Money Moral Dilemma: Should I give my brother a better power tool after I broke his?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I borrowed my brother's power tool, which broke while I was using it. I went to buy a replacement, but the same model wasn't available, so I bought a more expensive one as I needed to finish the job. It was much easier to use, so I've decided to keep it. I've told my brother I'll buy him the original tool when it's available, or give him the cash equivalent, but he says I should give him the more expensive tool to compensate for the one I broke.

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Section62

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I borrowed my brother's power tool, which broke while I was using it. I went to buy a replacement, but the same model wasn't available, so I bought a more expensive one as I needed to finish the job. It was much easier to use, so I've decided to keep it. I've told my brother I'll buy him the original tool when it's available, or give him the cash equivalent...

This is absolutely fine, so long as you are willing to lend him your new tool whenever he wants it and for how ever long he needs it, until he is able to source the replacement for the original at the price you are willing to pay.

Bendy_House

Rarely have brothers deserved each other more.

1) Offering your bro the new better tool as a 'thank you' would have been the nice thing to have done.

2) Once bro 'expects' the better tool as 'compensation' (for what?!), he can go rotate.

Section62

Bendy_House said:

2) Once bro 'expects' the better tool as 'compensation' (for what?!), he can go rotate.

Sentimental value?

I have some tools I've inherited from friends and family which are worth much more to me than the pure monetary value. They are irreplaceable, but if a sibling were to borrow one and destroy it, I'd feel I was owed a bit more than just the cash value of the equivalent replacement.

That, plus a box of chocolates, could be a starting point.

There's also the hassle factor involved in buying the replacement, and in this case waiting until one is available, so I feel 'compensation' in some form isn't entirely out of order.

TELLIT01

If you can't get a direct replacement now, and he needs the saw, you should give him the one you purchased.  You weren't prepared to purchase your own tools so why should he be inconvenienced.  At least you let him know you broke it.  I leant somebody a hedge trimmer,  they mentioned nothing when they brought it back, but it didn't work when I next needed it. 

Bendy_House

Section62 said:

Bendy_House said:

2) Once bro 'expects' the better tool as 'compensation' (for what?!), he can go rotate.

Sentimental value?

Hmm, sentimentality easily won over by a better tool.

Alanp

Ha, reminds me of the time I lent my sds drill ( a cheapo one) to a neighbour, I forgot to tell him that the little ball bearing that holds the bit in, kept falling out, and the bit with it, it was still useable but annoying, I could hear him using it trying to break up concrete surrounding an old, rotten fence post…he brought it back later and I asked him how he got on with it…” oh, I never used it “ he said, I think he’d think he broke it and would have to buy me a new one, ( I would have confessed if he’d offered) .

Justlookin_2

He accepts the risk in lending the tool

You could lend yours and offer the cash for the lower amount. 

neilmorgan

If you want to be able to borrow things in the future and have a good relationship with your brother just give him the drill you bought.

Shouldn't have been a cheapskate in the first place as you are prepared to buy your own anyway.
 

victor2

GIve him the new tool, brother to brother. Brother 1 (tool donator) will be happy with a new better tool. Brother 2 has already got the job done, has already spent the money on a new tool and knows where he can borrow it from if he needs it again.

John6661

Give him the more expensive model. Then ask to borrow it, like you did last time!