Renting out your tools

[Packard]

My reason for buying and not renting is apparently different from others.

I don’t like to rush.  Each task has its own pace for me. 

Renting puts a premium on rushing, on moving at a greater pace than the task asks me for. 

I would rather buy and then sell the tool, than rent. 

And I can’t remember the last time I borrowed a tool.  Maybe never.

In college, I had a very specialized camera lens.  For a couple of fellow photography majors, I would lend the lens (but never the camera).  It was always loaned for a specific shoot and I knew the lens would be back at the end of that session.

(At a university of 20,000 students, I had the only flat field macro/micro lens. The need for that lens did not come up often, but when it was needed, nothing else worked as well.)

 

[Birdhunter]

If a friend has a need for one of tools (other than a hammer), I offer to help. That way, they are happy, the job is done, and my tools are safe.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

If a friend has a need for one of tools (other than a hammer), I offer to help. That way, they are happy, the job is done, and my tools are safe.

I used to do that (still do for colleagues at work) but it tends to turn you into a free contractor, especially with those particular people who are "users" like that. I hope to not have anyone, like that, whom I would call a friend though  [unsure]
At work, it doesn't matter as much, the job is getting done.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I used to do that (still do for colleagues at work) but it tends to turn you into a free contractor, especially with those particular people who are "users" like that. I hope to not have anyone, like that, whom I would call a friend though  [unsure]
At work, it doesn't matter as much, the job is getting done.

Took me years to learn to start saying no to people who valued their time and effort far more than they valued mine, and actually had the sense of entitlement that because I've invested so much in tools, that I should then be happy they're "giving me something useful to do"!

I still do some smaller work for friends (and always for family), but it no longer takes priority on my job list. And if they can't be bothered to put the effort in to organise the materials they want used or at least help a bit, or want to micro manage and give me grief at every stage, it just doesn't happen.

 

[live4ever]

I used to do that (still do for colleagues at work) but it tends to turn you into a free contractor, especially with those particular people who are "users" like that. I hope to not have anyone, like that, whom I would call a friend though  [unsure]
At work, it doesn't matter as much, the job is getting done.

Took me years to learn to start saying no to people who valued their time and effort far more than they valued mine, and actually had the sense of entitlement that because I've invested so much in tools, that I should then be happy they're "giving me something useful to do"!

I still do some smaller work for friends (and always for family), but it no longer takes priority on my job list. And if they can't be bothered to put the effort in to organise the materials they want used or at least help a bit, or want to micro manage and give me grief at every stage, it just doesn't happen.

For friends, I’m always happy to spend my time & effort to teach and empower, but if they just want something done for free/minimal cost with no sweat on their part, no way. 

And I’ve never expected that from anyone either, at the risk of offending well-meaning experts when I preferred to learn myself and go it alone.

 

[ChuckM]

If I can, I involve friends who need my help in their woodworking projects. Tool loans are uncommon as they aren't woodworkers (screwdrivers, cordless drills, hand saws or dremel tools are pretty much what have been asked for).

A neighbor needed to modify his stove hood to meet code for a new gas range. We worked together (I have the table saw (SawStop PCS, so he wasn't going to cut his fingers and sue me -- just kidding), DF500, etc.) and made the front panel shorter and hood higher from the stove.

Sometimes, of course, I do everything. My friends know how busy I am and know if it's a job for a handyman or woman, they will pay someone to do it. In the case below, he had a tough time finding someone who could finish the modification within his timeframe, and I offered to help.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Took me years to learn to start saying no to people who valued their time and effort far more than they valued mine, and actually had the sense of entitlement that because I've invested so much in tools, that I should then be happy they're "giving me something useful to do"!

It's not like the bosses don't know. It essentially just shows their lack of either ability or tools.
It mostly depends upon how intensely busy I am. Sometimes it's just NO.
Heck, sometimes it's the boss bringing me the problem  [big grin]

 

[mino]

It's not like the bosses don't know. It essentially just shows their lack of either ability or tools.
It mostly depends upon how intensely busy I am. Sometimes it's just NO.
Heck, sometimes it's the boss bringing me the problem  [big grin]

I would hazard a guess any boss in your field has more than the usual appreciation for the value of your time .. and tools.

IMO lulz was hinting at the working-my-hands-is-below-me people who can be very entitled yet lack the least of a clue at the same time. Most truly believe it is "just about bothering to pick up a tool and doing it". In turn they believe that if a tool gets damaged or destroyed in the process, it is the tool's fault of "being badly designed". This group may, and often does, include one's family.

When one never ever did any work with tools, one simply does not build up the ability to comprehend the amount of knowledge needed to operate a tool as simple as a hammer properly.
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On the original post:
Lending specific tools to specific people I trust and know they can use them properly, is one thing. Even for a monetary compensation if there is some tool wear expected.

Renting the tools to a general person, be that a friend or not. Nada. Thank you.

 

[luvmytoolz]

[member=61254]mino[/member] Bingo! You got it exactly. Everything is a 2 minute job, and you have the tools so what's the problem! The fact some people who want to abuse others time/money/effort can frame it as you being the problem is amazing.

One example among many, the finance director where I worked broke a plastic clip from the luggage net of his BMW's boot, and as I had a CNC he thought I could make him a new one instead of him paying the $10 or so for the replacement part. He actually thought it perfectly fine and reasonable that there was a couple of hours of my time on measuring and modelling work, on top of machining and cleaning it up, for him to save the $10!

This unfortunately is the prevailing attitude for a lot of people I've found.