The funny thing about DIY is that sometimes, by buying all the tools and materials you need to make an item, you’ve spent a lot more money than if you’d just bought the damn thing at the store. But DIY has other benefits besides saving money, like being in control of all the little details and learning new skills. You can reduce the cost of some DIY projects by renting the necessary tools instead of buying them.
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Most large cities have at least one tool library. A tool library works like a regular library, except that instead of books, you can borrow tools for free. The selection varies, but larger tool libraries have thousands of tools available, including hundreds of power tools: drills, sanders, grinders, saws, rotary tools, planers, staplers, and more.
You can also borrow accessories for power tools, hand tools, ladders, work tables, and safety equipment. Many libraries also carry other home improvement items like sewing machines, Cricut cutters, embroidery machines, 3D printers, button makers, crochet kits, knitting kits, and quilting machines. Here’s what you need to know and how to find one.
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How to find and use a tool library
Some tool libraries are independent organizations, while others are programs of public libraries. To find one near you, search this tool library map, contact your local public library, or Google your city and the terms “tool library,” “MakerSpace,” and “Library of Things.” To borrow tools, you typically must be an adult resident of the city where the library is located, and you must be a member of the library. While many are free, some tool libraries ask for donations—the Chicago Tool Library, for example, charges a “pay what you can” rate.
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The process is much like borrowing books. You may have to wait until a tool is available. You are given each tool for a certain number of days and can only borrow a certain number of tools at a time.
However, tools are much more expensive and potentially more dangerous than books. If tools are late, lost, or broken, you’ll have to pay for them or be banned from borrowing them. You may have to sign a waiver stating that you can use the tools safely and that the organization isn’t responsible for broken tools. Some libraries offer tool safety classes for members. If your library doesn’t, you can learn all about tool safety tips for beginners online. You can take most tools on-site, but other DIY equipment you may have to use at the library—you often can’t take a sewing machine home, for example.
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When to borrow and when to buy?
Libraries aren’t the only places you can borrow tools and home improvement supplies. Home improvement stores like Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Home Depot also offer tool rentals — while they’re not free, they can still be much cheaper than buying a tool. You can also check Buy Nothing groups on Facebook to see if a neighbor is willing to give you or loan you a specific item, but there’s less protection there if something goes wrong.
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Sometimes it’s better to buy a tool than to rent one. Generally speaking, it’s worth buying a tool if you’re sure you’ll use it often, you can afford it, and you have the storage space. Buying has its advantages too: you can be more selective about the brand, work on your own schedule, and don’t worry as much about accidental damage. But if buying is impossible or doesn’t make sense, renting can open doors to accomplishing the DIY projects of your dreams.
