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When home improvement projects require tools or equipment that even avid DIYers don’t have in their well-stocked garages, basements, or sheds, renting the items you need might be the best option—or at least one to consider. If you’re new to tool rental and are unsure where to start, here are some expert insights into where to rent the items you need and how much you can expect to pay.
Best places to rent tools and equipment
Your tool-rental options largely depend on where you live and what’s in or near your area—but generally speaking, here are the best places to rent tools and equipment.
Big-box home and garden retailers
Most Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards locations have tool-rental departments. One the plus side, these large chains are competitive in price and often located within driving distance, says Tom Yates, an asbestos abatement contractor and the founder of Asbestos Sampling. The downside, he says, is that many customers may want to rent the same tools at the same time, so if you don’t reserve yours in advance, the ones you need may be out of stock.
Independent hardware stores
While you can find True Value and Ace Hardware stores throughout the country, all True Value locations and most Ace outposts are independently owned and operated, and many offer tool rentals. Other local, independent hardware stores often do too. Their selection may not be as large as the large national chains, but often have better customer service and more knowledgable staff.
Rental companies
There are also dedicated rental companies—some of which offer a wide range of tools and equipment, while others are more specialized. For example, there are more than 950 Sunbelt Rentals locations across the country, some of which offer delivery and collection service. That is convenient when you don’t have the time to go and collect the item yourself. There may also be independent rental companies in your area. For more specialized tools and expert advice, local rental companies might be the way to go, according to Drew Mansur, the co-founder and director of TileCloud.
Tool-shares or tool libraries
Technically, you don’t rent items from tool-shares or tool libraries: You borrow them. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, we’re talking about neighborhood or community groups, or sections of public libraries where people can borrow tools instead of buying them. Mansur says they are great for basic tools and large equipment, and are either free to loan or are affordable.
How much does it cost to rent tools?
The cost of renting tools or equipment depends on multiple factors, including:
The type item you’re renting
Whether you’re opting for higher-end/professional-grade or lower-end versions
How long you need the item (e.g., number of hours, days, etc.)
The rental options in your area
Mansur estimates that the rental cost for a basic power tool will be around $30 to $50 a day. The prices go up from there, especially on larger pieces of equipment. And while shelling out a few hundred dollars to rent some equipment for a day may seem like a lot, it’s still probably cheaper than purchasing it yourself or hiring professionals to do a job and use their own equipment.
It’s also important to note that rental costs aren’t necessarily consistent in different locations of the same big-box retailer or rental chain, so select your local branch when looking up prices. Though the Menards website indicates that their rental costs may vary depending on the location, it does provide this price list (last updated in June 2023), which can give you an idea of what to expect.
Lastly, while some tool-shares or tool libraries are free to use, others have membership fees, which could cost up to $200/year.
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