Edinburgh Tool Library is a very inspiring example of something that could be done in every town and city across England. Someone once wrote that the average power tool gets used for around 20 minutes in its entire lifetime. Not sure if this is true. But it is obvious that most tools just sit in the garage, when other people then go out to buy exactly the same!
Obviously safety is paramount. If you are buying new tools, know that it’s UK law for you to take your old and possibly dangerous tools back to the same shop, and it has to legally recycle them on for you.
This tool library also has a Repair Cafe nearby, for those that can still be rescued! The Repairmongery is staffed by techy people who love to fix things. It can fix and repair:
- Hand and power tools
- Kitchen gadgets (blenders, kettles, toasters)
- Lamps and other small electric goods
- Radios, stereos and battery items
- Toys (not soft toys or dolls)
It can’t repair:
- White goods (fridges, washing machines)
- Very big things!
- Computers or smartphones
- Vacuum cleaners
- Bicycles
- Clothes or textiles
Membership is friendly and affordable. As well as lending you equipment, you can attend basic workshops on DIY and woodwork, including for disabled residents.
If you feel like setting up something similar, this tool library (the first of its kind in the UK that visited Canada before starting up) has plenty of free advice on-site to help you get going.
The average ‘not returning an item’ is around 4 per 22,000 items, so it’s pretty safe! Late fees are charged, just like with library books!
Tools are collected a couple of times a week, and must be returned clean and in the same condition. Most tools are borrowed just for the weekend (popular ones are makita tools and carpet cleaners) although some tools can be borrowed for longer. Members also get free tool sharpening services.
