I used to have neighbors like that in Central KS. We were probably the youngest people in our neighborhood by 50 years, I think we were a source of amusement. The home cooked food more than made up for any assistance I provided.:) Not only that, but they spent so much time watching us that a security system would have been redundant.

next time wear yer stevo from jack ass thong over to do the fixin'. problem solved.

Yeah, that's not troublesome. That's a great opportunity to do something nice for somebody. Probably get to hear some great stories and make good friends, that's more than enough retribution in my book.

Your lucky, im the neighborhood mechanic, carpenter, financial advisor, swim party host, lawn guy, fill-in dad, "cup of sugar/flour/egg" guy, and compliance police. So you got it lucky if all you have to do is tinker with a few car issues. You can always say you cant figure it out and your done with no hard feelings :D

i do the same. be thankful for the good neighbors, it just takes one bad one to make your life miserable. although it is usually my wife volunteering my services, she just would not volunteer them to our friend that was looking for a booty call, perhaps when we were younger.
i even take care of my neighbors yard a lot of the time. i fixed one neighbors riding mower then cut their grass.

BTW, i would not charge them, but if it is major, i might consider it.

my wife and her mother took care of this old couple that lived across the street from them. they supposedly left some stuff to them when they died. of course, then all the family came out of the woodwork and would not give the stuff to them. they had theis big olsd beautiful grandfather clock that was giving to my wife but she never got it.

Now who's fault is that?
Say no. Problem solved.

Neighbors are a PITA. They only want something that you have.
I am nice and polite to my neighbors and never ask them for anything. I expect them to show me the same courtesy. If they don't, I stop being nice and polite. Reward rudeness with rudeness.

I only really know three of my neighbors. (I live on the and of the block, only one other house borders mine).
All of them at one time or another have asked me to come over and fix something for them.
I say "OK, but just this once. the next time you need to figure it out yourself or call someone (besides me)".
I helped them out but they got the message.

Oh, and they all know I don't loan tools. Ever. Never. To anyone. No matter what.
I used to, but the return rate was below 50%. Even best friends and family have "forgotten" to return tools. I had to hound them and bug them and eventually be downright rude to get my property back.

So now I tell them where they can go buy or rent a tool but they can't use mine.
One time a neighbor have me the BS line that "I'll only need it for 5 minutes, I'll bring it right back, etc."
I told him I'd rent it to him for $20 a day. He wasn't interested, it was only worth $20 ;)

I only break stuff..
thus none ask for 'assistance'..
mine are awesome...
wife ordered a few to many 'yards ' of dirt last yr..
like WTF were you thinking..
I'm thinking this will take weeks to spread..
Sat. neighbor Steve rounds up the able bodied teens & wheelbarrows...
all done in about 4 hours..
& Ms Mary across the street..best alarm in the hood..
we all did Christmas carols in the hood last yr..
about 30 of us..
doing great ..2nd to last house..
we find a REAL choir practicing..DUH..
& my Lab. Sam steals baby Jesus from the manger..

Rika

Vash,

You sound like a good guy and you are doing the right thing. I am the neighborhood handyman or Qand A for their homes. I go out and help them with little stuff 3-4 times a year. I will only help those that are nice to us. We have had a good few BMW driving yuppie young couples that bought in the height of the housing market that think they are "The $hit". I let someone else fuch them. The guy across the street, water leaks through the sills and thieir new wood floor is screwed. I love it.

They will watch over your house when you are gone. That's worth millions.

Jeff