket (3/8”), a 10mm Allen socket, a mirror and a hammer. I put the correct size Allen into the bolt head, and it jiggled too much. I, then, hammered in the 10mm, got the bolt out with the impact, told them to replace the bolt, and took my tools home.

My worst experience with loaning a tool out (I didn’t)… I caught a guy twice in a row trying to steal a tool out of my toolbox. He THEN proceeded to ask to borrow it. I said no, along with some salty but well chosen words. He, then, tells me he cannot finish his job if I do not loan him the tool. Now… I was already pissed off… and I told him that I didn’t care if he finished the job… it wasn’t nice, but I was done…

 

[RTM]

Few other threads on the topic that drew very similar responses.

Search results for query: Loaning tools

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Gangly]

I will occasionally loan a tool out.

I will, also, help someone, so as to not loan them a tool. A neighbor wanted to borrow an impact wrench this past weekend to get out a brake bolt on his son’s pickup. It was a Chevrolet 3500 well over 25 years old. I brought over the impact and the correct size impact Allen socket (3/8”), a 10mm Allen socket, a mirror and a hammer. I put the correct size Allen into the bolt head, and it jiggled too much. I, then, hammered in the 10mm, got the bolt out with the impact, told them to replace the bolt, and took my tools home.

I find myself operating in the same way most of the time. Nowadays, instead of letting someone borrow a tool, I ask them to bring over the vehicle or equipment and I will help them with it if possible.

 

[WildBill]

They are just tools, I will loan stuff to people I know fully aware of the fact they might not bring it back, or might need some prompting to do so. Worse case they don't bring stuff back or break it and don't replace it, now I know not to help that person again. But its not the end of the world, its only stuff. Like loaning money, I don't plan on getting it back but am happy if I do.

All my friends will bring tools back in better shape than when they borrowed them, if they weren't trustworthy we wouldn't be friends in the first place. They all have the door code to my shop and just get what they need and send me a txt to let me know. They all also buy me shop stuff every once in awhile, like tools or consumables. One buddy recently dropped off a 55 gallon barrel of synthetic oil because he got a good deal and free shipping if he bought a couple.

 

[crewchief888]

I have a separate set of tools that I generally will allow others to grab from, but there is only one other individual allowed to use my preferred tools, and they are more concerned and consistent about tool placement and organization than I am. Like me, if they break or lose a borrowed tool, they will replace it with a brand new one of the same make and model, regardless of the condition of the lost tool or the cost of the replacement. There are very few people like that left in the world, and the individual has carte blanche with my tools because I trust them that much to take care of, or replace, anything left in their care.

On the other side of things, there are friends and family members that I wouldn't let borrow a rusty pair of pliers, and I think offense has been taken as a result. They are welcome to bring over their vehicles or equipment, and use some of my tools while in my shop/driveway, but there is no way I would let them take my tools to their house to work on their projects. Do you let friends and family borrow your tools, and if so do you have stipulations and requirements?

I don’t lend OR borrow tools

 

[gatewaysysop]

They are just tools, I will loan stuff to people I know fully aware of the fact they might not bring it back, or might need some prompting to do so. Worse case they don't bring stuff back or break it and don't replace it, now I know not to help that person again. But its not the end of the world, its only stuff. Like loaning money, I don't plan on getting it back but am happy if I do.

My only qualm with this philosophy is that while it's "only stuff", that stuff costs money, for which most of us work very hard. No, it's probably not the end of the world if a loaned tool or equipment never comes back, but it can very easily be the end of the relationship with the borrower. For me, life's too short for the drama and the hassle.

Personally, I look at loaning tools like jumping off a cliff. A few folks make out okay, but they are the exception. I don't have any desire to add myself to considerable body of existing evidence that it's generally a very bad idea.

 

[micromind]

I'll let just about anyone use my tools, even the good ones.

I look at it this way....I don't lend tools, I give them away and if they get returned (they almost always do) then I consider it a gift rather than a return.

 

[cody1325]

Kobalt and Harbor Freight--yes, as needed.

Anything US, European, or Japanese (and nicer Taiwan)--no chance in Hades. Got to the point that if someone borrows my tools, I take it to them and either help with the job or stay there until they're done and put the tool back immediately.

My grandmother has been bad to let people even use the tractor and implements as long as they please, and even to the point of damaging it (with poorly done, if at all repairs).

 

[WildBill]

My only qualm with this philosophy is that while it's "only stuff", that stuff costs money, for which most of us work very hard. No, it's probably not the end of the world if a loaned tool or equipment never comes back, but it can very easily be the end of the relationship with the borrower. For me, life's too short for the drama and the hassle.

Personally, I look at loaning tools like jumping off a cliff. A few folks make out okay, but they are the exception. I don't have any desire to add myself to considerable body of existing evidence that it's generally a very bad idea.

I think its a good test to filter out people who can't be trusted. If they don't bother to take care of other peoples tools I don't want them in my life at all because they are not a good person. So it wont ruin any relationship I want to be part of, and there won't be any drama about it because I accepted that it might not get returned when I loaned it out. I default to trusting people until they force me not to, I find its a lot less stressful and healthier than thinking about how everyone is trying to screw me over all the time. And a lot of times I believe honestly trusting people and not acting weird about it brings out the best in people, they don't want to let you down.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I think its a good test to filter out people who can't be trusted. If they don't bother to take care of other peoples tools I don't want them in my life at all because they are not a good person. So it wont ruin any relationship I want to be part of, and there won't be any drama about it because I accepted that it might not get returned when I loaned it out.

I'm with you in general principle, don't get me wrong, but there are times when that principle doesn't work. For example, my own father treats most of his tools and equipment with utter indifference. I can't quite write him off as "not a good person" just because of that. I'm sure many of us have spouses that would use our best screwdrivers as a chisel in a pinch, and I'm fairly confident most of us wouldn't write them off as "bad people" to be cut from our lives either.

Besides, I feel like there are many other ways to evaluate if someone is a good or bad person. I don't really need or want to sacrifice an expensive tool just to be sure the person is a scumbag.

I default to trusting people until they force me not to, I find its a lot less stressful and healthier than thinking about how everyone is trying to screw me over all the time. And a lot of times I believe honestly trusting people and not acting weird about it brings out the best in people, they don't want to let you down.

I'll agree to disagree. I find that trusting people by default gets you burned eventually and, while it may take a long time, it is usually not pleasant when it finally happens. Most people are good, but unfortunately some of them are still animals. Assuming positive intent is how a lot of creatures became someone else's food source.

 

[Jarhead0408]

"Neither a borrower nor a lender be."

If someone needs a hand I'll lend it, but I go with my tools and vice-versa.

 

[CJM8515]

lets see, only 3 people and one is dead. ive been burned before.

 

[shoggoth80]

Most of the time, the answer is no. There's some exceptions. Not many. I've got one friend I would loan anything to, and know I'll get it back the same as it went out. One friend I would loan anything to, but know it would be a while before it came back due to life and work schedules. My dad can borrow anything he needs from me, but there's very few things I own that he doesn't. My dad is the only one I wouldn't check in on regarding job progress

I gifted away what I would have considered loaner tools. Because I would rather see that friend have a better range of capability.

Most of the time I'm willing to lend my skills... But the tools depart along with me.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I don't lend out hand tools or battery power tools. Typically only bigger stuff that I don't use often and won't miss while it's gone.

I get semi-regular requests for my drywall lift, electric jackhammer, roofing nailer, and rototiller.

 

[MattV]

I usually don't have an issue. Most of my friends have most of what they need, so it's usually only specialty stuff. I don't have any friends that I don't trust, and if something were to get broken or lost, they've all been generous enough with me that I wouldn't make a big deal.

Any young guy looking to borrow basic hand tools, I'll usually give them spare stuff I have if I can.

I get the distrust, and there are certainly people I won't loan stuff too, but I've generally always had good luck.

 

[woody 73]

Funny story, well not so funny as I am still in pain after all these years.

For my two boys I bought those old craftsman plastic toolboxes the ones with the 4 drawers that came loaded with all craftsman tools', only they were all blanks with no tools. So let me explain I had over the years either bought, found through garage sales duplicates of every tool that would have made up both boxes and when my boys were old enough gave them as presents.

On the day I gave my son that heavy loaded toolbox his eyes just exploded in a giant fireball that could have lighted up the sky. Turns out my son left his ex, and he had given that box to his ex-mother-in-law, don't ask me why I have no clue, but it is gone.

For me it was a few years in buying everything and gone in a flash. One day he needed a few tools for a project, and I gave him every tool in my car kit to get the job done, but he is still way short, and I am a bit reluctant to do it all over again, because he might do it again, I am still somewhat gun-shy as they say.

Now he wants to become a landscaper, and good old dad is buying him everything for the job at hand, but my wife tells me he has a way of throwing away tools in the trash can and that bothers me also. For the love of a Father, I will keep trying, I guess either he will learn or never learn that one life lesson?

 

[Motorman55]

No

 

[tool_scrounge]

I will loan our beater tools occasionally to folks. But only a few will I loan something of more worth. Burned too many times. Do even get me going on how often specially tools with power cords get returned with the cord cut off.

 

[50of4064]

I have a separate set of tools that I generally will allow others to grab from, but there is only one other individual allowed to use my preferred tools, and they are more concerned and consistent about tool placement and organization than I am. Like me, if they break or lose a borrowed tool, they will replace it with a brand new one of the same make and model, regardless of the condition of the lost tool or the cost of the replacement. There are very few people like that left in the world, and the individual has carte blanche with my tools because I trust them that much to take care of, or replace, anything left in their care.

On the other side of things, there are friends and family members that I wouldn't let borrow a rusty pair of pliers, and I think offense has been taken as a result. They are welcome to bring over their vehicles or equipment, and use some of my tools while in my shop/driveway, but there is no way I would let them take my tools to their house to work on their projects. Do you let friends and family borrow your tools, and if so do you have stipulations and requirements?

NO LENDIND. very simple, I may help you repair, but there is no lending, borrowing or renting.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Probably not, but it depends (as with most things). I’ve got one neighbor on the block who is into cars and has some tools - not as insane like me, but I likely have a 24-year head start on tool collecting. He’s always the first to offer to help me with something heavy of if I need a second set of hands. If he ever fails to return something, that door will be closed, but so far not a problem. Hell, I might just give him some tools if I’ve got extras.

Like others, I’ve got triplicates or more of many items. The really good stuff, I’m going to be tighter with. At some point, I’ll probably be selling them for Pennies on the dollar anyway.

I did lend a pair of porter cable 310 laminate trimmers to one guy I’ve known for a while and he brought them back promptly, all cleaned up. Same with my coil spring compressor set to another guy. He broke it and replaced it with a new, better version promptly. These guys have earned the chance to borrow again.

Another “friend” borrowed my lisle rear brake caliper tool set at the track one weekend, because that sort of camaraderie is sort of the norm in that environment. I ended up having to chase it down after several calls / texts and then I had to drive 45 minutes each way to retrieve it a month later. That a$$hole certainly failed the test. After that, I wouldn’t lend him a life preserver if he was drowning. That was 11 years ago and I haven’t spoken to him since. I’m still pissed.

 

[Hakeem]

I lend stuff out at work to the non-mechanics who want to fix something. Nothing big, maybe a socket or a screwdriver here and there, and I never give them the good stuff. It builds good will and lets me call in a favor later on if I need one.

 

[Kasal]

I don't usually lend tools (somethings to my brother, wife, etc.). I have to work very hard and ignore other things to be able to afford quality tools. I won't lend them to someone who's at the bar having a good time while I'm working. I also don't beg for anything (so I don't give anyone the opportunity to beg me). I'll save up and buy whatever I need.

 

[KnurledNut]

I was raised by very generous parents and have also given time and resources to volunteer projects. These environments have taught the value and happiness of giving instead of just taking.

That being said, when it comes to loaning (or borrowing) tools, I am very selective.
I am dependent on my tools to put food on the table. If they were only for hobby or recreation or if I was retired and piddling, things would be different.

For me, the most annoying thing is people needlessly handling my tools just to look at them.

 

[bonneyman]

If my buddy LRO asked to borrow something, I'd just give it to him. I learned long ago that he just simply never returns stuff. He still has my Belden wire crimpers I "loaned" him in the late 1970s when I was still driving the Opel.
If I loan something to my brother-in-law WJE, I might eventually get it back, but it will have been left out in the rain, or it will be shotgunned with paint splatters, or broken.

Now... the young man who lives across the street - Ryan - whose last name I don't even know - he will return the item in short order, in exactly the same condition in which he received it.

Other than that, the answer not just no, but hell no. (see Kay's post above.)

That's sort of my policy. If I can't afford to give away a tool (or money) then I don't lend it.

A good friendship is worth far too much to damage or lose it over a tool.

 

[PoorUB]

I have one good friend, (neighbor) that has the door code for my garage. I loaned him my whole garage one time. My wife and I were going on a trip and he needed to pull the engine on his truck. He was going to do it in his terribly equipped shop and I practically begged him to use mine. He brought over his roller cabinet of tools and used my shop. When we got home he came right over and apologized for using some of my tools and not putting them away as he didn't remember where he found them. The tools were all wiped off and in neat pile on my spotless work bench that was a mess before I left. Plus the shop floor was spotless. He had washed the whole floor. The place was cleaner than I had left it.
One big reason he has full use of my shop. He takes better care of it than I do!

 

[zendriver]

lol

BIL was telling me that he had some cracks in the welds on his small utility trailer.

For some stupid reason, I blurted out “ I have a welder” which before I thought about what I just said he asked “can I borrow it?” Talk about instant regret. He was gonna have his brother( who is pretty good at stick welding), but I don’t think ever use MiG and is getting a bit goofy in his old age

So he kept asking about it while my wife and I conjured up excuses to seem to get him to forget about it and then eventually she just told him she didn’t want him taking it because it’s a new welder and I barely had it out of the box, which is true. He said he understood and didn’t really wanna borrow it if that was the case.. if I’ve had some old beater I’ve been happy to let him have it

They would have to use it at 120V probably on a long crappy extension cord, so who knows what we will end up happening to it not being sure of the metal thickness he needs to weld

I just worried about something breaking or burning up and then have to deal with all that. I could probably get the welding done, but honestly, I’m not that experienced at it myself. It is literally almost a brand new welder.

Now I keep my lips zipped

 

[Chipm]

Part of the fun of having all these tools is when someone presents a problem I get to rummage around in the bottom of an old tool box somewhere to find the solution.

 

[Hannahranga]

I'm definitely in the make a judgement call camp, some people I wouldn't loan a rusty blunt pair of pliers others know my garage code. Tho I tend to lean towards only lending out more specialised stuff. Can't imagine lending out more common stuff without tagging along because if they know enough they'd probably have them already

 

[Dakotadadv8]

HD, Lowe’s, Amazon, HF, etc. No need to borrow or lend.

 

[Kent_B]

I'm a fortunate man. I have very few friends and those that I do have aren't likely to borrow tools. My son has the keys to my tool boxes and a pretty good selection of his own tools. We swap specialty tools back and forth as needed, but he lives over an hour away.

As an aside, I only work on immediate family's vehicles.

 

[niget2002]

My next door neighbor needs something every now and then. He promptly returns it when he's done. Half the time I end up helping him with whatever he's needing the tool for.

It's not that he doesn't have anything. His mom has acreage the next town over with a large shop. All his tools are over there except for a few hand tools.

 

[redwrench60]

Spotted a new salesman at the dealer I worked at digging through the drawers of my box looking for something. I said to him “can I help you?” in one of those tones that would make most people realize they have screwed up. He didn’t stop or even look up at me. He just got an attitude and told me he was getting a screwdriver. What happened next could be best described as an unpleasant education for the salesman and a sit down meeting in the service manager’s office for me. We got it all worked out but I’ll be damned if some slick Irish vacuum salesman thinks he can help himself to my ****. Nothing irritates me more than entitlement.