Ok, I did get response from both the national Lowe's website customer care and the manager of this location within 2 days. The manager did apologize, admitted his employees were misinformed, stated the issue was addressed with the employees and that the problem would not happen again. However, considering I received about 3 different stories from the employees and the manager was not specific in his email, I still have no idea what the rental policy is at Lowe's for the item I wanted to rent. I will give them an extra star for responding and stating they have addressed the issue, but will be in no rush to return to Lowe's. I believe I have found another source for the equipment and materials I need, now I just need to find the time extra help to do the project...