Summer is coming, and you know what that means: project weather! Lots of DIY projects call for special tools – the kind you’ll use once and probably never again. Save money and reduce waste by borrowing instead of buying those one-time-use tools.
Seattle has a number of neighborhood tool libraries where you can borrow just what you need to accomplish all your DIY goals. Plus, you can take advantage of classes, fixer collectives, and maker spaces–great opportunities to learn new skills and meet some new neighbors! Find one in your area:
Northeast Seattle Tool Library
2415 NE 80th St
Most popular tools: general construction tools, yard tools and pressure washers
Unexpected tools: cider press, pressure cooker for canning, rock texturing hammer, candle making kit, spinning wheel, pasta maker, dehydrator and wine glasses
Check website for classes and sessions of the Fixer Collective
Phinney Neighborhood Association’s Tool Library
6532 Phinney Ave N
Most popular tools are used for DIY Earthquake Home Retrofitting – concrete drills, palm nailers, air compressors, skill saws.
Check website for Fixer Collective
Southeast Seattle Tool Library
4425 MLK Jr. Way S
Most popular tools: electric lawnmowers, pressure washers, and circular saws
Unexpected tools: food dehydrator, automotive ramps, leaf mulcher and even a meat grinder
Classes are several times a year, check the website for topics and schedule
Sustainable Capitol Hill Tool Library
1552 Crawford Place (Capitol Hill)
Most popular tools: stud finders and power drills to borrow and a table saw for use inside the shop
Unexpected tools: Ice cream maker, candy thermometer, telescopes, projectors and car buffer
Classes: 3d printing workshop coming this spring. Scheduled so far: bicycle repair classes, kombucha, ice cream, spin cycle art and Hacker Hours.
West Seattle Tool Library
4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Most popular tools: hammer drills, wet tile saws, ladders, and garden hand tools
Unexpected tools: cider and grape presses, sewing machines, moving blankets, sheet rock lift and saw horses
Classes are coming and the reopening of their shop space for projects – check the website