Use these Portland tool libraries to save on your next home improvement project.
I don’t know about you, but my toolkit consists of a random assortment of screws, a hammer and a butter knife that I used to assemble my IKEA bookcase. Buying tools isn’t in everyone’s budget, but in Portland we don’t have to worry about borrowing tools from a neighbor or paying to rent them at a home improvement store.
Portland’s tool libraries offer free tool rentals to local homeowners, renters, businesses and community groups, saving us all every year in tool purchases and pricey rentals.
As you plan for your next home or community improvement project, check out your nearest Portland tool library. There is even a group that shares kitchen supplies! See the hours and locations below.
These tool libraries require membership (most are free) so be sure to double check the requirements before you visit. Tool loan duration is typically 14 days.
Many of these locations regularly change open days, hours and reservation policies. Check the website to confirm before you visit.
Portland Tool Libraries
East Portland Tool Library
Cherry Park United Methodist Church
1736 SE 106th Ave.
If you live within the East Portland Tool Library‘s service area, you can access bike repair and gardening tools, ladders, masonry equipment, paint and caulking supplies and much more.
The library is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Green Lents Community Tool Library
9215 SE Ramona St.
Borrow what you need to complete your project at Green Lents Community Tool Library. This tool library also has a seed library and free bin for tools and garden supplies. You can view the tool inventory online.
This tool library is open to residents in these neighborhoods:
- Lents
- Brentwood-Darlington
- Centennial
- Glenfair
- Hazelwood
- Foster-Powell
- Mill Park
- Montavilla
- Mt. Scott-Arleta
- Powellhurst-Gilbert
- Pleasant Valley
The tool library is open on these days:
Wednesday 6-8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kitchen Share Southeast
Inside Saint David of Wales, 2800 SE Harrison St.
Kitchen Share Southeast has appliances, preserving tools, catering equipment and more for rent. Once you’re a member, you can easily view the available inventory and reserve online. Kitchen Share asks for a one-time donation, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
The share library does not publish its open hours online.
North Portland Tool Library
Old Kenton Firehouse
2209 N Schofield St.
Located in a historic firehouse, the North Portland Tool Library gives free tool access to residents of North Portland. Members can view and reserve inventory online.
The tool library is open on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Northeast Portland Tool Library
Leaven Community Center/Salt and Light Lutheran Church
5431 NE 20th Ave.
Northeast Portland Tool Library supplies an ever-growing inventory of home repair and gardening tools to Northeast residents and community groups. You can view the tool inventory online. No need for an appointment. You can peruse available items in person.
You have to live in NE Portland (West of NE 82nd) to be a member.
The tool library is open on these days:
Tuesday 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rockwood Tool Library
The Rockwood Center
17805 SE Stark St.
The Rockwood Tool Library is open to all residents of East Multnomah County (east of 148th Ave.). You’ll find a variety of goods, from power saws to roofing equipment to kitchen and craft tools.
The tool truck is parked at the Rockwood Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Southeast Portland Tool Library
Corner of SE 20th and Salmon
1137 SE 20th Ave.
Southeast Portland Tool Library provides homeowners, business owners and tenants with hand and power tools for maintenance, yard work and projects. Check the tool page before you visit so you know what’s available.
The tool library is open on these days:
Tuesday 5:30-7 p.m.
Thursday 5:30-7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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