Need A Tool? Go To A Tool Library!
- By Captain DIY
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- 31 Jan, 2019
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Yes, you read that right; there really exists in this world such a miracle of modern society as the Tool Library! And they’re all over the place!
I have written what has so far amounted to a three-part series all about tools every homeowner should have, which I have cleverly titled, “Tools Every Homeowner Should Have.” The link will take you to part one, which then provides links to parts two and three. If you’re looking to build up an essential tool collection, I highly suggest a quick peruse.
I have written what has so far amounted to a three-part series all about tools every homeowner should have, which I have cleverly titled, “Tools Every Homeowner Should Have.” The link will take you to part one, which then provides links to parts two and three. If you’re looking to build up an essential tool collection, I highly suggest a quick peruse.
I Want All the Tools, But FI!
I know, I know, we talk all the time about how important it is to save money and be careful with money and not spend money needlessly. But tools are so great, and there are so many cool things you can do with them! What is a savvy Financially-Independent-minded person to do?
I recently discovered a phenomenon known as a Tool Library, and I knew I had to share this with you, my dear reader, as soon as possible.
Now you can have your cake and eat it too, as you no longer need to distress your budget to save money on DIY home improvement!
I recently discovered a phenomenon known as a Tool Library, and I knew I had to share this with you, my dear reader, as soon as possible.
Now you can have your cake and eat it too, as you no longer need to distress your budget to save money on DIY home improvement!
How Does This Work?
Of the websites I have checked out, it appears that every Tool Library is a little bit different. For example, 3Sixty Tool Library
in Holland, Michigan charges a reasonable member fee and, based on what level of membership you decide on, will lend you between 4-6 non-power tools and up to 2 power tools at one time.
Corvallis Furniture Company in Corvallis, Oregon operates what appears to be a completely free Tool Library, and their website will even let you know what tools they have available at any given time!
And the Library Of Things in London charges a daily rental fee based on the size of the tool. A hammer, for example, will run you one Pound per day, while a carpet cleaner is twenty quid. This seems a bit more like a business and less like a library, but I think their heart is in the right place, and it is a crowdfunded venture.
Corvallis Furniture Company in Corvallis, Oregon operates what appears to be a completely free Tool Library, and their website will even let you know what tools they have available at any given time!
And the Library Of Things in London charges a daily rental fee based on the size of the tool. A hammer, for example, will run you one Pound per day, while a carpet cleaner is twenty quid. This seems a bit more like a business and less like a library, but I think their heart is in the right place, and it is a crowdfunded venture.
How Do I Find These Amazing Places?
They are popping up all over the world, and they can be found at localtools.org, or at least that’s where I found a huge list of them. By the way, DIY 2 FI has no affiliation, we just really like what they are doing. And when I say we, I mean me, it just sounds better if I pluralize myself.
Now, depending on the type and scope of project you are planning, you may want to consider borrowing some tools to save some serious dough. If you think you’ll be a lifetime DIYer, you’ll probably want to invest in a good set of hand tools at least, but there are a ton of expensive specialty tools that you can just borrow as needed.
Not only will you save money this way, you’ll also save a ton of space at home not storing big bulky tools everywhere! I can think of a few dust-collectors at the Headquarters that have not been used enough to justify their footprint in my garage, that’s for sure!
Finally, the environmental impact of a bunch of people not buying new tools is not to be understated. I don’t know what the carbon footprint of a table saw is, but I’ll bet it’s pretty hefty.
So check the list and see if there is a Tool Library near you before you run off to the Big Box Hardware Store to pick up a new homeowner-grade chop saw for that one small project. You’ll save a bundle, help the world, and maybe even feel a little closer to your community!
Now, depending on the type and scope of project you are planning, you may want to consider borrowing some tools to save some serious dough. If you think you’ll be a lifetime DIYer, you’ll probably want to invest in a good set of hand tools at least, but there are a ton of expensive specialty tools that you can just borrow as needed.
Not only will you save money this way, you’ll also save a ton of space at home not storing big bulky tools everywhere! I can think of a few dust-collectors at the Headquarters that have not been used enough to justify their footprint in my garage, that’s for sure!
Finally, the environmental impact of a bunch of people not buying new tools is not to be understated. I don’t know what the carbon footprint of a table saw is, but I’ll bet it’s pretty hefty.
So check the list and see if there is a Tool Library near you before you run off to the Big Box Hardware Store to pick up a new homeowner-grade chop saw for that one small project. You’ll save a bundle, help the world, and maybe even feel a little closer to your community!