Do you loan out tools?
- Thread starter DCarr2
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James-W
Well-known member
There are only 5 people I would loan tools to, not counting my daughters. But I don't "loan" tools to my daughters, I let them use my tools whenever they want. Most times though they would rather I "do the project" for them instead of just getting the tool from me to do the job themselves.
Farmall 1066
Well-known member
Lucky to have a good group of neighbors. We all pitch in to help each other out.
Loaned/borrowed a lot over the years with no problems at all.
Loaned/borrowed a lot over the years with no problems at all.
goingtoarizona
Well-known member
No. I've made exceptions, but got stung. I called Dave after he had a tool for over a year. I effed up and swaped it for another, now I gotta go hunt him down. I hope he didn't move!
BIG BACCHUS
Well-known member
My dad and stepdad, yes. I use my tools at school and there are 3 classmates that can use my tools and I'm not afraid to tell the others "no" and explain that I just don't know them enough.
There are a few I would loan tools to. That would also be a person who has tools or knowledge I do not have. My trammel bar is the next tool on the schedule to be loaned.
But I would also rent equipment like my welder at the track and other stuff you can pay me to do it or rent it.
But there are maybe 6 people that I would loan stuff to. One guy has been in professional racing since the 70's he has answered hundreds of questions from me over the years. How could I tell him he could not borrow a tool.
But I would also rent equipment like my welder at the track and other stuff you can pay me to do it or rent it.
But there are maybe 6 people that I would loan stuff to. One guy has been in professional racing since the 70's he has answered hundreds of questions from me over the years. How could I tell him he could not borrow a tool.
rockettgpw
Well-known member
Only stuff that I was prepared to not see again,
Even my best mate is Hopeless for bringing my gear back. Often happier to to the job for them for material cost.
Its hard to judge characters at times too. I'd loaned some garden tools to a neighbour a while ago. He was a young Chinese man starting out in a small business and with a wife and new baby, He seemed like a goodun. He's doing time for killing a working girl now.
Even my best mate is Hopeless for bringing my gear back. Often happier to to the job for them for material cost.
Its hard to judge characters at times too. I'd loaned some garden tools to a neighbour a while ago. He was a young Chinese man starting out in a small business and with a wife and new baby, He seemed like a goodun. He's doing time for killing a working girl now.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
I got tired of ringing doorbells and hunting down tools, and even had equipment re-loaned to a third party. Getting them back broken, damaged, beat on or abused, rusty, with parts missing, substituted with junk; or not at all, has all happened.. .
Some people believe this is the cost of being a friend, but I look at it differently.
This is what it cost Me to find out who didn't give a **** about My stuff.
Also, some of these people could not buy a clue as to the proper use or care of
this stuff, so they can buy their own "stuff"
Some people believe this is the cost of being a friend, but I look at it differently.
This is what it cost Me to find out who didn't give a **** about My stuff.
Also, some of these people could not buy a clue as to the proper use or care of
this stuff, so they can buy their own "stuff"
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four.cycle
Well-known member
As a rule, no.
If I "loan" a tool to one of my buddies, I know I'll never see it again. He's had my Belden wire crimpers now for about 35 years.
Loaned a few tools to a former neighbor - no problems.
Chainsaw (or anything with a motor): hell no.
If I "loan" a tool to one of my buddies, I know I'll never see it again. He's had my Belden wire crimpers now for about 35 years.
Loaned a few tools to a former neighbor - no problems.
Chainsaw (or anything with a motor): hell no.
vettex2
Banned
No. I come/go with the tool
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
In one word NO , the rule I have is yes you can borrow it but it is conditional that I come with that tool..
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Just had to threaten what I thought was my best friend with sending the sheriff over to break down the door and give me my tools back. When he didn't believe me I sent a picture of all the correct paperwork filled out with his name and address. Of course, nothing was returned in the condition it was given...
NEVER AGAIN! I don't care who you are. (as usual, one idiot ruined it for everybody else)
NEVER AGAIN! I don't care who you are. (as usual, one idiot ruined it for everybody else)
Corndoggeh
Well-known member
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BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
After 30+++ years of one guy's hot air jabber about returning a larger piece of equipment, I called one night and told him a project has been delayed for two years, and I need that thing back in the morning. He said he had plans for the morning, but I told him I had plans also; and My plans were to get My equipment ready for My delayed project. It was returned that morning; but I was reminded of his inconvenience.. From this guy; that was item #4 that I had to chase down. #5 & 6 were "not available" when he later called to borrow them.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
the guy that borrowed My pressure washer thought it was perfectly OK to loan it to someone else without asking Me.. The pump was split open from not being drained during freezing weather.. Other than riding around in the back of an open pickup for the day when returning, it had been kept in "heated" storage.. Both parties declined to accept any responsibility for the split pump.. Both claimed it worked perfectly when they used it
Corndoggeh
Well-known member
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the guy that borrowed My pressure washer thought it was perfectly OK to loan it to someone else without asking Me.. The pump was split open from not being drained during freezing weather.. Other than riding around in the back of an open pickup for the day when returning, it had been kept in "heated" storage.. Both parties declined to accept any responsibility for the split pump.. Both claimed it worked perfectly when they used it
I swear officer, those two had split opened heads when I got here.
DWise
Well-known member
I have, but as I get older I need to have them sign a hand receipt so I can remember who I loaned it to.
camd64
Well-known member
Very, and i mean VERY, few people will i loan tools out to. I have loaned a few things out in the past that never got returned but luckily those where cheaper items like jack stands. The people i do loan things to know that if they break it then they better replace it, and it better be the same or better quality than what was loaned!
wmm2
Well-known member
I loaned tools to a "good friend". He loaned it out to at least 2 other people (that I know of). I got it back broken; said his brother had broken it, and I needed to take it up with the brother. So now, my new rule is I don't loan anything out that I care about getting back.
mudflap
Well-known member
Yes...All of us old timers loan the new Tech's coming in our tools all the time... We remember being new in the trade..somebody helped us along until we had everything we needed...so just paying it forward.. But we are paid hourly..so i can understand if you work in a book rate shop..and u have to go looking for your tools it costs you money...Thats not the case here...we get paid to look for tools....... As far as friends and family...i will loan them stuff out my home box (retired tools)...have mixed results with that...but have quadryplicates of everything there... Some bigger items..like a wire welder, the engine hoist..etc A few of us went in on them...occasional use stuff..and they just get stored with the last person that used them...
.. As far as friends and family...i will loan them stuff out my home box (retired tools)...have mixed results with that...but have quadryplicates of everything there... Some bigger items..like a wire welder, the engine hoist..etc A few of us went in on them...occasional use stuff..and they just get stored with the last person that used them...Scout3918
Well-known member
Hand Tools yes, to my neighbor how has more tools than me lol......immediate family yes. They seldom borrow them, but when they do they return them in same condition, or most time fix at my house.
timbitca
Well-known member
I do, but only to select people.
Our hockey team manager has had my Ridgid portable table saw in his garage since last August. Haven't had a use for it since, and I'd rather it take up space somewhere else than in my garage for now. I also have a whole bunch of stuff in my garage that is his however, so it evens out.
Our hockey team manager has had my Ridgid portable table saw in his garage since last August. Haven't had a use for it since, and I'd rather it take up space somewhere else than in my garage for now. I also have a whole bunch of stuff in my garage that is his however, so it evens out.
M_George
Well-known member
Just send them on their way with a HF coupon...
mudflap
Well-known member
Just send them on their way with a HF coupon...
Lol....Thats not a bad idea...
countryroad82
Well-known member
Not as much anymore. I'm getting to the point of being a total **** when someone asks to borrow **. Normally I laugh and tell them to get it the same way I did.
M_George
Well-known member
Here's another situation I hate. Let someone come over to use your tools, then they come over and bring their meager tool box and get their tools and your tools mixed up. Next thing you know is you have brand X Chinese sockets in place of your good ones and this or that missing.
vavet
Well-known member
I borrowed and loaned tools when I worked in a dealer service department. Sometimes we'd have understanding where one of us would buy a rather expensive, but seldom used tool and we'd load it out to a select few individuals. The other individuals would buy a different type of tool that would be loaned out similarly.
One example - a battery booster/jump box. Seems like the shop's was always missing or dead when you needed it.
Another example - (the one I bought and loaned out) was a programming cable. The shop was supposed to provide them, but again, finding it when you needed it was always a struggle.
Since I've left that line of work, it's seldom that a neighbor asks me for a tool.
I was helping a friend move a few years ago. I helped for several hours. At some point, I had to leave to attend to my pregnant wife. I let him and his sons borrow my truck to use for dump runs while the moving truck got packed and his daughter drove me home. I caught up with them later at the new house. When i asked about my truck, they said it was at the old house. Where are the keys? Everyone just kinda looked at each other. No one was really sure. Finally they decided my keys were probably in the truck. Wife and I went over and got my truck, sure enough, keys were in the ignition. Wasn't really a theft risk, but the lack of responsibility was alarming. One of the sons ended up buying that truck from me, but it was still disconcerting.
One example - a battery booster/jump box. Seems like the shop's was always missing or dead when you needed it.
Another example - (the one I bought and loaned out) was a programming cable. The shop was supposed to provide them, but again, finding it when you needed it was always a struggle.
Since I've left that line of work, it's seldom that a neighbor asks me for a tool.
I was helping a friend move a few years ago. I helped for several hours. At some point, I had to leave to attend to my pregnant wife. I let him and his sons borrow my truck to use for dump runs while the moving truck got packed and his daughter drove me home. I caught up with them later at the new house. When i asked about my truck, they said it was at the old house. Where are the keys? Everyone just kinda looked at each other. No one was really sure. Finally they decided my keys were probably in the truck. Wife and I went over and got my truck, sure enough, keys were in the ignition. Wasn't really a theft risk, but the lack of responsibility was alarming. One of the sons ended up buying that truck from me, but it was still disconcerting.
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Rarely.
But, if I know something is an easy job, and somebody is trying to guilt-trip me into doing said-job "because they don't have the right tools", I might loan them my cheapest version of the tool they need, just to make them go away. Even if I don't see that $20 tool ever again, it was worth not having to spend an afternoon working for free.
But, if I know something is an easy job, and somebody is trying to guilt-trip me into doing said-job "because they don't have the right tools", I might loan them my cheapest version of the tool they need, just to make them go away. Even if I don't see that $20 tool ever again, it was worth not having to spend an afternoon working for free.
the gypsy
Well-known member
No definitely no. I loaned my neighbor (worked in a metal shop) a grinder on a weekend to work on his car, believe it or not he burned it. So he got it repaired, fine But when I go to use it 6 months or a year later, turn it on and ran funny so I try to put it on the work piece and then it starts to smoke again and the rest is history. I loaned a Makita 3/4 hammer drill to a friend comes back with a damaged chuck, so I got it repaired and the lesson cost me 60.00 in 1985. I loaned this same person another hammer drill many years later and warned him that this Black and Decker hammer drill was in no way as strong as the drill I loaned him in 1985 and to go easy on it. So he comes see me a week later and tells me he burned the drill and so he replaced it. But do you think he bought me a new drill, NO he bought me a reconditioned one. I loaned my BIL a wet dry vac, he pick up dirty water with it with no foam filter and any other kind of filter on it low and behold never worked right ever since. I loaned my BIL my mitre saw and it came backs more than a year later (it was supposed to be 3 weeks max) after asking politely a few times until I lost my cool and had to pick it up. Low and behold he damaged the motor. Plugged it in try to use it and it blows a breaker.
In conclusion will I loan out my tools NO WAY NO HOW NEVER.
In conclusion will I loan out my tools NO WAY NO HOW NEVER.
Locker537
Well-known member
Yes, I will, but only to friends and family that do the same for me and treat their tools with the same level of care that I do.
The challenge is keeping track of stuff that is on loan. It's annoying when it's cordless tools that my batteries go with...
The challenge is keeping track of stuff that is on loan. It's annoying when it's cordless tools that my batteries go with...
LX-Markham
Well-known member
No over-nighters. Tool gets borrowed, tool comes right back.
Exceptions to that rule: I've rented out my drywall lift.
Exceptions to that rule: I've rented out my drywall lift.
I have two people that have pretty much unconditional access to my tool box, a good friend and my oldest brother. I only ask that they leave a note or tell me, and if they break or lose something to just tell me about it. With these two, chances are if they break or lose something, they will bring back a new tool that is the same or better. Since my big tool box is kept in that good friend's garage, it only seems fair that he has a key.
I have one uncle who is under no conditions even allowed within viewing distance of my tools, he has never returned anything that didn't look like it wasn't run over by a truck. I loaned him a brand new Milwaukee hammer drill one time, I even took it out of the packaging to loan it to him, got it back from him five years later with parts missing and frozen up solid, it had been loaned out by him to several other people, it even had someone else's name engraved on it. It had definitely been left out in the weather a lot. He said, "Come on, you gotta admit, that thing was in pretty rough shape when you loaned it to me".
I have one uncle who is under no conditions even allowed within viewing distance of my tools, he has never returned anything that didn't look like it wasn't run over by a truck. I loaned him a brand new Milwaukee hammer drill one time, I even took it out of the packaging to loan it to him, got it back from him five years later with parts missing and frozen up solid, it had been loaned out by him to several other people, it even had someone else's name engraved on it. It had definitely been left out in the weather a lot. He said, "Come on, you gotta admit, that thing was in pretty rough shape when you loaned it to me".
Short Answer: No.
Long Answer: As a general rule, the answer was always "no." About ten or so years ago, I loaned a pipe wrench to my neighbor. I don't remember why I relented, but I let him use it. I bought the wrench new and used it for a couple specific projects at my house. It was essentially in new condition when I loaned it out. After about six months, and a few "Hey, are you done with that pipe wrench?" questions, I got tired of waiting for guy to return it.....and I needed it again. Anyway, his garage door was open so I just walked down four houses, up the driveway and into his garage. After a few minutes of looking, I found it buried on his workbench in much worse condition than it was in when I loaned out. Based on a few dings on the body of the wrench, it was clear that it had been used as a hammer at some point. I was pissed and vowed then and there to NEVER loan out a tool again.......and I haven't......and I won't.
Jim C. (Who also doesn't ask to borrow tools)
Long Answer: As a general rule, the answer was always "no." About ten or so years ago, I loaned a pipe wrench to my neighbor. I don't remember why I relented, but I let him use it. I bought the wrench new and used it for a couple specific projects at my house. It was essentially in new condition when I loaned it out. After about six months, and a few "Hey, are you done with that pipe wrench?" questions, I got tired of waiting for guy to return it.....and I needed it again. Anyway, his garage door was open so I just walked down four houses, up the driveway and into his garage. After a few minutes of looking, I found it buried on his workbench in much worse condition than it was in when I loaned out. Based on a few dings on the body of the wrench, it was clear that it had been used as a hammer at some point. I was pissed and vowed then and there to NEVER loan out a tool again.......and I haven't......and I won't.
Jim C. (Who also doesn't ask to borrow tools)
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DFB
Well-known member
Basically if you cant afford to loose it don't loan it
Back when the contracting was prosperous around here we often loaned larger or expensive to buy items between a select group of us. Usually just big thing like stageing parts or wet saw, demo hammer, concrete forms long ladders etc.
We know one guy that constantly wants to borrow whatever he may need for a job never buying...most of us won loan him nothing anymore.
And I coul easily see some maybe borrowing among each others in shop setting that's not too bad...
But when its goes out of site and out mind or you have to go chase it down to get it back that's usually it for me.
I could share few stories ahh neither the lender or borrower be right?
Decades back I had a young neighbor kid bought his first clunker car asked me if I had rivet gun tool which I did and give him the lecture about not borrowing cuz if he broke he have to replace it and if he really needed one be best if he bought his own.
Well he was confident nothing like that could possibly happen a couple of days later he comes back tail between his legs with brand new rivet gun and tells me how now he really understands what I meant because he did have to spend is own money for a brand new tool and now had to give it away!
I very seldom get involved in helping to borrow stuff anymore because it also seems whatever you do some people just don't respect it either. But I used to a lot..when we younger I was the middleman when my brother needed an air compressor he wanted paint his truck something to do with the cops looking for certain color Chevy lol!
And I used my influence to get a compressor and of course this thing was pristine from an old man that only used it to air up tires and blow grass off his mower. Ya ya I got that back and it was all covered with overspray and I got stuck cleaning it best I cold before I returned it.
Another lesson learned the hard way
Back when the contracting was prosperous around here we often loaned larger or expensive to buy items between a select group of us. Usually just big thing like stageing parts or wet saw, demo hammer, concrete forms long ladders etc.
We know one guy that constantly wants to borrow whatever he may need for a job never buying...most of us won loan him nothing anymore.
And I coul easily see some maybe borrowing among each others in shop setting that's not too bad...
But when its goes out of site and out mind or you have to go chase it down to get it back that's usually it for me.
I could share few stories ahh neither the lender or borrower be right?
Decades back I had a young neighbor kid bought his first clunker car asked me if I had rivet gun tool which I did and give him the lecture about not borrowing cuz if he broke he have to replace it and if he really needed one be best if he bought his own.
Well he was confident nothing like that could possibly happen a couple of days later he comes back tail between his legs with brand new rivet gun and tells me how now he really understands what I meant because he did have to spend is own money for a brand new tool and now had to give it away!
I very seldom get involved in helping to borrow stuff anymore because it also seems whatever you do some people just don't respect it either. But I used to a lot..when we younger I was the middleman when my brother needed an air compressor he wanted paint his truck something to do with the cops looking for certain color Chevy lol!
And I used my influence to get a compressor and of course this thing was pristine from an old man that only used it to air up tires and blow grass off his mower. Ya ya I got that back and it was all covered with overspray and I got stuck cleaning it best I cold before I returned it.
Another lesson learned the hard way
James-W
Well-known member
I can relate to that. We had 3 really nice folding tables, 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, but now they are gone and we have idea who has them. I loaned them to someone, but for the life of me I can't recall who it was. Whoever it was didn't bring them back and we ended up buying 3 more tables.I have, but as I get older I need to have them sign a hand receipt so I can remember who I loaned it to.
I have never had any drill returned in working order. Reloaning and long term mud puddle storage got the few that were returned.
I had a shitload of spare crappy tools. Boxed them all and went from person to person telling them to take what they will use.
The men first and then all the ladies. They cleaned up and got all of them.
Nobody has asked to borrow any hand tool in years. My best investment in tools by far was giving away cheap stuff to protect my good stuff.
Try it guys, make them self reliant and then all you give is advice after that.
I had a shitload of spare crappy tools. Boxed them all and went from person to person telling them to take what they will use.
The men first and then all the ladies. They cleaned up and got all of them.
Nobody has asked to borrow any hand tool in years. My best investment in tools by far was giving away cheap stuff to protect my good stuff.
Try it guys, make them self reliant and then all you give is advice after that.
danieldd
Well-known member
All this tool loaning conversation reminded me of a couple of instances about 30 years ago when I was a young guy and went across the street to borrow my neighbor's van to make a run to the local lumberyard. As I was backing out (and mind you, I was not used to driving a full size van), I couldn't see well and I not only ran over his mailbox, but I dented up his van. I felt so bad at doing such a stupid thing that I bought and installed a new mailbox and post and then I took his van to a friend of mine who owned a body shop to make it perfect again.
My neighbor was well pleased..
A couple of months later I asked to borrow his axe so I could chop some wood for my fireplace. First swing of the axe, I miss and hit the axe handle on the wood and buggered the handle up real good, so I went and bought him a new axe.
Afterwards he always use to joke with me if there was something else I needed to borrow because he knew I would always return it with something newer.
My neighbor was well pleased..
A couple of months later I asked to borrow his axe so I could chop some wood for my fireplace. First swing of the axe, I miss and hit the axe handle on the wood and buggered the handle up real good, so I went and bought him a new axe.
Afterwards he always use to joke with me if there was something else I needed to borrow because he knew I would always return it with something newer.