im just wondering whats peoples view on letting family use there tools as recently i have had a lot of tools misused broken or lost to the value of 500$ or more. this really frustrates me as im the only one with tools and i cant just say no. i would like to be able to just lock my box up so only i can use them but it just causes too many arguments. i just really hurts to see that someone has used your new wera screw drivers to mix paint or broken sockets because they've been used on an impact wrench or find that half your spanners are gone. what other options is there other buying a second set of tools for them
letting family use tools
- Thread starter 199mx
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arnwoodwheels
Well-known member
You must be a young guy or girl.
Never lend money,tools or anything of value to friends or family members.
Never work for or hire friends or family members.
Never sell anything to friends or family members.
Never leave friends or family members in charge of your home.
Never lend money,tools or anything of value to friends or family members.
Never work for or hire friends or family members.
Never sell anything to friends or family members.
Never leave friends or family members in charge of your home.
Holt
Well-known member
Save up 50 buck and buy the cheapest all in one tool sets you can get. You said you lost 500 buck already whats another 50
Armstrong1720
Well-known member
Hell no !!! My family touches box its their &ss !! My dad thats it .. We have a big family shop and i work on my semis there i have my own boxes everything completely locked up i gave a set of keys to my dad thats it. My wife does not even touch my boxes. The shop has its own tools and i have my own .. I have much nicer and better tools than the family. I have a uncle that is the same way i am.. he has his own shop and wont let his grown kids in there or his grand kids unless he is standing beside them. He learned the hard way do not loan your tools out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell them to go buy their own or put up a cash deposit
MFolks
Well-known member
When you loan out tools, take something of their's that just as valuable. Be aware of a "Friend of a Friend" borrowed them speil.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
You know what your option is, unfortuately it's not what you want to hear. You'd be surprised what kind of little tool box you can put together between Harbor Freight, Sears, and eBay. I built a traveling tool box that is nothing more than a 3 drawer tool box, a tool bag and me. The most expensive part of the kit will be any power tools you choose to furnish.
Best of luck, it doesn't sound like a fun situation.
Best of luck, it doesn't sound like a fun situation.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I am not a young guy, and I've broken every single one of those rules with excellent results. I guess it depends on who your friends and family are as individuals.
fivespdcat
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2011
- Messages
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You have to know who you can let borrow your tools. Not all of my family is banned and not all of them are allowed to. Just depends on your past history, however I am not a source for their consumables. You want to use my miter saw? Buy a blade, that usually ends the conversation there...
I totally agree with you on that. I got some family that will take better care of them then me. And some who just don't care. Friends well they get a time limit lol.
littletoes
Well-known member
It's a difficult situation, but with the background info that you now have, you know who you sure shouldn't loan any tools to.
Especially to those that now owe you money for the tools they have either lost or broken. I've had good results loaning tools to most that have asked to borrow, but there are a few that have either broken or damaged tools of mine in some way. The best part, those folks don't seem to ask to borrow anything after they fully understand my feelings towards my tools.
If you want your tools back, AND in working condition, then your just going to have to convey what you expect.
Especially to those that now owe you money for the tools they have either lost or broken. I've had good results loaning tools to most that have asked to borrow, but there are a few that have either broken or damaged tools of mine in some way. The best part, those folks don't seem to ask to borrow anything after they fully understand my feelings towards my tools.
If you want your tools back, AND in working condition, then your just going to have to convey what you expect.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
This one is a dicey issue for many, and I've heard many horror stories over the years, both within my family and from friends and theirs. Truth be told, even in my own immediately family, there are folks I'd probably be OK with loaning to, but there are others I wouldn't loan a pencil to, much less any tools. 
I say if you get burned, never loan them again. Hell with the arguments, people make that bed, they can lay in it. If one becomes a chump, it's difficult to start saying no later on. I'd much rather be the ***** that won't let people borrow his tools than be the sucker who has to keep replacing things because he's too nice/polite to say no. As with many other aspects of life, some people will absolutely bleed you dry if you let them.
If you absolutely have to loan things out, to keep the peace or what not, just do what others have said and buy some cheap set of chicom garbage from the bottom-dollar retailer of your choice. Keep all the broken pieces you invariably will get back and point to the pile anytime someone asks why you keep the good stuff under lock and key.
I say if you get burned, never loan them again. Hell with the arguments, people make that bed, they can lay in it. If one becomes a chump, it's difficult to start saying no later on. I'd much rather be the ***** that won't let people borrow his tools than be the sucker who has to keep replacing things because he's too nice/polite to say no. As with many other aspects of life, some people will absolutely bleed you dry if you let them.
If you absolutely have to loan things out, to keep the peace or what not, just do what others have said and buy some cheap set of chicom garbage from the bottom-dollar retailer of your choice. Keep all the broken pieces you invariably will get back and point to the pile anytime someone asks why you keep the good stuff under lock and key.
shoggoth80
Well-known member
Dunno,
I can say I have been on the other side of that fence. I've lost, and broken tools that belonged to my dad. Can't say I felt good about it, but it's happened. Because I was given the courtesy of being able to use stuff, I wouldn't be in the right to not return the favor if it were ever necessary. However, I am going to keep my cheaper tools around as loaners/house tools etc. as I upgrade to more pro grade gear over time.
I would have to agree that putting together an inexpensive loaner set is the better course of action where family and friends are concerned.
I can say I have been on the other side of that fence. I've lost, and broken tools that belonged to my dad. Can't say I felt good about it, but it's happened. Because I was given the courtesy of being able to use stuff, I wouldn't be in the right to not return the favor if it were ever necessary. However, I am going to keep my cheaper tools around as loaners/house tools etc. as I upgrade to more pro grade gear over time.
I would have to agree that putting together an inexpensive loaner set is the better course of action where family and friends are concerned.
Conductor562
Well-known member
My dad bought or gave me a good portion of the tools I own. If he broke one theres a 100% chance he'd replace it, a 75% chance he'd buy me something additional just for the hell of it, and a 50% he bought it to begin with. My brother can't change a tire so he'll just ask me to do whatever it is he needs done anyway. My father in-law is a crook. He'd try to take it without me knowing. If that didn't work he'd borrow it and say he lost it or something. Either way I was out. I finally just started locking my shop and I haven't had anything walk off since.
redwrench60
Well-known member
Step 1: Lay ******* mushroom cloud.
Step 2: Recover all borrowed/stolen tools.
Step 3: Lock toolbox. (they're your tools right??!)
Step 4: There is no step 4!! They're YOUR tools!
Step 2: Recover all borrowed/stolen tools.
Step 3: Lock toolbox. (they're your tools right??!)
Step 4: There is no step 4!! They're YOUR tools!
64Trvlr
Well-known member
**** no!
You'll either have to grow a pair and just say, "No, last time you damage/lost/misused *** and you are not going to borrow another tool until I am reimbursed for your stupidity."
or B? Lie through your teeth and say you dont have it.
I learned fairly quick to not loan out tools to people who dont have a healthy selection of tools themselves. The troubling thing about it to me is they know the high cost of the tools, thats why they come to borrow them in the first place. But they dont have enough respect to return them in the same condition as they left. Its tough the first couple of times, but once you get the point across that you will not be loaning out any more tools people will stop asking. Once they have bought a few things themselves they will also come to realize why you had to start being a **** about it.
or B? Lie through your teeth and say you dont have it.
I learned fairly quick to not loan out tools to people who dont have a healthy selection of tools themselves. The troubling thing about it to me is they know the high cost of the tools, thats why they come to borrow them in the first place. But they dont have enough respect to return them in the same condition as they left. Its tough the first couple of times, but once you get the point across that you will not be loaning out any more tools people will stop asking. Once they have bought a few things themselves they will also come to realize why you had to start being a **** about it.
purplezr2
Well-known member
My Dad has lots of respect for my tools. All those years yelling at me for not putting tools back makes him have that respect.
Yes you can, they'll get over it.
I have had the worst luck loaning things to family, they seem to have a sense of entitlement, like since blood is thicker than water, they have some right to borrow and misuse my stuff with no consequences when stuff gets broken. My stuff always seems to come back broken or looking like it was dragged behind a truck or waterlogged from being left out in the rain, and absolutely no remorse whatsoever.
The only people in my family who are allowed to use my tools unconditionally are my mother and step-father, I owe them that and more for all the gray hair I gave them over my use of the garage as a kid.
Painless way is to put together set of tools they are free to borrow and lock the rest.
You can even make it nice, take a clean bucket, put in a couple shop towels, and the basics, and make it handy to access with a label like "Family Tools".
Nasty way is to lock your box and put up a "wall of shame", like some stores have with bad checks, hang damaged tools, or draw an outline of missing ones with the name of the offender below it.
You can even make it nice, take a clean bucket, put in a couple shop towels, and the basics, and make it handy to access with a label like "Family Tools".
Nasty way is to lock your box and put up a "wall of shame", like some stores have with bad checks, hang damaged tools, or draw an outline of missing ones with the name of the offender below it.
Armed Bear
Well-known member
I have some pretty expensive tools and equipment that cost into the thousands, I would never let anyone borrow the expensive stuff, but I do have cheap tools that I don't mind letting other people use.
06 DIESEL
Well-known member
There are some people I do not mind loaning out tools to, others that will never see one of my tools. Anyone that borrows something know that it comes back clean and in the same condition that I was lent out in. Break it or lose it and replace it. You get one strike with me, after that no other chances.
countryroad82
Well-known member
My brother was the worlds worse for using my shop, materials, and tools for his half a$$ cobbeled together projects. After years of arguments, fights and whatnot I locked him out. One day he broke into my shop so he could get something, that was the last straw. I made it clear to him to treat my stuff like I treat his, I don't go into his house and take his TV, X-Box, food, whatever, I leave his **** alone he needed to leave mine alone. Plus I mentioned the fact that brother or not I would press charges the next time. He has since moved away but I haven't had a problem since. My few friends I actually call close friends might ask to borrow something on occasion and I normally will loan it out if it is something I don't have to have. I have 'loaners' for the most part and that was the best investment I ever made.
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
+1
*counting lucky stars*
cburnscrx
Well-known member
Yep, I have a contractor buddy who borrows my tools often. Eventually the consumables rule got enacted. I don't mind if you use my router, but you have to get your own bits.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I think back now about the tools I lost or abused that were my Dad's growing up, and I cringe. I just didn't know or realize...
A screwdriver is a screwdriver, right? Wrong! I remember using his SK green and white handled flat blade as a scraper and pry bar. I am going to buy him an entire SK set for Father's Day this year.supra90turbo
Well-known member
I have a cardboard box full of odd craftsman that were in my box until replaced by better tools. Those are my loaners, except I recently removed the red handled craftsman screwdrivers from the box after finding they are somewhat rare.
supra90turbo
Well-known member
I think back now about the tools I lost or abused that were my Dad's growing up, and I cringe. I just didn't know or realize...
Is that not their intended use? Lol
darkk
Well-known member
Everyone in my family knows, if you break it you bought it. You damage it you bought it. They also know there is a strict time limit also. Not back on time, don't ask again. I hate being a ***** about it, but thems the facts. And I have absolutely no problem saying no!
ianguilly
Well-known member
Me and my dad use the homebox that's it. No one else has intrest in using them.
Keep this in mind....."nobody"..... family member, friend, relative, co-worker, etc. is going to take care of your tools, or anything else that's yours for that matter, like "you" do. Because the way they see it, they didn't pay for it! That's just a given fact in life. Remember, if they didn't pay for it themself's, or spend money for it or it didn't come out of their pocket, then in their minds they'll use it and abuse it without any hesitation, as you have now found out. ..........
(Remember, it's easy for people to become wasteful and careless with things when they didn't pay for it!)
........but you can end all the misery and it all starts off by just saying one word...."No", and sticking by it and that's it!
It's a hard lesson to learn but once followed you'll never have that problem again!
(Oh, of course you'll probably be called a few 'colorful choice words' but hey, the way I see it, you can go ahead an call me whatever you want but at least I won't be spending my money needlessly!)
(Remember, it's easy for people to become wasteful and careless with things when they didn't pay for it!)
........but you can end all the misery and it all starts off by just saying one word...."No", and sticking by it and that's it!
It's a hard lesson to learn but once followed you'll never have that problem again!
(Oh, of course you'll probably be called a few 'colorful choice words' but hey, the way I see it, you can go ahead an call me whatever you want but at least I won't be spending my money needlessly!)
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graffix000
Well-known member
I own a second set of sockets that I picked up at autozone for like $15. Has 1/2 and 3/8" deep and shallow sockets as well as a ratchet for each.
It makes me mad when my tools come back in worse shape then they left. The only way for me to correct that is to not let people borrow. Tools would not return.
If you are going to continue to let people borrow tools, get a big white board and hang it on the wall. Write down who took what and when. Then at least you have an idea where your missing tools are.
It makes me mad when my tools come back in worse shape then they left. The only way for me to correct that is to not let people borrow. Tools would not return.
If you are going to continue to let people borrow tools, get a big white board and hang it on the wall. Write down who took what and when. Then at least you have an idea where your missing tools are.
supra90turbo
Well-known member
I rent a garage space with my brother and a friend. My friend has his own tools, and plenty of them. He knows the value of a good tool, therefore, he has a key to my toolbox and does not abuse the privilege.
My brother on the other hand has very few tools and feels entitled to mine, even though he does not treat them with any respect. Therefore does not have a key to mine. The funny thing is how mad he actually gets about my box being locked, but I'm the one with all the money invested, and he does not understand.
It started when i caught him using my snap on 3/8 comfort grip with a pipe slid over the handle for more leverage when I have a 1/2 snap on 24" flex head ratchet in the drawer next to it...
My brother on the other hand has very few tools and feels entitled to mine, even though he does not treat them with any respect. Therefore does not have a key to mine. The funny thing is how mad he actually gets about my box being locked, but I'm the one with all the money invested, and he does not understand.
It started when i caught him using my snap on 3/8 comfort grip with a pipe slid over the handle for more leverage when I have a 1/2 snap on 24" flex head ratchet in the drawer next to it...
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I guess I am in the minority, and that's sad. I can trust my family with any of my tools, and if something were to happen, it would get replaced. Actually, I'd likely I'd end up with a better product than I had before. It's too bad so many people can't respect their own family and their things, I guess I am just blessed to have people around me who think the same way I do.
smith627
Active member
Not long before my father passed away, he loaned out his chainsaw and didn't mention the person's name. I never thought about it again until my brother wanted to borrow it and asked me if I had it. We called around to some of his friends and our uncles but no one said they had it. We never got it back.
I'm with you. I can loan anything to family or friends with no worries. You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. Anyone who can't be trusted to return something they've borrowed wouldn't be a friend of mine in the first place.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
I always loaned my tools to others at work. I'd tell them one time to make sure that they bring it back in the shape they got it. If I had to come and get it, then they would never borrow from me again. It seems I was the only one that had tools to get something done. Most brought them back, but a few had to be reminded about our deal and they had to find some other way to get the job done. Then one of the motherfuckers helped their self to my locked box when I was off on medical.
I let my brother and my dad use my tools if I have something they need and they let me use theirs if they have something I need. As long as they respect my stuff and put them back it's no problem. As far as letting freinds borrow my tools, I usually don't let that happen.