In every project, there comes a time when you need a ‘specialty’ tool you don’t already own.  Ex.Compression Tester, Brake Bleeder, Bearing Removal/Installation Press, OBD Reader,…) What should you do?

Purchase the ‘professional’ tool for top dollar?  Can you really afford it?

Purchase a cheaper version at the discount tool store?  How often will you use it?  Will it break after five uses?  so what?

Borrow from a friend? Don’t forget to give it back…. And don’t damage it, or risk damaging your friendship?

The major Auto Parts stores in the Cape area (Advance Auto, AutoZone and O’Reilly) have Loaner Tool Programs. Check their websites for a list of which tools they offer (hint: type “loaner” into their search feature.). Be sure to check the local inventory.  Your local store may not have what you need, but they can often transfer between stores.  In each Program, you must purchase the tool, but you get a 100% refund when you bring the tool back.  There is a generous amount of time to use the tool.  Check the Terms…after a specified number of days, you will permanently own it.

No matter what option you choose, invite those friends over anyway to help out.  An extra set of eyes and hands can always be useful.  There is no guarantee, however, that extra opinions will be helpful at all.  But you never know!