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Etiquette regarding borrowing of power tools
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Based on television shows, it seems borrowing tools from neighbors is a potential minefield. I need to power wash my front and back porches and the siding of my house. My neighbor has a power washer that he uses to do this on his house 2 times a year. In the ideal world I would borrow the power washer every year or two (I don't care if my siding and porch are a little dirty).
Details that may be relevant: I live in a highly urban area of a major US city in a block of row homes. I have no space to store a power washer, but the neighbor has a shed in his back yard. I see the neighbor regularly (he likes to sit on his porch) and we happily chat for a few minutes. We have been into each other's houses a few times.
Can I ask to borrow the power washer and if so how? I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
united-states etiquette neighbors
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Based on television shows, it seems borrowing tools from neighbors is a potential minefield. I need to power wash my front and back porches and the siding of my house. My neighbor has a power washer that he uses to do this on his house 2 times a year. In the ideal world I would borrow the power washer every year or two (I don't care if my siding and porch are a little dirty).
Details that may be relevant: I live in a highly urban area of a major US city in a block of row homes. I have no space to store a power washer, but the neighbor has a shed in his back yard. I see the neighbor regularly (he likes to sit on his porch) and we happily chat for a few minutes. We have been into each other's houses a few times.
Can I ask to borrow the power washer and if so how? I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
united-states etiquette neighbors
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
4
I'm not very familiar with the dangers of borrowing tools from neighbors. If this is a common theme in television shows can you maybe post a TV Tropes link for some explanation?
– scohe001
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Based on television shows, it seems borrowing tools from neighbors is a potential minefield. I need to power wash my front and back porches and the siding of my house. My neighbor has a power washer that he uses to do this on his house 2 times a year. In the ideal world I would borrow the power washer every year or two (I don't care if my siding and porch are a little dirty).
Details that may be relevant: I live in a highly urban area of a major US city in a block of row homes. I have no space to store a power washer, but the neighbor has a shed in his back yard. I see the neighbor regularly (he likes to sit on his porch) and we happily chat for a few minutes. We have been into each other's houses a few times.
Can I ask to borrow the power washer and if so how? I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
united-states etiquette neighbors
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
Based on television shows, it seems borrowing tools from neighbors is a potential minefield. I need to power wash my front and back porches and the siding of my house. My neighbor has a power washer that he uses to do this on his house 2 times a year. In the ideal world I would borrow the power washer every year or two (I don't care if my siding and porch are a little dirty).
Details that may be relevant: I live in a highly urban area of a major US city in a block of row homes. I have no space to store a power washer, but the neighbor has a shed in his back yard. I see the neighbor regularly (he likes to sit on his porch) and we happily chat for a few minutes. We have been into each other's houses a few times.
Can I ask to borrow the power washer and if so how? I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
united-states etiquette neighbors
united-states etiquette neighbors
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
asked 4 hours ago
StrongBad
1394
1394
4
I'm not very familiar with the dangers of borrowing tools from neighbors. If this is a common theme in television shows can you maybe post a TV Tropes link for some explanation?
– scohe001
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
4
I'm not very familiar with the dangers of borrowing tools from neighbors. If this is a common theme in television shows can you maybe post a TV Tropes link for some explanation?
– scohe001
4 hours ago
4
4
I'm not very familiar with the dangers of borrowing tools from neighbors. If this is a common theme in television shows can you maybe post a TV Tropes link for some explanation?
– scohe001
4 hours ago
I'm not very familiar with the dangers of borrowing tools from neighbors. If this is a common theme in television shows can you maybe post a TV Tropes link for some explanation?
– scohe001
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Sure you can
Not an American but having lend and borrowed many tools with many different people from different cultures, this seems universal:
I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
This is fine. Simply ask him if you can use it, thank him in advance and promise him the beer.
Where things go wrong (in my experience), the "minefield" bit if you will, is when people borrow things but don't use them right away, or return them in a worse state. Or when people excessively borrow and don't return the favor when called upon. I've never seen any argument over something that was borrowed once, promptly returned and accompanied by beer.
It could be that your neighbor has some bad experience lending things though, so he might deny your request, or be a little firm on cleaning/returning. If he denies your request, just accept it and say you understand, no harm done. Otherwise, just do as he requests, he'll appreciate that.
Edit:
As @StianYttervik points out, this is something to keep in mind:
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
3
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you talk that regularly, then you can certainly ask, as long as:
You give him a clear expectation that he'll get it back by X day/time and stick to that.
You let him know you'll return it clean and refueled, and stick to that.
It costs about 60 bucks a day to rent one from the local big-box store, so maybe a twelve-pack is appropriate? Make it worth his while but never go over half the value of rental.
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
1
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Sure you can
Not an American but having lend and borrowed many tools with many different people from different cultures, this seems universal:
I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
This is fine. Simply ask him if you can use it, thank him in advance and promise him the beer.
Where things go wrong (in my experience), the "minefield" bit if you will, is when people borrow things but don't use them right away, or return them in a worse state. Or when people excessively borrow and don't return the favor when called upon. I've never seen any argument over something that was borrowed once, promptly returned and accompanied by beer.
It could be that your neighbor has some bad experience lending things though, so he might deny your request, or be a little firm on cleaning/returning. If he denies your request, just accept it and say you understand, no harm done. Otherwise, just do as he requests, he'll appreciate that.
Edit:
As @StianYttervik points out, this is something to keep in mind:
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
3
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Sure you can
Not an American but having lend and borrowed many tools with many different people from different cultures, this seems universal:
I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
This is fine. Simply ask him if you can use it, thank him in advance and promise him the beer.
Where things go wrong (in my experience), the "minefield" bit if you will, is when people borrow things but don't use them right away, or return them in a worse state. Or when people excessively borrow and don't return the favor when called upon. I've never seen any argument over something that was borrowed once, promptly returned and accompanied by beer.
It could be that your neighbor has some bad experience lending things though, so he might deny your request, or be a little firm on cleaning/returning. If he denies your request, just accept it and say you understand, no harm done. Otherwise, just do as he requests, he'll appreciate that.
Edit:
As @StianYttervik points out, this is something to keep in mind:
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
3
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Sure you can
Not an American but having lend and borrowed many tools with many different people from different cultures, this seems universal:
I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
This is fine. Simply ask him if you can use it, thank him in advance and promise him the beer.
Where things go wrong (in my experience), the "minefield" bit if you will, is when people borrow things but don't use them right away, or return them in a worse state. Or when people excessively borrow and don't return the favor when called upon. I've never seen any argument over something that was borrowed once, promptly returned and accompanied by beer.
It could be that your neighbor has some bad experience lending things though, so he might deny your request, or be a little firm on cleaning/returning. If he denies your request, just accept it and say you understand, no harm done. Otherwise, just do as he requests, he'll appreciate that.
Edit:
As @StianYttervik points out, this is something to keep in mind:
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
Sure you can
Not an American but having lend and borrowed many tools with many different people from different cultures, this seems universal:
I would plan on using it for a few hours and returning it clean and dry, is there anything else I should do? Is payment in beer (he drinks beer on his porch) appropriate?
This is fine. Simply ask him if you can use it, thank him in advance and promise him the beer.
Where things go wrong (in my experience), the "minefield" bit if you will, is when people borrow things but don't use them right away, or return them in a worse state. Or when people excessively borrow and don't return the favor when called upon. I've never seen any argument over something that was borrowed once, promptly returned and accompanied by beer.
It could be that your neighbor has some bad experience lending things though, so he might deny your request, or be a little firm on cleaning/returning. If he denies your request, just accept it and say you understand, no harm done. Otherwise, just do as he requests, he'll appreciate that.
Edit:
As @StianYttervik points out, this is something to keep in mind:
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
edited 13 mins ago
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
answered 59 mins ago
Douwe
1785
1785
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
3
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
3
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
Exactly. If everything goes to plan, there's no problem. It's issues like running out of time to powerwash until next week but not communicating this, or accidentally damaging the tool and not replacing/repairing it.
– Carduus
40 mins ago
3
3
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
I'd also add, be very aware of the possibility of you having to replace the power tool in question. Don't borrow toys you cannot afford to replace...
– Stian Yttervik
26 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
@StianYttervik good point, see edit. Thanks
– Douwe
12 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you talk that regularly, then you can certainly ask, as long as:
You give him a clear expectation that he'll get it back by X day/time and stick to that.
You let him know you'll return it clean and refueled, and stick to that.
It costs about 60 bucks a day to rent one from the local big-box store, so maybe a twelve-pack is appropriate? Make it worth his while but never go over half the value of rental.
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
1
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you talk that regularly, then you can certainly ask, as long as:
You give him a clear expectation that he'll get it back by X day/time and stick to that.
You let him know you'll return it clean and refueled, and stick to that.
It costs about 60 bucks a day to rent one from the local big-box store, so maybe a twelve-pack is appropriate? Make it worth his while but never go over half the value of rental.
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
1
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If you talk that regularly, then you can certainly ask, as long as:
You give him a clear expectation that he'll get it back by X day/time and stick to that.
You let him know you'll return it clean and refueled, and stick to that.
It costs about 60 bucks a day to rent one from the local big-box store, so maybe a twelve-pack is appropriate? Make it worth his while but never go over half the value of rental.
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
If you talk that regularly, then you can certainly ask, as long as:
You give him a clear expectation that he'll get it back by X day/time and stick to that.
You let him know you'll return it clean and refueled, and stick to that.
It costs about 60 bucks a day to rent one from the local big-box store, so maybe a twelve-pack is appropriate? Make it worth his while but never go over half the value of rental.
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
answered 1 hour ago
Carduus
1,225117
1,225117
1
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
1
1
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
I think you are right that a six pack is probably too cheap. I like the idea of half the rental cost. It saves me a little money and is a lot more convenient. I wonder if half the value is something like a universal in determining favor/gift value
– StrongBad
45 mins ago
add a comment |Â
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4
I'm not very familiar with the dangers of borrowing tools from neighbors. If this is a common theme in television shows can you maybe post a TV Tropes link for some explanation?
– scohe001
4 hours ago