Hot take: people keep returning the wrong size pipe cutter at our library

I volunteer at the Eastside Tool Library in Portland. Last week someone brought back a Ridgid 35 that was clearly a 35-S from Home Depot. Different model, different warranty sticker. We had to eat the swap because our system didn't catch it fast enough. Has anyone else dealt with people swapping out donated tools for cheaper versions?

3 comments

3 Comments

amy_murphy1517d ago

Oh, have you checked the serial numbers on the back? I once borrowed a high-end torque wrench from my neighbor's community shed and accidentally returned my rusty old one from a garage sale because they looked kinda similar in the dark. My bad completely, but I still cringe thinking about it. Your mileage may vary, but maybe try slapping a unique sticker or engraving on your donated tools right when they come in? That way it's harder for folks to quietly swap out the good stuff.

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harris.aaron17d agoMost Upvoted

Four times I've walked into the community workshop and spotted my old Craftsman ratchet in someone else's hand. Engraving is the only way to go, stickers peel off after one sweaty day of work and then you're back to square one. I use a cheap harbor freight engraver and just scratch my initials deep into the metal, makes it real obvious who's swapping tools. Plus it gives the whole thing a nice prison-shank vibe that keeps people from touching your stuff. Serial numbers are a pipe dream for most of us normal folks who aren't running a professional shop.

mia44217d ago

Oh shoot, I gotta say something about the serial numbers thing. Most tools don't actually have unique serial numbers on them, especially basic hand tools or older stuff like wrenches and hammers. You'd only find those on super high-end or professional grade power tools, and even then it's not always a given. Engraving is a way better idea though, I've done that with a cheap electric engraver from the hardware store and it's saved my stuff more than once.