Tried a neighborhood tool library and got a rusty hammer with no handle

I borrowed a post hole digger from the tool library on Oak Street last Saturday for a fence project. The thing was missing a bolt and the handles were held together with duct tape. I spent more time fixing the tool than digging the holes. After 3 hours I gave up and just bought a cheap one at the hardware store for $25. I learned that sometimes free advice is just a way to pawn off broken stuff on you. Has anyone else had a tool library let you down when you needed it most?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_barbara4d ago

Did you try telling the person who runs it about the broken tool? I had a similar thing happen with a seed library where half the packets were empty, but the lady running it got all defensive when I mentioned it. It's a shame because the idea is so good, but people just don't take care of things the way they should. My neighbor borrowed my pressure washer and returned it with a cracked hose, so now I just assume anything borrowed will come back worse than I lent it.

angela8904d ago

Oh man, I gotta respectfully disagree with you here. I think it's too harsh to assume everything borrowed will come back worse. In my experience, most people actually try to take care of stuff, they just don't always know how. Like that pressure washer hose - maybe your neighbor didn't realize it was cracked and feels bad about it. The seed library thing, yeah that stinks, but one defensive person doesn't mean the whole idea is broken. I've borrowed tools from my local library of things and returned them in better shape than I got them because I cleaned them up. Your mileage may vary for sure, but I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt first.

richard1104d ago

Yeah man, you gotta inspect the tools before you leave. I had a similar issue with our local tool library where I grabbed what looked like a decent circular saw but the blade was completely dull and had a chip out of it. Now I always bring a flashlight and give everything a once over in the parking lot. Also try asking if they have a "fix it" station or a volunteer who sharpens things. My library has a guy on Tuesdays who replaces bolts and tightens handles for free. Saves me from buying cheap stuff that breaks in a season anyway.