"can I borrow your..."

[TOOL FANATIK]

They say sharing is caring. They told us as kids to share our toys. Now I'm a grown-up and I say I don't care, I'm not sharing my toys anymore! We both work at the same joint. If I can buy the tools I need to make life easier for myself then so can they. Besides, I keep allowing them to use my tools, I'm an enabler right? Lol
On a serious note, I am a giving person, but it annoys me when I work hard to afford the luxury of an accumulation of quality tools, and someone who doesn't give any effort or make any sacrifices to attain more and better tools, but rather casually is so comfortable asking me for my tools...have I said too much? ...you get my frustration right?

 

[Lx460]

That's why you have a "loaner box" with all the accumulated **** that you can't stand to throw away. Let them borrow the old cheap stuff!

 

[wornoutoldman]

Buy the $34 Harbor Freight "complete mechanics toolkit" and make it your loaner tools...

 

[Shadowdog500]

Buy the $34 Harbor Freight "complete mechanics toolkit" and make it your loaner tools...

I did that for my fishing poles after my BIL threw my expensive pole to the ground to go get a beer. No wonder his poles were so beat up that non of them worked. I bought the cheapest $10 fishing poles I could find for people who need to borrow one.

As far as lending tools. I only lend tools to a select few people who I know will take care of them. And it's mostly specialty stuff that they don't own.

Chris

 

[Askme42]

I had a buddy that worked at a dealership that always said the same thing.

I could understand someone fresh out of school that might need to borrow a few specialty tools but I figure if you've been doing the job 5 years or longer there's no excuse not to have what you need.

I mean that's part of performing the job right?

 

[qctech]

If you borrow more than once you should own it!

 

[loudog212]

I did that when doing car audio installs at circuit city back in the day. I was serious about my work, to the point where i managed to get a snap on guy to stop buy every two weeks. Most of my hand tools were snap-on.

Associates from other departments wanted to borrow tools to put displays together... Leave me your drivers license or that expensive watch, and i will loan you a screw driver. Some people weren't happy about it... oh well

 

[Lx460]

Friends are slightly different than co-workers. I have a really small circle of friends and would have no problem loaning them anything I own (except the wife). I am sure they would do the same for me.

Co-workers on the other hand are a bit different in my view. Their kinda like friends but they punch out at the end of the day ending their friendship obligation until the next shift. If you are close outside of work that's another story. Co-workers usually don't care as much about your stuff and have no remorse when they hand you back a broken piece of (expensive) junk and blame you for loaning them "something ready to break".

 

[PJNJ]

Get the largest glass jar with a metal lid you can find. Cut a large slot in the top and put up a sign - "If you want to borrow something put in a buck" (probably should make it five bucks but I don't know if I could do that much). Enforce it with no exceptions. Should slow him down.

 

[-Brent-]

After getting burned a few times I don't like doing it and there are maybe 2 or 3 people out here I would trust lending to. Other than that, I say, "No, sorry."

I've lent things reluctantly because my wife asked me but I was always clear to the borrower that it is to come back when they're done with it and in the same condition as it left. It sounds dickish but I don't care.

I think loaner bags of junk tools aren't for me, either. I'd rather just give the person the bag of tools.

I have made a few starter/homeowner bags for folks out of free HF and a few other inexpensive tools. I feel that's better than having a bag folks would be asking me for.

We throw a party every year and each year it gets outfitted a little more. This past year I added some light strings that hand high above the party area. After some pics were posted online by friends and such a complete stranger to me (but a friend of a friend) asked me to borrow the couple hundred dollar set-up. That takes a brass set. I declined, politely, but couldn't imagine ever doing that - ever.

 

[mikewatson]

I allways ask for something as ransom, usauly is car keys or cell phone ...most cant live with out either

 

[warmpancakes]

same response every time


whomever "can I borrow your xxxxxx?"
me can I bang your wife?
them No
Me if you dont share I wont share.

 

[-Brent-]

I have a buddy that has lent some high-dollar tools/equipment and all he asks is for their license, which he'll give back when the tool comes back. We all went out to the bars one night and a buddy was freaking out about losing his license and he got a lot of grief from us because that meant we drove 45 minutes to the bars and this was going to impact our night.

The guy that lost his license was recommended to go check out the car and give us a ring if he couldn't find it. We went into the bar and the buddy went back to the car to look. As we get our round of drinks the tool lender says, "I gotta let you guys in on this..." and shows us our other friend's license.

Not understanding why he has it and why he'd suggest our friend go back to the car, he tells us about how he's had his license for a couple weeks since he loaned him a beam saw.

As he's telling us, a phone rings and it's our buddy, panicked because the license is lost. The lender takes the phone and says, "Come on back, I'll get you in. I've got your license, you can have it back when the saw comes home."

 

[Trey T]

They say sharing is caring. They told us as kids to share our toys. Now I'm a grown-up and I say I don't care, I'm not sharing my toys anymore! We both work at the same joint. If I can buy the tools I need to make life easier for myself then so can they. Besides, I keep allowing them to use my tools, I'm an enabler right? Lol
On a serious note, I am a giving person, but it annoys me when I work hard to afford the luxury of an accumulation of quality tools, and someone who doesn't give any effort or make any sacrifices to attain more and better tools, but rather casually is so comfortable asking me for my tools...have I said too much? ...you get my frustration right?

There will be a ton of different thoughts on this but what is the frustration here? Can you give an example of what has happened to you when you "shared" your tools? Was there mutual benefit while you're working with the person?

 

[AmishFury]

if i can easily replace it under warranty with the exact same item... so nothing that has changed suppliers/coo/discontinued unless the replacement would be an improvement

otherwise it's going to be something from the loaner tools box (mostly stuff picked up in cheap auction lots and rummage sales with some HF freebies thrown in)

 

[IFMJohn]

Re: "can I borrow your..."

Coming from a new tech, I borrow tools every once in a while. I'm also 19 years old spending over $800/month on tools so no one can really say I am not trying to get away from borrowing.

I also return all tools cleaner than they were when I got them and in the same condition. I treat other's tools way better than I treat my own.

I rarely am asked to lend tools by coworkers but I always say yes. Every person I work with has lent me multiple tools. I've never had someone ask for collateral and I've never asked for collateral although I do understand why you might do that.

 

[eborcim]

I did that when doing car audio installs at circuit city back in the day. I was serious about my work, to the point where i managed to get a snap on guy to stop buy every two weeks. Most of my hand tools were snap-on.

Associates from other departments wanted to borrow tools to put displays together... Leave me your drivers license or that expensive watch, and i will loan you a screw driver. Some people weren't happy about it... oh well

 

[Dajn]

Borrowing tools or money can ruin friendships. I used to work with a guy I got along with good. He had a check engine light so I borrowed him my odb2 scanner. It was an ok scanner that cost $200. Then we got laid of for the season and I asked for it back a few times on the phone. Even drove to his house and no one answers. This is a couple months after borrowing to him, then I sent him a drunken pissed off text about getting my tool back. It is two years later and I haven't heard from him since. I got a different job that spring. Basically I would have to end up in jail to get my tool back. Not worth that.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I share a lot. I even tell new neighbors to see me if they need a tool. My problem is, I don't always remember who I lend things out to !

Neither of my adult children (or their significant others) are into more than just the basic tools. They know that "Dad has it."

Somewhere I "lost" a San Angelo Bar and my Snap-N-Seal tool and a bag of RG6 Snap-N-Seal connector. That is life !

 

[chris142]

The shop next door specializes in rebuilding engines. Funny they don't own a tq wrench.always ask to borrow mine. I charge them $5 every time.

 

[franzdom]

Buy the $34 Harbor Freight "complete mechanics toolkit" and make it your loaner tools...

Why spend even more money than you would on yourself to help out these deadbeats.

 

[DonPowers]

I don't loan much stuff any more because I'm tired to have to chase it down when I need it.

Loaned one guy my 22 ft flatbed trailer to haul his tractor to town, it was three weeks before I saw it again and it had a flat tire. He finally returned it after several phone calls. Johnny on the spot to get it, excuses galore why he couldn't bring it right back. Same guy, a contractor, wanted to borrow some of my staging for a job. When I told him I wanted a rental fee, as he was making money with my stuff, he got pissed and hasn't asked to borrow anything since.

Let a life long friend borrow my pressure washer, found out later he loaned it to several other people. Was not pleased.

Could go on and on, but won't.

 

[hayhauler71]

I loaned out a hacksaw to a guy once and asked for some collateral. He handed me a $100.00 dollar bill and i told him to keep the saw. He was back quick like he stated for his money.

 

[1foxracing]

Lately for me it's been "will you use your snow thrower on my driveway?" I live in a small town and seem to be the only person with a snow thrower. These are all fairly young folks (under 35) to boot. They are all more then able to use a snow shovel but just to lazy to do it and would rather just spin their wheels for 20 min trying to get out of their driveways.
None of them have offered to cut my lawn in return or anything so I always say no.

 

[jakemac]

Re: "can I borrow your..."

Coming from a new tech, I borrow tools every once in a while. I'm also 19 years old spending over $800/month on tools so no one can really say I am not trying to get away from borrowing.

I also return all tools cleaner than they were when I got them and in the same condition. I treat other's tools way better than I treat my own.

I rarely am asked to lend tools by coworkers but I always say yes. Every person I work with has lent me multiple tools. I've never had someone ask for collateral and I've never asked for collateral although I do understand why you might do that.

You're doing things the right way. Goodonya Mate.
The original poster was talking about parasites who leech off of others so that they don't have to spend their own money. It's one thing to borrow a tool until you can get one of your own. It's quite another thing to think you can do a job by expecting others to supply the tools you need in perpetuity.

I used to deal with this with "Carpenters". The kids I had to work with didn't even own a tape measure or hammer and could care less. In the meantime, I used to haul around a couple thousand dollars in tools as the job needed.

I made sure that my co-workers were terrified of having to borrow my tools. It never took long for the new guys to get it.

I had a "one and out" policy with my tools. You could borrow a tool if you asked, but you had to return it to my hand when you were done. If you broke it, if I found my tool laying on the ground unattended, if you didn't return it in the same condition, or if you failed to return the tool at all, you were cut off and I made sure you got the ****** jobs for the rest of the week. No exceptions, no redemption. If you don't own the tools of your trade, then you can't call yourself a tradesman.

It's one thing when you are first starting out and are still amassing your tools, it's another to be in the business for years and still not own the basics. As long as you're trying to buy the tools you need, but still need to borrow specialty tools on occasion, I don't see a problem. If I can see that you're making an effort, I'll lend a hand. But, if your professional plan involves leeching off of someone else's hard work, then I'll leave you to wither on the vine.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

Re: "can I borrow your..."

You're doing things the right way. Goodonya Mate. [emoji106]
The original poster was talking about parasites who leech off of others so that they don't have to spend their own money. It's one thing to borrow a tool until you can get one of your own. It's quite another thing to think you can do a job by expecting others to supply the tools you need in perpetuity.

I used to deal with this with "Carpenters". The kids I had to work with didn't even own a tape measure or hammer and could care less. In the meantime, I used to haul around a couple thousand dollars in tools as the job needed.

I made sure that my co-workers were terrified of having to borrow my tools. It never took long for the new guys to get it.

I had a "one and out" policy with my tools. You could borrow a tool if you asked, but you had to return it to my hand when you were done. If you broke it, if I found my tool laying on the ground unattended, if you didn't return it in the same condition, or if you failed to return the tool at all, you were cut off and I made sure you got the ****** jobs for the rest of the week. No exceptions, no redemption. If you don't own the tools of your trade, then you can't call yourself a tradesman.

It's one thing when you are first starting out and are still amassing your tools, it's another to be in the business for years and still not own the basics. As long as you're trying to buy the tools you need, but still need to borrow specialty tools on occasion, I don't see a problem. If I can see that you're making an effort, I'll lend a hand. But, if your professional plan involves leeching off of someone else's hard work, then I'll leave you to wither on the vine.

Exactly. I've helped a certain individual get his starter set. Pretty much the old cheaper worn tools that I wanted to replace anyway, but enough to get him going. Hunted down an old community box for em, and for the first 2 years I handed him what he asked for, but several awesome tatoos later, a brand new XBox 1 console, and 60" flat screen, a purebred dog, etc..., and still no tools of the trade? Sorry buddy I myself don't splurge on anything. I feel guilty spending money on nice tools because that's money that could otherwise go to a surprise bouquet for the fiance, or new toys for my little guys. But I get them because I want to work more comfortably, and have an answer for as many sticky situations as possible. If you take your work seriously and show intensions of not having to rely on me to get your job done, then absolutely you can borrow what you need brother, But I'm not going to support anybody who is taking things for granted. I'll be fine with you you just can't borrow my tools is all. These are my moneymakers. Go get you some!

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

Buy the $34 Harbor Freight "complete mechanics toolkit" and make it your loaner tools...

You are a much bigger man than I.

 

[HammerMechanic]

I will typically lend tools to specific people. These people tend to have plenty of their own tools as well. It is usually, because I have something specialized that they need. But I also know that they will reciprocate as well.

 

[merbie]

Ever since i saw a guy use my vernier caliper as an adjustable wrench im very wairy about who i lend tools too

 

[Tim37]

I don't mind loaning tools to the other guy in the shop. But get Leary when the warehouses guys want to borrow things.

Then again I remember when I was young me and a friend worked turning wrenches together we worked out of the same box because neither could afford to have a complete set to ourselves

 

[ecotec]

This topic comes up over and over. Every single time it gets my blood pressure up. I have had way too much experience with this topic for one lifetime.

I am going to put a couple dull hole saws in my work tools right now.

 

[SantaAna12]

The shop next door specializes in rebuilding engines. Funny they don't own a tq wrench.always ask to borrow mine. I charge them $5 every time.

Hah! Specializes huh? Man I get a kick outta that!

I much prefer to work with men where I can loan tools ......but I am fully capable of looking them in the eye and saying: " Sorry, but I don't loan tools. Nothing personal."

 

[NoahG]

My shop is pretty good. I know who I can lend what to, and most people don't mind me borrowing something, because they know I always return it. I try to have everything I need, but theres always something I need that someone else has that I don't yet!

Now, when we get guys in from the hall, I don't let them borrow anything.

 

[rlitman]

Ever since i saw a guy use my vernier caliper as an adjustable wrench im very wairy about who i lend tools too

Oh ****! That would become a really well calibrated suppository after seeing something like that. I'd even be so kind as to offer which side went in first.

Still, I would NEVER loan out calibrated instruments.

I do loan out tools to people I implicitly trust. A few things have come back broken with offers to replace. I'll take them up on that offer if it was abused. But once I got a power tool back that fell apart. I was offered a replacement, but I explained that these things have a finite lifetime. It was a hot potato, and probably would have fallen apart in the hands of whoever plugged it in next.

I also expect new condition consumables when the tool comes back (great way to build up an SDS bit collection BTW).

 

[efb16acrx]

Eh, one guy in the shop I can trust, he knows where my tools are, and I know where his are. Everyone else in the shop stays the **** away from my box and I like it that way. Except for one guy that works at our other shop. He walks in and acts like the whole shop is his, complete with slamming my drawers because he is used to his 20 year old friction slide *************. He is the reason I lock my box if I'm away from it for more than 5 minutes. **** him.

 

[bczygan]

Loaned a neighbor a rake.

A while later I looked out the window to see it laying on the sidewalk, no one in sight.
I gave it a few minutes and went and fetched it home.

Same neighbor, loaned them a jump pack. When they hadn't returned it in a couple of hours, I went and got it.

New rule...I go with the tool, use it, and return home. It never leaves my hands.

And they never have any tools. Amazingly, I now seldom have the tool they need, or it's broken or I can't lay my hands on it, or I loaned it to my brother......

Bill

 

[Bagherra]

My first experience with loaning tools was soooo bad...

Was about 22yo bough myself a Craftsman toolset completed with a box. Let one of the guys in the barracks borrow to work on his car. Another friend of mine calls me a couple of hours later and says he sees my toolbox in parking lot!!

******* worked on his car, went for a test drive and left my box. Needless to say, when I finally made it back it was gone.....

He gave me $200 which I used to replace what was lost and told him to never ask me for ****...

 

[CJM8515]

I tell everyone the same thing: You break it, damage it, it doesnt come back in the same shape it left your buying me a new one. Im not gonna chase you to return it either, therefore the value of the tool plus 50-100 dollars is what I want-or failing that your drivers license, phone or other expensive item.

I dont loan things very often, my brother learned the hard way my toolbox is locked and I have the keys when he borrowed some stuff for a friend and didnt ask.

 

[ecotec]

My shop is pretty good. I know who I can lend what to, and most people don't mind me borrowing something, because they know I always return it. I try to have everything I need, but theres always something I need that someone else has that I don't yet!

Now, when we get guys in from the hall, I don't let them borrow anything.

I have known a lot of guys like you. I do not like you.

 

[Jwych]

I've worked at my job for a year and accumulated quite a large collection of stuff, but even then I don't have EVERYTHING! So I still have to borrow tools from time to time. Luckily the guys I work with know if I break something I will replace it, I suppose it's a trust thing