The Tool Return Doctrine
THE RULE
Return a borrowed tool on time, clean, charged when applicable, and in equal or better condition.
WHAT THIS MEANS
A borrowed tool remains attached to its owner by an invisible chain of judgment. Losing the charger counts as losing the tool.
WHEN IT DOES NOT APPLY
- The owner agrees to a longer loan
- The tool breaks from a defect rather than misuse
- Both men agree that the borrower will replace it
EXAMPLES
- VIOLATION: A borrowed drill returns six weeks late with a dead battery and no case.
- NO VIOLATION: You wipe down the saw, replace the dull blade, and return it on the promised Saturday.