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Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

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Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#131

Post by GouacheApp »

mttch wrote: post #127
GouacheApp wrote: post #116

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a really good idea. A community-run tool library with donations + a small monthly fee could be a game changer, especially in dense cities. It makes DIY more accessible without the cost or storage hassle. We'll certainly think about how this model could be implemented!!

There was one running in Frome, UK but unfortunately these community things are hard to keep going and it has now closed. The issues are cost of storage space, insurance, staffing etc. You can see the requirements they needed to keep it going here: https://sharefrome.org/save-SHARE-together/

Thanks a lot for sharing, yes even if there is a lots of need, there is also a lot of issues when it comes to tool rental. I'm sad to see another one that might end up closing but or goal is to create a platform that will help these community to grow by simplifying their work.

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#132

Post by GouacheApp »

sokoloff wrote: post #95
bryanrasmussen wrote: post #34

I thought about making something like this some years back, my ideas were as follows: target neighborhoods, you should be able to walk to get tool. Have one house designated tool center, somebody signs up in neighborhood to be tool distributor gets some percentage money fees of everyone that joins - there are all sorts of issues in this of course, am just giving high level overview of thoughts I put in it. This would…

Maybe this home that’s designated as the depot could be staffed regular hours and have giant orange letters on the outside so people could find their nearby Home Depot more easily. I like the idea of sharing (and freely do with friends already), but as a busy person and pretty avid DIYer, I don’t see the benefit of trying to undercut HD’s tool rental (which is convenient, open lots of hours, rarely any wait and never…

We're not trying to fully replace that, but offer a more local, sustainable option for tools and surplus materials. It won’t make sense for a $9 hammer, but for the expensive, rarely-used stuff, sharing can save money, space, and reduce waste. Same thing as the 6 drywall panel that would end up in the bin that is now covering my living room. A depot could help with the pickup hassle too.

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#134

Post by tlavoie »

GouacheApp wrote: post #62
tlavoie wrote: post #60

I and a few others in our community would love to start a tool library, so would love to have a good set of initial policies, software, tutorials and such to start from. For example: - Cost to rent or borrow? - Consumables (people expected to supply their own?) - Liability? (Think angle grinders, power saws) - Education of intended borrowers? I'm willing to host a sea-can and act as librarian, but also unwilling to b…

That’s awesome — and exactly the kind of community we want to support. We’re working on tools to help launch local libraries: policy templates, waivers, safety guides, and yes, even subscription options (e.g. $X/month for unlimited borrowing) to keep things simple and sustainable. You’d be able to set rules around pricing, consumables, and tool access — and we’re adding features like liability waivers and hazard flag…

It might! I imagine we'd still want to run example forms past a lawyer, that sort of thing, but better than starting from scratch.

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#135

Post by GouacheApp »

tlavoie wrote: post #134
GouacheApp wrote: post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That’s awesome — and exactly the kind of community we want to support. We’re working on tools to help launch local libraries: policy templates, waivers, safety guides, and yes, even subscription options (e.g. $X/month for unlimited borrowing) to keep things simple and sustainable. You’d be able to set rules around pricing, consumables, and tool access — and we’re adding features like liability waivers and hazard flag…

It might! I imagine we'd still want to run example forms past a lawyer, that sort of thing, but better than starting from scratch.

Yes, there are still some things to figure out, and we're working hard to find solutions that make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. Really appreciate your feedback, it helps a lot!

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#138

Post by zanecodes »

GouacheApp wrote: post #116
keerthiko wrote: post #112

I used to live in Berkeley, CA circa 2013. They had a tool library, which was part of the local public library system, and tools were free (!) to rent. I miss it everyday, as it was a godsend for broke new grads who still wanted to do some quick but heavyduty DIY. I now live in NYC, and my local Home Depot rents out power tools for $20-30/day. The typical tool would pay for itself in 2 days at these rates, but it's s…

That's a really good idea. A community-run tool library with donations + a small monthly fee could be a game changer, especially in dense cities. It makes DIY more accessible without the cost or storage hassle. We'll certainly think about how this model could be implemented!!

We have one in Baltimore which also offers classes and workspaces: https://toollibrary.org/

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#139

Post by GouacheApp »

zanecodes wrote: post #138
GouacheApp wrote: post #116

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a really good idea. A community-run tool library with donations + a small monthly fee could be a game changer, especially in dense cities. It makes DIY more accessible without the cost or storage hassle. We'll certainly think about how this model could be implemented!!

We have one in Baltimore which also offers classes and workspaces: https://toollibrary.org/

Thanks for sharing! One of our goals is to support initiatives like this and make it easier to start and operate them. We truly hope to help make tool libraries more common in as many cities as possible!

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#140

Post by gazook89 »

keerthiko wrote: post #112

I used to live in Berkeley, CA circa 2013. They had a tool library, which was part of the local public library system, and tools were free (!) to rent. I miss it everyday, as it was a godsend for broke new grads who still wanted to do some quick but heavyduty DIY. I now live in NYC, and my local Home Depot rents out power tools for $20-30/day. The typical tool would pay for itself in 2 days at these rates, but it's s…

Minneapolis/St Paul has at least one tool library (with multiple locations). MN Tool Library. Mentioning it in case someone in this thread is interested and lives nearby. Worth it, especially if you know have projects coming up. Lots of tools, indoor and outdoor, and some space for using the tools at their space , and lots of know-how from the staff/volunteers.

Edit: in the same vein, Minneapolis also has a Toy Library that is pay what you can for annual membership and absolutely stocked with toys for every age, and includes outdoor stuff like trampolines and bikes (small sizes) and board games and such. Very worth it for kids that only maintain interest for 2 hours and helps them learn how to give up a toy before getting a new one (similar to adults learning to return a tool…)

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