This isn't any different than keeping a bunch of text snippets that you use as a starting point for creating things. Text snippets may seem trivial in compariso

This isn't any different than keeping a bunch of text snippets that you use as a starting point for creating things. Text snippets may seem trivial in comparison to some tool that writes code or checks for your common errors, but when there is a bug in your text snippet, you own the bug. Let's say he gives away his tool and all of a sudden he is the guy who has to work on it when other people have problems. Now his coworkers have more time, he has less, and he is the scapegoat for when things go wrong. Not only that but since it is not a real product of the organization, no one will recognize the time he works on it so he will have to work over time to meet his other goals. Now if someone wants to ask for a copy of what I use, sure but they own their copy and I own mine.