Tool libraries and/or alternatives to Bunnings.

**activeman** · 23-01-2012, 06:30 PM

Hi,

Did a search for tools on PSB and got too many responses.

Does anyone know of tool libraries that work in a similar way to your local library? I ask because I'm about to reno a house and don't necessarily want to buy everything new. I know that you can hire tools, but that isn't my point.

Or do tool libraries not exist because, like your local library, no one ever returns stuff.

Also, are there any good stores for hardware supplies or old house restorations that people know of ? I'm not keen on just using multi-national corporations if there are little guys that provide better service and therefore should get more support.

Cheers

**Captain Starfish** · 23-01-2012, 09:15 PM

Tools get broken or not returned, so I don't see it being a raging success. Still, there's ways around it. How about a library with a bond scheme? A place where you pay the replacement value of the tool in whatever condition it's in, use it for a certain time then return it for your money back? You might have to pay a small fee for the depreciation of the tool - that way, the library has the funds to replace the tool when it's totally dead.

In fact, forget about returning it in 3 weeks. Why not make it for as long as you like? And, in this day and age, why would you go to the library? Look it up in a catalogue, then book it out online and have it delivered to your house.

Dead easy, and it exists, too...

**HotelBushranger** · 23-01-2012, 10:01 PM

Smartarse.

Mate right here:
Tool register

**Captain Starfish** · 24-01-2012, 07:34 AM

The delivery may have been smartarsey, but the concept wasn't. You can generally flog stuff for the same price you bought it on fleaBay...

**Falcore** · 24-01-2012, 07:46 AM

Keep an eye out on gumtree never know your luck perhaps? Some good branded stuff on there in as new condition sometimes. I got a ryobi cordless impact driver (lipo) with a few extra batteries etc for 80 bucks. Looks as new only been used very little

If its tools your never going to use again, you don't do DIY stuff (not necessarily a bad thing) then add all the realistic costs up against a professional.

If your do DIY normally then my advice is buy the actual tools as they will get used.

**activeman** · 24-01-2012, 11:02 AM

HB, thanks mate. Falcore, I do use gumtree a lot, and also pawn shops since they can have good stuff.

And Captain, the point of this post was that it might be a tool that you would use as a one-off, and therefore you don't necessarily want to buy or have the hassle of on-selling. Hire shops do suffice in this instance but often you have to take the tool at the 4 hour rate for a job that would take you 10 mins. I have seen tool libraries work in the past but not really anywhere in WA.