For me, the raw cost of the tool is not the big issue. It's more about the relative value to me. My wire cutter/stipper is a tool I use quite often. I'd rather lend out my circular saw, which I haven't used in about 10 years. The simple wire cutter/stripper is one of those tools that's on my quick rack. When it's not there, it's almost like not having a pair of crappy shoes if I have no other shoes. The crappy shoes are basically worthless to my neighbor, but are high value to me. Him failing to return the tool causes a bigger rift than me failing to lend the tool in the first place. I mean I'll get it over it (lol). I'm just saying this tool is worth a lot more to me than to him, and on top of that is the lack of consideration.

This is why I said "tools", as opposed to gear. To me, a tool is in a higher category of value than gear. For example, a Philips screw driver, simple as it is, is basically irreplacable with something else. In contrast, if I lend you a $500 empty tool rack, I can still get the job done if you don't return it.