If you’re a passionate do-it-yourselfer, there is nothing more annoying than having to find your favorite tool every time you need it. Even worse to discover your hand tools or power tools are missing or broken because someone used it and didn’t have the courtesy to ask you and handle your stuff with care and respect it deserves.

Nevertheless, these issues can quickly become a weak spot for friends, roommates, couples or just any family member, so here are some tips from some or our fellow “Handy-women” to help avoid these toolbox troubles.

1. His and Her own needs: Most couples have separate closets, drawers; sometimes they even have separate beds so why not have two sets of tools? “Janes” get attached to their tools easily, especially if these are small tools that fit their hands well; and lending them to other people, may it be to her best friend or her closest loved one, does more often than not, lead to pointless concerns.

   Even if the two of you are working on a project together, you still have your own particular needs when it comes to your tools.

2. Mark what is yours: If both of you have the exact same tool, it is better to place a label on those tools. The most permanent and easiest way of doing this without affecting the performance of your tool is by having your name etched.
3. Have your own storage: This will not only prevent you from switching his tools from your tools, but you’ll also have full control and full responsibility of your own stuff. Having your own toolbox or drawer allows you to organize things to reflect how you work.
4. Your area, My area: If you happen to have a hue work area like a garage, establish what area belong to you and what area belongs to your partner. Make an agreement that neither one of you will take one’s tool without asking permission from the rightful owner. Determine your grounds in using your tools such as who will pay for the repair if the tool gets damaged or worst, who will replace the said tool if it gets broken or lost.
5. Take care of each other’s tools: You and your partner, friend, roommate etc. may have two different approaches on quality, maintenance, or how to use a tool; in these circumstances, you’re a true candidate for having your own storage for your own tool. Nonetheless, having two opinions doesn’t make one wrong and one right, life is short to have a petty argument because of tools. When you borrow something, return it, after using it, clean-- just give each other’s tool the care you think it deserves.