Loaning Tools...

[robinson46176]

I like this sign... I do make a few exceptions. My son for one and a couple of very good neighbors who are tool guys themselves. Since we all have a lot of tools they rarely need to borrow anyway.
In a few cases I have "extras" and will loan the "a bit more crappy one". I recently loaned a horse client a post driver for steel "T" post. It is reasonably hard to screw up a post driver... AND... while I have one that a favored great uncle had hand made by a rural blacksmith about 80 years ago that one stays in my work van... The one I loaned them was one I made out of scrap stuff maybe 8 years ago when I had need of one with a larger diameter. It is nicely painted and works well but it will never be "the one Uncle Tony had made..."

WS - Tool rules.jpg (51 KiB) Viewed 3888 times

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[Ed in Tampa]

I have a very good friend of over 50 years. I wanted to borrow a tool from him nearly 50 years ago and he said "No! That he didn't lend his tools and if I needed the tool I should go buy it so I would always have it." I was a little angry, but I went to the store and bought the tool. Now every time I use the tool I think of my friend. Best advice I ever had!

Down through the years I have loaned tools out and I almost every case I later regretted it. Rather than waste time on it however I just go and buy a replacement and move on. I often think I cheat these folks out of enjoying owning their tool.


My worst case was the neighbor that borrowed my sabre saw. The screw that holds the blade vibrated out and was lost. He didn't have a replacement screw so he cross threaded a wood screw in so he could finish "his" project. Of course that ruined the drive shaft of the saw and rendered to saw useless. It was one of the first Christmas presents my wife bought me. I still have it as a reminder. The thing that almost made me blow up was the fact the neighbor came over about 6 months later with his brand new sabre saw, that was so much better than mine since it held the blade in.

[dusty]

The only tools that I have ever loaned out are the ones that I no longer have.

[dgreen810]

This is not a tool per se but several years ago about 1965 or so I loaned my brother a brand new never used Binks air brush. He was into making custom fishing rods. Several years later I had a need for the air brush and asked for it back. He graciously returned it, the jet tip and cups completely worn out and happily showed me his "New" Binks air brush that he purchased so he would have one of his own.

Really pi*&^4 me off. My brother is dead now so I guess I forgive him but he should have never showed me that new one.

He also had a bad habit, when he borrowed something, after a couple of years they suddenly became his.

Don G

[ChrisNeilan]

If I lend tools out I try to lend myself as well! That way I be sure the tool is not abused, especially if it is a cutting tool (chisel, saw, lathe gouge).

[davebodner]

I've lent and borrowed tools, all with happy endings.

Well, there was the Ryobi reciprocating saw I borrowed that was stolen out of my garage. I gave back a brand new one, same make and model. I'd pondered buying a better one, but then I'd have to confess to being the victim of a theft.

I guess it depends somewhat on the tool. A screwdriver or a hammer will probably make it back in pretty much the same shape it went out. Something with a keen edge will probably come back duller, and possibly damaged.

[Gene Howe]

I'll lend you a tool with the proviso that it never leaves my shop.

[BuckeyeDennis]

Tools are kinda like children. Some people raise them well, to be positive and productive members of society. If they are like that with tools as well, loan away.

Other people should never be allowed to have children. Or tools. Especially if they didn't buy them.

[jonesuh]

My dad always told me never lend a tool---BUT also never borrow one if you need it go get your own (as a result I have a lot of tools I only used once -think plumbing) when my son needs a tool of mine I consider it a gift & tell him it's his

[oldc6]

Years back my neighbor borrowed sears pad sander.

was fixing bathroom walls sanding sheetrock and old wallpaper.

about a month later he brought it back in a pail all taken apart.

He said the blame thing quit............. so, he took it apart

movement was broken.. It was not much of a sander but, he said here it is.

the next year I had bought a new six foot heavy duty stepladder. That fall

I need the ladder and could not find it. Lawnmower shed it where I stored it.

went to his house and nobody home. Walked around the back of house

ah, the ladder... He had been painting the house and the ladder had more

paint on it than the house...........He said later that I thought you would

have a ladder so, I just borrowed it!!!!!!!!! Sheds are now locked.. that neighbor moved away shortly after that summer......

Moral of the story :: YOU WILL NEVER FIX STUPID NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY.