Enforcing Shop Rules?

[Junkmanryan]

Had a friend that wanted to build a shed using my shop. Gave him a couple of rules, biggest one being clean up waste. I'm a full time college student and I usually only come home on weekends. Every weekend, the area was trashed. Pieces of wood, bent nails, and junk food bags everywhere. We did end up with a nail in a tire at one point. I started by politely reminding him, and by week six started charging him for me having to clean up, which he refused to pay. I told him to get his **** and get out, which he finally did. Should I tell him not to come back? Or am I being too much of a hard ***?

 

[1949 caddyman]

If he can't follow your rules he shouldn't be there.

 

[wrench409]

Easy.

Your place, your rules.

 

[cdestuck]

You are the right one here. He had the rules, knew the rules and didn't live by them. He screwed up. He was lucky to have free access to your space and then refuse to pay you for what he refused to do. Off with his head.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Your place, your rules. If they can't follow the simple rules, that's on them and not your fault. If the dude wants to ruin a friendship over a few rules, then you're probably better off without him as a friend.

 

[bad_idea]

I'm with you OP. But then again, most people think I'm an *******.

 

[djjsr]

If he was really a friend, he wouldn't have been so inconsiderate.

 

[PFSard]

Had a friend that wanted to build a shed using my shop. Gave him a couple of rules, biggest one being clean up waste. I'm a full time college student and I usually only come home on weekends. Every weekend, the area was trashed. Pieces of wood, bent nails, and junk food bags everywhere. We did end up with a nail in a tire at one point. I started by politely reminding him, and by week six started charging him for me having to clean up, which he refused to pay. I told him to get his **** and get out, which he finally did. Should I tell him not to come back? Or am I being too much of a hard ***?

You are more patient than I would have been. Six weeks of that type of disrespect is more than I could stand. You did the right thing.

 

[Junkmanryan]

Easy.

Your place, your rules.

Somewhat. The shop is my dad's building, but I own all of the machines and tools. He used my tools, my fasteners, and my car and truck were at risk, so that has gotta count for something.

 

[OccupantRJ]

The first time he had not cleaned up, he would have gotten locked out.

 

[mitusa]

I would have done the same.......and I would leave our relationship where it's at. If he wants to remain a friend, he needs to change his ways.

 

[4 FN 27]

If being an ******* is defined by holding somebody accountable to MY rules in My shop then I am an *******.

This is the reason no one is allowed to work in my shop without me there.

My Nephew conned the key to my shop his Dad had in case I needed something taken care of when I was out of town. He told his Dad I said it was ok he could use my tools and shop to fix a water pump after I specifically told him not while I am out of town. I got home a few hours early. Walked into my shop to find him and his buddies there. Without a word I opened the Garage Door push his car out and asked him to leave. I picked up to tools and cleaned up and called his Dad.

That was 3 years ago. He blew it and it will be a long time before that trust is back.

I would never think of doing something like that to anyone.

 

[LXCam]

The first time he had not cleaned up, he would have gotten locked out.

No doubt!.

Those kinds of rules should have one unspoken, that's nothing more then common courtesy.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Why is the question even being asked???????

 

[Junkmanryan]

Why is the question even being asked???????

Parents said I was burning bridges. I thought it was a good bridge to burn, but I figured I would see what others thought.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Parents said I was burning bridges. I thought it was a good bridge to burn, but I figured I would see what others thought.

Hmmm, kinda strange on your parents behalf. Usually, parents are telling their kids not to hang out with their disrespectful friends. It seems your parents are doing the opposite.

 

[chruler]

Parents said I was burning bridges. I thought it was a good bridge to burn, but I figured I would see what others thought.

Your parents aren't the one who have to clean it up. No skin in the game.

The guy would have been out the first time he didn't clean up after himself. That's just not how you treat other peoples stuff! You're a good guy for letting him be there. He abused the privilege.

 

[Thezapper]

He don't respect you. When I use things from people, i go out of my way to show that I took care. By him leaving **** around he don't give a ****. Throw him to the curb like the trash you picked up after him! you don't need garbage like that in your life.

 

[Richard Cranium]

He might of gotten away with it once but the second time would of been the last time. There wouldn't of been a 3rd time.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

If he can't follow your rules he shouldn't be there.

That pretty much sums it up. I certainly wouldn't want to get in the details if he hurt himself on your property or something either...give em the boot.

 

[HOTFR8]

Had a friend that wanted to build a shed using my shop. Gave him a couple of rules, biggest one being clean up waste. I'm a full time college student and I usually only come home on weekends. Every weekend, the area was trashed. Pieces of wood, bent nails, and junk food bags everywhere. We did end up with a nail in a tire at one point. I started by politely reminding him, and by week six started charging him for me having to clean up, which he refused to pay. I told him to get his **** and get out, which he finally did. Should I tell him not to come back? Or am I being too much of a hard ***?

You set the rules. You gave him the chance. He did not respect the rules you gave him so I agree OUT.

 

[Junkmanryan]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I was fair enough with him. I allowed three guys to use the shop in my absence. The other two do fine. Unfortunately it only takes one. I also locked the shop up in my absence, since I could see him ignoring me and going back.

 

[ar2stp48]

"... am I being too much of a hard ***? ... No, you were much too nice and polite

The first time I found the shop in a mess as you described and not to the agreement of use, his stuff would have been moved out and the door locked. And he would not, under any conditions, use the shop again

 

[914wilhelm]

When you borrow other people's stuff, you leave it better than when you started. That's your payment.

 

[PoorOwner]

When you borrow other people's stuff, you leave it better than when you started. That's your payment.

You would think this doesn't need to be said, but seems some people just don't have decency or courtesy about other people's property.

 

[Junkmanryan]

I told him after he refused to pay me to get his stuff out in 48 hours. Dad overruled and gave him two weeks, which I was not impressed with. I did lock up the shop after the two days though.

 

[Brian80]

You did nothing wrong, your house, your rules. I work overseas and when Im home on my rotations I run a woodworking business out of the garage. Crafts, furniture and pretty much anything that needs built I build it. Well last year work picked up so much I couldn't keep up. People were understanding due to my continuing work rotation overseas however I was getting too far behind.

I may have a bit of OCD, to include ADHD. This has not been confirmed by a professional just my wife, family and close friends. Throw in a side of ******* and its a disaster waiting to happen. With all that I had a buddy who wanted to help run things while I was away. All I need him to do was break down pallets to prep for the next rotation. This saves me tons of time on the back side. So to be fair I agreed. He's a great guy and wanted to work and learn the trade. So originally I agreed while knowing he wouldn't move at my speed. I built him a gun cabinet out of pallets, which I charge $800.00, so for the first month he agreed to work off the cabinet. I expected him to break down 5-7 pallets/ hour. I can break down 15 in an hour but again my pace is a bit extreme. So after the first weekend, he updated me that he went to over and broke down some pallets. Well since he didn't say about how many I started wondering. After the wife said hey broke down only 7 pallets in about 5 hours and was on the phone the remaining time. I wasn't too happy. So I confronted him about it. So I gave him another chance. A week later on the following Saturday 15 pallets in about 7 hours. So I decided it wasn't going to work out. Told him to come get his tools.

 

[TonkaJoe]

I wouldn't think twice.. cut him loose.. can't respect my place? then you don't deserve to be there. Then again I was raised to respect other people and their belongings. It wouldn't be the first time someone's told me I was an *******.. and it's likely why I don't have many friends these days... but that's the type of stuff I definitely don't won't deal with.

 

[tatra]

It's your dad's shop tho. If he wants to let others use it you will have to just secure your tools and possessions so nothing is used . I agree he should have got the message the second time you told him. Personally I would burn the bridge.

 

[clarence wetzel]

here is a match light that bridge up.

 

[Jeffsmachine]

You shouldn't of even had to tell Him the rules, He should have been courteous enough to clean up after Himself, that's the least He should have done.
Most of Us would have been grateful enough for Your generous hospitality, and would have done something nice for You in return.

 

[rsnip988]

I may have a bit of OCD, to include ADHD. This has not been confirmed by a professional just my wife, family and close friends. Throw in a side of ******* and its a disaster waiting to happen.

We must be long lost relatives! My wife & friends would describe me this way also.

To the OP I agree with everyone else, break the rules You're out!

 

[duggie]

Just echoing every comment from everyone else ... your shop, your rules !!!

I even follow my shop rules when I am in someone else's shop. The biggest rule I have is " don't leave tools laying around (benches, floor, inside vehicles, etc.)". I sometimes go to my buddies shop (because he has a car lift) and I am always putting his tools away and cleaning up his shop .. even though he doesn't do it himself. He calls me his "little shop maid" ... **should I be concerned ??** .. LOL ~~

 

[MovingAlong]

Parents said I was burning bridges. I thought it was a good bridge to burn, but I figured I would see what others thought.

No, your buddy burned that bridge... now you are just following through with the logical consequences.

***** when people disappoint you, but it will happen. Taking responsibility (as you've done) for managing your own life and what/who you'll allow into it is the right thing to do.

 

[PeterT]

I have one simple rule,, no spittin tobacco on the garage floor,, especially that leaf stuff like red man (or days o' work) where you get a stream of syrup

 

[404]

Parents said I was burning bridges. I thought it was a good bridge to burn, but I figured I would see what others thought.

Buddy is a user. Ditch him.

 

[tinmanwpk]

Bottom line is that you did the right thing. Don't think twice about it and don't look back.

 

[bwringer]

I have a certain sub-class of friends and relatives who are entertaining, interesting, or pleasant to be around, but who have proven they cannot be trusted on one level or another.

What I'm saying is that kicking him out of the shop doesn't mean you are sworn blood enemies forever and ever unto the seventh generation. It simply means he's not allowed to use your space and tools when you're around.

Out in the real world, you can and must set limits and enforce boundaries with people (in fact this is an important life skill). You have to set a certain limit with this guy, but this incident doesn't need to escalate any further, let alone into a lifelong shunning.

He might be pissy for a while, but after things cool down there's no reason you can't still be friends if you both want to. He'll just be a friend who isn't allowed to use your tools or your shop.

Of course, to some of the people around here, leaving some Dorito bags in your shop equates to kicking your dog. If this is the way you feel about it, then shun away.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

To the OP:

You are certainly in the right here with your actions.

Regarding your parents' input: As a parent myself, I'm often more concerned with "maintaining the peace" than I am with "meting out justice". I don't view that as good or bad..it's just the nature of the gig.

So...my advice would be to cut your Dad some slack. He's doing the best he can and it is his garage after all.

Good luck!

Phil

 

[Junkmanryan]

I have a certain sub-class of friends and relatives who are entertaining, interesting, or pleasant to be around, but who have proven they cannot be trusted on one level or another.

What I'm saying is that kicking him out of the shop doesn't mean you are sworn blood enemies forever and ever unto the seventh generation. It simply means he's not allowed to use your space and tools when you're around.

Out in the real world, you can and must set limits and enforce boundaries with people (in fact this is an important life skill). You have to set a certain limit with this guy, but this incident doesn't need to escalate any further, let alone into a lifelong shunning.

He might be pissy for a while, but after things cool down there's no reason you can't still be friends if you both want to. He'll just be a friend who isn't allowed to use your tools or your shop.

Of course, to some of the people around here, leaving some Dorito bags in your shop equates to kicking your dog. If this is the way you feel about it, then shun away.

Good advice, but I'm not sure I want to. He hired a guy to help him with it and agreed to pay him 300 for labor. The day he had to move it he told him he wasn't getting paid because they never shook on it. Pretty low IMO.