The saying goes, “A Good Carpenter Takes Care Of His Tools.” But for those of us in the automotive world, this sentiment rings just as true. Whether you’re a seasoned professional mechanic or a passionate DIYer working in your garage, your tools are your lifeline. They are the instruments that allow you to diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles, and their condition directly reflects your ability to do your job effectively and efficiently.
This time-honored adage isn’t just about being tidy; it’s a philosophy that speaks to professionalism, respect for your craft, and ultimately, the quality of your work. It’s about understanding that your tools are an investment, not just in metal and plastic, but in your skills and your livelihood.
The question of tool ownership often extends to the concept of sharing and lending. It’s a common scenario: a neighbor needs a wrench, a fellow contractor needs a specific scanner, or even a friend wants to borrow your prized socket set for a weekend project. This brings up a debate as old as workshops themselves: Do you lend out your tools, or do you keep them strictly for your own use?
This article delves into the nuanced world of tool ownership and sharing, drawing insights from experienced professionals and enthusiasts. We’ll explore why the principle of “a good mechanic takes care of his tools” is paramount, and how this philosophy impacts the decision of whether or not to lend these essential instruments of our trade. While the original discussion revolved around woodworking tools, the core principles are universally applicable, especially in the demanding field of automotive repair.
The Case Against Lending: Protecting Your Automotive Investment
For many mechanics and serious DIYers, the answer to the tool-lending question is a resounding “no.” This isn’t about being selfish; it’s about protecting a valuable and often hard-earned collection of tools that are essential for their daily work. The forum discussion highlighted numerous reasons why lending tools often leads to more trouble than it’s worth, and these experiences resonate deeply within the automotive repair community.
One of the primary concerns is the potential for damage or misuse. Automotive tools, especially specialized diagnostic scanners and precision instruments, are designed for specific tasks and require proper handling. As one forum participant, Rich Riddle, experienced with a contractor wanting to borrow a tool, discovered, even someone claiming to know how to use a tool may not treat it with the same care you would. The contractor’s own tool was “extremely abused and would barely function,” a stark reminder of the varying levels of tool maintenance and respect.
A mechanic meticulously cleans a diagnostic tool, emphasizing the importance of tool care for accuracy and longevity.
Mark Bolton, a tradesman in the woodworking forum, succinctly stated his policy: “Never, unless I have a duplicate.” This sentiment is echoed by many mechanics who understand the wear and tear that tools endure even under careful use. Loaning tools increases the risk of damage, breakage, or premature wear, especially when the borrower may not be as familiar with the tool or as invested in its upkeep. Bolton’s experience with a loaned heavy-duty sawzall that came back with a slipping clutch underscores the unpredictable nature of tool lending, even to those who are not in the trades. He poignantly remarks on the stories from rental shop service guys, highlighting the often-unbelievable ways tools are mistreated when loaned out.
Harry Hagan’s simple “NO. Not anymore. I finally learned my lesson,” speaks volumes about the cumulative negative experiences many have faced. It’s a lesson often learned the hard way, through damaged tools, lost components, or the frustration of needing a tool only to find it broken or missing after being loaned out.
The Exceptions: Trust and Reciprocity in Tool Sharing
While a strict “no-lending” policy is common, there are exceptions, often based on trust, established relationships, and a sense of reciprocity. David Weaver mentions a “woodworking buddy” to whom he would lend tools, knowing they would be returned in excellent condition. This highlights a key factor: lending to individuals who demonstrate a similar level of care and respect for tools.
Andrew Fleck’s approach is pragmatic, differentiating between tool types and borrowers. He’s willing to lend basic hand tools like hammers or yard tools to neighbors, but the “Starrett will stay in my shop.” This reflects a common-sense approach: less critical or easily replaceable tools can be considered for lending to trusted individuals for simple tasks.
In a professional setting, tool sharing among trusted colleagues can be acceptable, emphasizing mutual respect and responsibility.
Brian Elfert’s policy of lending only to his father, and occasionally to friends for specific, less critical tools, further illustrates the importance of borrower reliability. The exception he mentions for contractors working on his house, while he is present, demonstrates a willingness to share tools under controlled circumstances where he can ensure proper use and immediate return.
Charles Wiggins encapsulates the conditional approach: “It really depends on what type of tool and who is asking to borrow it.” He differentiates between lending a simple hammer to a neighbor and a power tool to a contractor he doesn’t know. His willingness to lend to a friend from church, based on mutual respect and a history of returning tools in good or even improved condition, showcases the positive side of selective tool sharing within trusted circles.
Maintaining Your Tools: The Cornerstone of a Mechanic’s Ethos
Regardless of your stance on lending, the underlying principle remains: “a good mechanic takes care of his tools.” This extends beyond simply saying “no” to lending; it encompasses a proactive approach to tool maintenance, organization, and overall respect for these vital instruments.
Val Kosmider’s experience with borrowing tools highlights the other side of the coin. Despite taking exceptional care of borrowed items, things invariably broke. This underscores the inherent risks associated with tool usage outside of one’s own controlled environment, further reinforcing the argument for careful tool ownership and maintenance.
Mike Lassiter, a mechanic with over 40 years of experience, emphasizes the investment in quality tools and the importance of treating them with respect. He highlights the “code among mechanics” where borrowed tools are expected to be returned in the same condition they were received. His detailed account of his extensive tool collection and the pride he takes in their upkeep reinforces the professional mechanic’s deep connection to their tools.
Tool organization is a key aspect of tool care, ensuring tools are readily available and protected from damage.
Practical steps for tool care include:
- Regular Cleaning: Wiping down tools after each use to remove dirt, grease, and grime prevents corrosion and ensures they are ready for the next job.
- Proper Storage: Utilizing toolboxes, organizers, and designated storage spaces protects tools from damage, keeps them organized, and makes them easy to find.
- Routine Maintenance: Oiling moving parts, sharpening blades, and replacing worn components keeps tools in optimal working condition and extends their lifespan.
- Calibration and Inspection: For precision tools like torque wrenches and diagnostic scanners, regular calibration and inspection are crucial for accuracy and reliability.
- Respectful Use: Using the right tool for the job and avoiding excessive force or misuse prevents damage and ensures tools perform as intended.
Building a Tool Collection: Invest Wisely, Protect Diligently
Building a quality automotive tool collection is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time and effort. Every tool represents a capability, a solution to a potential problem, and a step towards professional excellence. Therefore, protecting this investment is paramount.
Jim Koepke’s comment about “junker tools for the purpose of loaning” suggests a practical compromise. Having a set of less valuable, older tools that can be loaned out mitigates the risk to your primary, high-quality tools. This approach allows for a degree of neighborly assistance without jeopardizing your essential equipment.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to lend your tools is a personal one, influenced by your experiences, your relationships, and your philosophy of tool ownership. However, the resounding message from experienced professionals is clear: prioritize the care and maintenance of your tools. “A good mechanic takes care of his tools” isn’t just a saying; it’s a guiding principle that ensures your tools remain reliable, effective, and ready to serve you for years to come, whether you choose to share them or keep them solely for your own skilled hands.
By focusing on responsible tool ownership and diligent maintenance, you not only protect your investment but also uphold the standards of professionalism and craftsmanship that define a truly skilled mechanic.
