leaned something new: free tool use?

[shanzhu1]

Today, I went to a local parts store called OReilly in Dallas thinking of
buying some tools. The guy told me that they loan tools meaning that you
use them for 48 hours for free (need deposit).

They have, for example, wheel lock nut socket set (including 30mm one for
Camry) for a deposit of $65.

Anyone tried to loan such tools? Is there any trick?

What are other frequently used tools normally available for such free use?
They don't seem to have a list.

Thanks,

[Toysrme]

Every chain autoparts store I know does that.
(Advanced, Autozone, OReilly, Napa, Westwood)


I quit doing it. They charge exorberate amounts of money just to loan the tools out (always like 3-4x the cost of the tool) I just started buying the tool outright.

[AdamS]

There is no trick, the whole idea is to get you in the store. If you loan the tools from them you are likely to also buy other things that you cannot loan (like fluids, belts, plugs, wires, hoses, etc). I have loaned tools frequently, and have never had a problem. You are only responsible for paying anything if you lose the tool or melt it into a lump of metal. You pay the deposit, say $90 and when you return the tool you are refunded $90. It is very simple and saves a lot of money. Why buy a tool that you may NEVER use again? It does not make economical sense. LOAN LOAN LOAN.

-Adam

[BLUEMEANIE]

if you have the tool longer than a month they won't take it back tho... thats how I ended up with a spring compressor among other tools ... tho I've prolly used it 15 times in the last year or so. ...made a lot of friends with it too.

[AdamS]

Good point, you gotta be sure to return it in the given time slot. So only loan the tool when you are ready to do the job!!

-Adam

[BLUEMEANIE]

^ yeah... it wasn't that easy with the vette or the datsun, they were always some where between a +500whp lawn ornament and the edge of road worthy.