On May 5, 5:44 am, "Bob" wrote:
There was an article in Saturday's paper about our local library
considering lending tools as well as books. It mentioned such
things as cement mixers, saws, etc.

At first, I thought it was an interesting idea, but on second
thought I imagined how those tools could, and probably would, be
abused by people who don't know how to use them or care for them, or
just don't care.

For example:
"I didn't know you weren't supposed to cut tile with a skill saw".
"I didn't realize there were nails in that old 2 X 4 - but the saw
cut them pretty good".
"Rain wasn't forecast, so I thought it would be okay to leave the
miter saw outside since I was going to use it in the morning".
"I thought I'd washed the concrete mixer pretty good - guess not".
Etc - etc.

Then there is the liability problem:
"Your Honor, nobody showed me how to use that router well enough,
and that's how I lost a finger, and why I am suing the city".

The article said there are other libraries that loan tools. Is
anyone aware of this practice and how it works in reality?

Just curious - Bob-tx

I live in the metro Milwaukee area, and there are two locations of a
"tool loan program". Here is a little info about one -

http://www.milwaukee.gov/NeedTheRightToolForT16686.htm

JK