The Best Places to Rent Tools and Equipment (and How Much It Will Cost)
When home improvement projects require tools or equipment that even avid DIYers don’t have in well-stocked garages, basements, or sheds, renting the items you need may be the best option—or at least one to consider . If you’re new to tool rentals and don’t know where to start, here are some expert tips on where to rent the items you need and how much you can expect to pay.
Best places to rent tools and equipment
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.
Large home and garden stores
Most Home Depot , Lowe’s and Menards stores have tool rental locations. According to Tom Yates, asbestos abatement contractor and founder of Asbestos Sampling , one positive is that these large chains are price competitive and are often located within a short drive. The downside, he says, is that many clients may want to rent the same tools at the same time, so if you don’t reserve your tools in advance, the ones you need may not be available.
Independent hardware stores
Although True Value and Ace Hardware stores can be found throughout the country, all True Value stores and most Ace locations are independently owned and operated, and many offer tool rentals. Other local independent hardware stores often do the same. Their selection may not be as large as large national chains, but they often have better customer service and more knowledgeable staff.
Rental companies
There are also specialist rental companies, some offering 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 pickup services. This is convenient when you don’t have time to go and pick up the goods yourself. There may also be independent rental companies in your area. For more specialized tools and expert advice, your best bet is to turn to local rental companies, says Drew Mansour, co-founder and director of TileCloud .
Common tools or tool libraries
Technically, you don’t rent items from shares or tool libraries : you borrow them. If you’re not familiar with this concept, we’re talking about local or community groups or sections of public libraries where people can borrow tools instead of buying them. Mansour says they’re great for basic tools and larger equipment, and are either free to borrow or affordable.
How much does it cost to rent tools?
The cost of leasing tools or equipment depends on many factors, including:
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Type of item you are renting
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Whether you choose the higher/pro level versions or the cheaper versions
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How long do you need the item (eg number of hours, days, etc.)
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Rental options in your area
Mansour estimates the cost to rent a basic power tool will be between $30 and $50 per day. Prices go up from there, especially for larger equipment. And while shelling out a few hundred dollars to rent some equipment for the day may seem like a lot of money, it’s still likely cheaper than buying it yourself or hiring a professional to do the job and use your own equipment.
It’s also important to note that rental prices are not necessarily the same at different locations of the same major retailer or rental chain, so choose your local branch when searching for prices. While the Menards website states that rental costs may vary by location, it does have a price list (last updated June 2023) that can give you an idea of what to expect.
Finally, while some shared tools or tool libraries are free to use, others charge membership fees that can cost up to $200 per year .