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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

#61

Post by GouacheApp »

tlavoie wrote: post #59
angry_moose wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Tool libraries are starting to take off. Ours is $35/quarter and gives you free access to their full library: https://mtl.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse

Any thoughts on how you'd decide what tools to rent, or which might be considered too hazardous? For example, I see you have angle grinders, but I'm not sure I'd want to start there if beginning a tool library.

Yes, we’re exploring features to help libraries or hosts decide what tools to buy based on local demand — things like surfacing what people nearby are searching for or requesting most.

We’re also adding ways to flag higher-risk tools, so if you’re just starting a library, you can focus on safer, high-demand items first. Really appreciate you bringing this up — both access and safety are key to getting this right.

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

#62

Post by GouacheApp »

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 flags to help reduce your personal risk as a host.

Would this solve most of the questions and concerns?

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

#63

Post by itake »

SamBam wrote: post #43

Many years ago there was NeighborGoods, a site that facilitated free loans of tools from neighbors. (Possibly they had paid options, but I only remember the free part myself.) I loved it. I put all my own tools up on it for anyone to use. A few people borrowed my drill once it twice. I borrowed a ladder from someone. Some people even had their kayaks on there, as they lived near the river. I loved the free aspect bec…

Seattle has a few non profit tool libraries. Membership is $60/yr. Instead of buying a $200 bulky tool I use once every 5 years that I have to keep sharp and maintain, I just go there.

For items that I use once per month, I still keep handy, b/c driving 20+ minutes is just not worth it.

Their tools are also in good condition and there are volunteers that maintain them. They also help with bike repairs too.

Specifically, I am a member here: https://seattlereconomy.org/

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

#65

Post by GouacheApp »

smmeis wrote: post #64

It needs localization for the learning content. The site is very US focused. DIY is usually quite country specific.

Totally agree — DIY varies a lot by country, from building codes to materials and even terminology.

Localization is high on our list. We're working on ways to adapt learning content by region, so users see tutorials, terms, and standards that actually make sense for where they live. Thanks for pointing it out — it's a big part of where we're heading.

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

#66

Post by GouacheApp »

itake wrote: post #63
SamBam wrote: post #43

Many years ago there was NeighborGoods, a site that facilitated free loans of tools from neighbors. (Possibly they had paid options, but I only remember the free part myself.) I loved it. I put all my own tools up on it for anyone to use. A few people borrowed my drill once it twice. I borrowed a ladder from someone. Some people even had their kayaks on there, as they lived near the river. I loved the free aspect bec…

Seattle has a few non profit tool libraries. Membership is $60/yr. Instead of buying a $200 bulky tool I use once every 5 years that I have to keep sharp and maintain, I just go there. For items that I use once per month, I still keep handy, b/c driving 20+ minutes is just not worth it. Their tools are also in good condition and there are volunteers that maintain them. They also help with bike repairs too. Specifical…

That’s awesome — Seattle’s tool libraries are a great example of how well this model can work. That kind of affordable access to well-maintained tools makes a huge difference.

With Patio, we’re looking to support and expand that model, especially in areas without a local library, and provide tools to help existing ones grow and serve their communities even better.

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

#67

Post by rkuodys »

angry_moose wrote: post #11
pruetj wrote: post #6

I like the idea. The rental section has a lot of potential imo. It makes me wonder if there’s room for the personal property rental business in tools like there is for housing and cars. I do a lot of DIY and tend to acquire a lot of the tools I use if I think they are generic enough or I’ll repeat a similar job in the future but there’s also jobs I do where I’ll happily borrow from a friend. For example, I just built…

Tool libraries are starting to take off. Ours is $35/quarter and gives you free access to their full library: https://mtl.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse

How do you protect agains "professionals" abusing the system. So maybe thats not relevant in USA but I see potential in our communities that smaller repair shops or construction contractor would come and use tools disproportionally to their input. That's especially relevant with consummable parts like blades, files, etc

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

#69

Post by downboots »

GouacheApp wrote: post #57
downboots wrote: post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wonder which is more efficient: to manage tools or manage the need. Rather than putting up a yard sign for "I have a hammer, guys", one that says "hey guys, I need a hammer"

Great point — and thanks for sharing it. We’re actually exploring ways to let people post requests, not just listings, so it's easy to say “I need a hammer” and connect with someone nearby. It’s all about making those timely, local connections simple.

Yes fellow human

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

#70

Post by simonbarker87 »

rkuodys wrote: post #67
angry_moose wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Tool libraries are starting to take off. Ours is $35/quarter and gives you free access to their full library: https://mtl.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse

How do you protect agains "professionals" abusing the system. So maybe thats not relevant in USA but I see potential in our communities that smaller repair shops or construction contractor would come and use tools disproportionally to their input. That's especially relevant with consummable parts like blades, files, etc

I do a lot of diy, jobs on the side for friends and I know a handful of professional tradies.

None of them would want to not own tools they use even semi regularly and for insurance purposes (and peace of mind) they would almost certainly have to hire tools they don’t own from a rental company and they will just pass the rental cost on to the client.

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