Just got my saw back from the shop after lending it out . . .

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.
S

snowleopard

Minister of Fire
Dec 9, 2009
1,495
Ouch! $55 later, learned my lesson. Let a young man use my saw who said he knew how to run one. I told him that the tools were with my saw, and just assumed that he'd see the file and know to sharpen as he went along. Heard him using it, and he had it red-lined---just screaming. Went to see what was going on, and he grinned and said, "Your saw is dull. You need to get it sharpened." Pull handle was gone, replaced by a stick.

When I took it in, saw shop guy crooned over it like a parent over a child with a boo-boo. He gave it a tune-up, a new handle, and sharpened the blade, and even threw in an old blade cover.

Told me it had been abused and needed a little TLC, but now was in good shape (Husky 346xp), ran well, and that in the used saw market, it would go for about a hundred more than I paid for it. Made the decision that when it comes to my saw, my equipment is not for loan--at least not without asking more questions than I bothered to the first time. Live and learn. If it's that decent a saw, considering how little I use it, I'll take care of it and pass it on to one of the kids when they're ready.

Hate to not be able to help a neighbor in need, but that $$ hurt.
 
Never lend my power tools--people just don't take care of things the way I do.

S
 
Sorry to hear it. The damage could have been worse than $55 though. I've heard of people trying to use straight gas in chain saws, or putting gas in the oiler, or straight oil in the gas tank.

My standard answer is what many others here say: You can't borrow it, but I'll come over and do it with you.

Tools last much longer that way.
 
dave11 said:
Sorry to hear it. The damage could have been worse than $55 though. I've heard of people trying to use straight gas in chain saws, or putting gas in the oiler, or straight oil in the gas tank.

My standard answer is what many others here say: You can't borrow it, but I'll come over and do it with you.

Tools last much longer that way.
Click to expand...

That's what I do also. I wont even loan a screwdriver to family members,friends or close neighbors.Years past had things returned damaged or not at all.But I'll come over & do the work if my schedule permits then return home with my tools.
 
For sure one is always taking chances loaning out power equipment.
 
My stuff, I don't mind if someone needs to borrow it. What gets loaned out all depends on who it is. Family/friends/neighbors... well the ones that live around here have a key to my house and garage. I have told them many times just call before or if it's a SHTF deal leave me a note at least. That way I don't have to figure out where something went.

Of course the normal you break it, you fix it goes with anything that is loaned out, but that should NEVER be something that you have to actually tell someone. I don't need to hang around anyone that wasn't raised right and has no conscience or morals.


Thistle said:
That's what I do also. I wont even loan a screwdriver to family members,friends or close neighbors.Years past had things returned damaged or not at all.But I'll come over & do the work if my schedule permits then return home with my tools.
Click to expand...
 
I have a 6" Pony C clamp that hangs on the wall in my garage. It was brand new when I loaned it out. It came back looking like a pretzel. When someone wants to borrow a tool power or not, I show them the clamp.
 
snowleopard said:
Ouch! $55 later, learned my lesson. Let a young man use my saw who said he knew how to run one...
Click to expand...

Have you presented this same information to the young man in question?
 
Here's the root of it
"young man use my saw who said he knew how to run one. "
I can "run" a D-10 Caterpillar dozer, but I don't know how to "operate" one, I'd be dangerous. Take a few years of "seat time"
Same with a chain saw, everyone says they can "run" one, "operating" one properly takes some trigger time.
Nephew borrowed & basically destroyed my old 61 Husqvarna, chain brake parts gone, chain ruined, bar burned etc etc lots of damage. Got it running, new bar, with no chain brake, etc, finally replaced it this year.
Now I have a saw to loan out, but even then, I cringe, knowing "running vs operating" is a wide difference.
 
snowleopard said:
Ouch! $55 later, learned my lesson. Let a young man use my saw who said he knew how to run one. I told him that the tools were with my saw, and just assumed that he'd see the file and know to sharpen as he went along. Heard him using it, and he had it red-lined---just screaming. Went to see what was going on, and he grinned and said, "Your saw is dull. You need to get it sharpened." Pull handle was gone, replaced by a stick.

When I took it in, saw shop guy crooned over it like a parent over a child with a boo-boo. He gave it a tune-up, a new handle, and sharpened the blade, and even threw in an old blade cover.

Told me it had been abused and needed a little TLC, but now was in good shape (Husky 346xp), ran well, and that in the used saw market, it would go for about a hundred more than I paid for it. Made the decision that when it comes to my saw, my equipment is not for loan--at least not without asking more questions than I bothered to the first time. Live and learn. If it's that decent a saw, considering how little I use it, I'll take care of it and pass it on to one of the kids when they're ready.

Hate to not be able to help a neighbor in need, but that $$ hurt.
Click to expand...


This is just me but because of liability I would never loan out my chainsaw.

zap
 
zapny said:
snowleopard said:
Ouch! $55 later, learned my lesson. Let a young man use my saw who said he knew how to run one. I told him that the tools were with my saw, and just assumed that he'd see the file and know to sharpen as he went along. Heard him using it, and he had it red-lined---just screaming. Went to see what was going on, and he grinned and said, "Your saw is dull. You need to get it sharpened." Pull handle was gone, replaced by a stick.

When I took it in, saw shop guy crooned over it like a parent over a child with a boo-boo. He gave it a tune-up, a new handle, and sharpened the blade, and even threw in an old blade cover.

Told me it had been abused and needed a little TLC, but now was in good shape (Husky 346xp), ran well, and that in the used saw market, it would go for about a hundred more than I paid for it. Made the decision that when it comes to my saw, my equipment is not for loan--at least not without asking more questions than I bothered to the first time. Live and learn. If it's that decent a saw, considering how little I use it, I'll take care of it and pass it on to one of the kids when they're ready.

Hate to not be able to help a neighbor in need, but that $$ hurt.
Click to expand...


This is just me but because of liability I would never loan out my chainsaw.

zap
Click to expand...

Probably a good policy. Better to go do the cutting; loan you & the saw together. Save problems for sure.
 
Been fortunate enough in my life to have made good friends w/ many of my father's friends (read people who are old enough to own really useful stuff). As a young man they had a lot of faith in me and I was always amazed in their generosity in helping me out by loaning me things which helped get me through. I knew if I were to mess up their equipment like this I'd have gotten a phone call w/ a "hey, we need to talk...." starting out the conversation. Next step would have been for me to show up and be there w/ my tail between my legs as they explained how I failed. It might be possible that the kid honestly doesn't realize what he had done wrong.

If he's a friend and younger than you, turn it into a learning experience for him. If the boy has any creed he'll either show up w/ a case of beer even before knowing what he is accused of or offer to pay for his mistake w/ an apology. If he wouldn't respond like that to such a phone call, then the poor judgement was yours and just take the lesson as your own.

pen
 
I got a sticker from the snap on Guy and few years back...." I invest in precious metals, Dont ask to borrow them" I have a friend who uses my saw when we cut wood here or out and about. I will NOT under any circumstances let him use it when I'm not around. I work too damned hard to get what I have and to let someone borrow it and beat the hell out of aint gonna fly....

Look at my avatar

Jeff
 
That's what cheap china tools are for around here...if they dont come back I am
not going to be out that much. I will not loan out my good saws or anything else that
I value...unless I know the person very well and they understand if its damaged
they will fix/replace it.

See last tag line....
 
Be glad the only thing he hurt was the saw. That much inexperience could have gotten him hurt bad. The thought of somebody else with my chainsaw running in their hands makes me cringe.

A few years ago a kid at a local high school was bucking rounds out behind the school shop. They were doing it for folks that couldn't afford heat. Parents said later he had been running saws most of his life. Kicked back and took major chunks out of him. Not only was the kid a mess but later the parents sued the crap out of the school division.
 
Thanks for taking the time to respond--I just needed to chew this over a bit. Don't know whether I'll take it up with him or not--maybe, when the time is right. Meanwhile, I think I got some good advice above, and will take it into consideration. And you're right about the fact that it could have been worse. I'm glad it's a working saw again--lesson learned.
 
If i borrow something it gets returned in better condition than it left in. I have never loaned a chainsaw, mostly because 9/10 people who don't have one probably don't know how to safely operate one....and i don't want to be an enabler of serious injury. Kinda the same lines of loaning someone a gun.
 
I don't lend my saws out. I have considered putting a 12" bar with a safety pico chain on the Super 250. The 250 stand for either the compression or the weight of the powerhead. If you can start it and carry it, then go ahead and use it.
 
pen said:
Been fortunate enough in my life to have made good friends w/ many of my father's friends (read people who are old enough to own really useful stuff). As a young man they had a lot of faith in me and I was always amazed in their generosity in helping me out by loaning me things which helped get me through. I knew if I were to mess up their equipment like this I'd have gotten a phone call w/ a "hey, we need to talk...." starting out the conversation. Next step would have been for me to show up and be there w/ my tail between my legs as they explained how I failed. It might be possible that the kid honestly doesn't realize what he had done wrong.

If he's a friend and younger than you, turn it into a learning experience for him. If the boy has any creed he'll either show up w/ a case of beer even before knowing what he is accused of or offer to pay for his mistake w/ an apology. If he wouldn't respond like that to such a phone call, then the poor judgement was yours and just take the lesson as your own.

pen
Click to expand...
Very "politically correct" response.

Teach them to operate a bow saw, good for the shoulders & arms, you learn to cut with it with either hand.
My dad didn't have a chain saw until I left home, he had me, an axe & bow saw.

I'm like Luke:
if I borrow something, return it in better shape than borrowed. A long, lost virtue. IMO.
I don't borrow much at all, most times it's better to rent for a "1 off" job. Saves friendships, money, & time. Just listen to this discussion. :)
Lending is the same: but sometimes family gets involved & that opens another can of worms.

I'm with Zap on this one, don't lend out your saw. :coolsmirk:

old & crotchety
Dave :zip:
 
I was always told there are two things in life you never loan out: Your wife and your chainsaw.
 
bogydave said:
pen said:
Been fortunate enough in my life to have made good friends w/ many of my father's friends (read people who are old enough to own really useful stuff). As a young man they had a lot of faith in me and I was always amazed in their generosity in helping me out by loaning me things which helped get me through. I knew if I were to mess up their equipment like this I'd have gotten a phone call w/ a "hey, we need to talk...." starting out the conversation. Next step would have been for me to show up and be there w/ my tail between my legs as they explained how I failed. It might be possible that the kid honestly doesn't realize what he had done wrong.

If he's a friend and younger than you, turn it into a learning experience for him. If the boy has any creed he'll either show up w/ a case of beer even before knowing what he is accused of or offer to pay for his mistake w/ an apology. If he wouldn't respond like that to such a phone call, then the poor judgement was yours and just take the lesson as your own.

pen
Click to expand...
Very "politically correct" response.
Click to expand...

hehe, Dave you made me smile. If you knew me in person "politically correct" is the last term you'd use you describe me.

I do however value education. I think this is a good opportunity for laying down some and making an impact.

pen
 
pen said:
bogydave said:
pen said:
Been fortunate enough in my life to have made good friends w/ many of my father's friends (read people who are old enough to own really useful stuff). As a young man they had a lot of faith in me and I was always amazed in their generosity in helping me out by loaning me things which helped get me through. I knew if I were to mess up their equipment like this I'd have gotten a phone call w/ a "hey, we need to talk...." starting out the conversation. Next step would have been for me to show up and be there w/ my tail between my legs as they explained how I failed. It might be possible that the kid honestly doesn't realize what he had done wrong.

If he's a friend and younger than you, turn it into a learning experience for him. If the boy has any creed he'll either show up w/ a case of beer even before knowing what he is accused of or offer to pay for his mistake w/ an apology. If he wouldn't respond like that to such a phone call, then the poor judgement was yours and just take the lesson as your own.

pen
Click to expand...
Very "politically correct" response.
Click to expand...

hehe, Dave you made me smile. If you knew me in person "politically correct" is the last term you'd use you describe me.

I do however value education. I think this is a good opportunity for laying down some and making an impact.

pen
Click to expand...

A " smile or chuckle" was the intent :)
 
I don't get many requests to borrow my saws, but if I did I'd probably decide on a case by case basis who gets to borrow my stuff. By milk crate of chainsaw stuff goes with the saws at all times...I'd rather have someone use my mixed fuel and B&C oil than find out after the fact that they straight gassed my saw and put used motor oil in the oil tank.

But bottom line is, my stuff leaves my house in perfect condition...it WILL be returned in the same condition.

If I don't know the person well or know them TOO well and know they can't operate a chainsaw I'll either flat out say no or will bring the stuff to them and help them get the job done. I've spent a lot of my time and hard earned money getting the tools I have...not giving it up without a fight.
 
Danno77 said:
I don't lend my saws out. I have considered putting a 12" bar with a safety pico chain on the Super 250. The 250 stand for either the compression or the weight of the powerhead. If you can start it and carry it, then go ahead and use it.
Click to expand...

LOL Danno
 
Thistle said:
Danno77 said:
I don't lend my saws out. I have considered putting a 12" bar with a safety pico chain on the Super 250. The 250 stand for either the compression or the weight of the powerhead. If you can start it and carry it, then go ahead and use it.
Click to expand...

LOL Danno
Click to expand...

You could just loan out the powerhead. "What do you mean you wanted a bar and chain too?"
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

IDfamforest
Shop stove build and buffeting/back puff from the air intakes- ideas?
Replies
20
Views
747
The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
bholler
B
Prof
Scolded at the Stihl Dealer
Replies
19
Views
3K
The Gear
bigealta
bigealta
Prof
Chainsaw not working with the mill.
Replies
5
Views
1K
The Gear
c604
C
tbear853
My VC Reliance was being strangled
Replies
4
Views
944
The Pellet Mill - Pellet and Multifuel Stoves
johneh
johneh
R
Pacific Energy Super Insert - One year in
Replies
10
Views
2K
Pacific Energy
EatenByLimestone
EatenByLimestone
Top Bottom
Back