When a person I never met before sitting close to me asking may I borrow your scissors (whatever tool)? I always have to ask for them back because I need them! I say I have a pair you can borrow. I hand her a pair of really dull scissors. After many classes I kept a bag of dull basic tools. That has saved me a lot of frustration. If she does say anything about them I say Oh, they work fine for me last time I used them and continue on sewing. She'll go bug someone else to borrow.