Since my splitters are manually powered (X27, isocore and other old mauls) and everyone seems to be afraid of manual labor these days, I havent run into anyone asking to borrow them. I'd someone needed them though I could lend em out, because from what I hear fiskars will replace them without hassle if they do get broken. Chainsaw though, unless your my dad or father in law then it ain't happenin
I would add politicians to that list! .............A man was stuck in a traffic jam in Washington DC. Another motorist came down the row of cars and the first guy asked " What's up with the traffic jam?" The second motorist said " Terrorists have taken over the capital building and are threatening to cover all the politicians with gasoline and set them on fire if they don't get a million dollars. I'm going from car to car soliciting donations to help." The first motorist asked " What is the average donation you are getting?" The second replied "About 5 gallons!"
I stand on the side of caution when asked to lend a tool. My business relies on every one of them in my shop at any given time. Lot of tools I have 2 of just for backup and I still feel uncomfortable lending them out
I've got 2 friends that I swap stuff back and forth with from time to time. I know both of them would buy me new stuff if they broke something. Before I had my trailer, I borrowed one buddy's rig. I repacked the bearings and fixed a light on it for him. I also welded up a spare tire holder so he (and I) could get the spare out of the box of the trailer. If I recall correctly, I think I also fixed the sketchy hitch lock on that one before giving it back. I borrowed my other buddy's unit once, and wound up rewiring the entire thing before I'd drive it after dark. Every wire was corroded to heck, so I just ripped it all out and ran new stuff. I don't understand...they both seem very eager to loan me stuff, even asking if I'd like to borrow at the slightest hint that I might need something. Sometimes being a professional mechanic is a handy thing. LOL.
Absolutely no way I would loan out my splitter. I suggest my friends call the rental place as friendships can be ruined by damaged equipment. I don’t mind bringing it to someone, if I run it. I paid good money for the American splitter, and will not let it get damaged!!!!
Just finished reading the entire thread. It’s a good one. I’ve been on nearly all sides of this discussion. Needing to borrow. Letting borrow. Basically being given to borrow/keep and the open door policy. Luckily I’ve never really been burned that I recall, just one that I probably wouldn’t loan to again. Borrowed a neighbors splitter for the first couple seasons of burning. He insisted that I use it; to the point where I got home from work one day and he was in my yard with it splitting maple for me. The next year when he saw I had wood to split I came home to find the splitter sitting next the pile. I always took good care of it. Full gas, always check the pile before start up, change oil, kept clean, etc. The funny thing is that he only burns in his fire pit, and doesn’t really need a splitter. He also got plenty of wood from me, and still does when he needs it. Even though he always insisted, I was getting uncomfortable with continued us of it, and had saved up the money for my own. My immediate neighbor and I basically have an open door policy. We actually brought a 48” walk behind mower together a coupe years ago. He pays for parts, I do the maintenance. I’ve got much to add, but not the time right now. Maybe I can get back to this later. I suppose the key is to know your audience. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I make it a point to get along with my neighbors. One has a Kubota (and 40 acres where i cut) and fixed up all the neighbors driveways after the last couple storms. My splitter has been at his place for a couple months. He and another one of his friends helped me (at my mom's) CSS and haul firewood for days this year. I was at his daughters place plumbing in a new washer last week. Other neighbor has a bucket truck and tree service. I used his truck to clean my chimney last year. I hauled a couple of trucks for him last couple of years on my equipment trailer. I found him a smoking deal on an industrial chipper this year. The older lady next door brings me fruit and veggies from a local outlet. I come home and find it on my counter in the kitchen. I plowed her place for years for free or very little as she'd give me gas money occasionally. I took her corn last week when I got a deal on fresh corn from a friend with a local farm market. It's what neighbors do. Bible Gateway passage: Mark 12:30-31 - New International Version
That's the way it should be Turbodiesel! Last year I actually had somebodies splitter for a while. I don't know the guy who owns it but it was brought to me to use for a while, and it split the elm I had given up on. I have found out who the guy is and that he doesn't use it anymore due to a stroke so when I find out which house is his, he will be getting free wood from me.
Usually I let my neighbors borrow whatever they need, and they let me borrow stuff too so it works out just fine. Plus, it's not like I'll lose track of something at a neighbor's house. Friends and family on the other hand can be a different story. Yes, I will usually let anyone borrow something of mine, but for example my sister seems to be pretty good at holding on to things long after she is done using them, sometimes to the point of forgetting about them. When it comes to chainsaws or splitters, I don't loan them out but instead offer to help with whatever is being worked on. I assume that's more generous and I get the peace of mind knowing my equipment will be used properly.
Great thread! I can understand each side for sure. I've lent stuff out and haven't received it back the way it went out, however I am a little anal. But probably the biggest complaint for me lending stuff out is not getting it back. That is by far my BIGGEST pet peeve. I lent tools, chairs, tables, etc... out to my sisters fiance, brother in law, or cousin and they have it forever. I have to call or text them and tell them I need it (when I actually don't) just to get it back. Then sometimes they have the nerve say sure its here in the garage if your out swing by and grab it. Wait......what.....? Me come get it? I lent it to you..............least you can do is drop it back off! Irritates me to no end. If I borrow something, I use it like it's mine and I return it in a very short amount of time as I do not want to hold onto something that isn't mine. My one brother in law is the only exception, I'd lend him anything. He is meticulous with his stuff, he is a master plumber and carpenter he's got every toy in the world as far as tools and other things. He has lent me tools and saws in the past, he always offered I never usually ask I rarely like to borrow things unless I really need to or it's that one tool you use once every 10yrs for a job around the house. He also burns wood and has a wood splitter, and he offers it too me all the time. I may need to take him up this fall as I've got a lot of rounds to split.
I with you guys my good Neibhor still has a 1 and 3/16 socket and 3/4 2 foot drive for it.. I have 2 complete sets. Snap on and craftsman. I lent him the craftsman. I told him to take it and use it for his tractor 3 years ago.. He stops by 4 times a year to say he used it.. Do I need it back?? Nope. Still got a complete set and still haven't used that size socket yet..
