[pruetj]

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 a small privacy fence that needed 5 posts cemented in. For that, I wanted to use a post hole digger. It’s very unlikely I’ll build another fence any time soon and a post hole digger takes up enough space that I don’t want to buy one and keep one. It’s also like $50.

If I didn’t know a friend who just built a new fence and had one but had an option of renting one from a guy down the street for $10, that’s what I’d do. And I’d be so happy I didn’t just spent $50 and then have to either store a tool that’s never used again or try to sell it.

I think DIY is growing, it’s a great way to save money and it’s only becoming easier with YouTube to help you through most any job. Good luck with the site!

[angry_moose]

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

[tlavoie]

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.

[GouacheApp]

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.

[nothercastle]

Why not? They are dangerously AF but also necessary and get only light use. Perfect for a tool library.

I do worry about failure of the cutting disk if it was abused so maybe you have to sell people a new disk as part of the rental.

[GouacheApp]

That’s awesome — $35/quarter for full access is such a great deal, and tool libraries like yours are doing amazing work for local communities!

Unfortunately, not every city or neighborhood has a tool library yet. That’s one of the reasons we built Patio — to make tools more accessible wherever you are. We’re also working with tool libraries to feature their listings and provide tools to help manage inventory, grow memberships, and reach more people.

If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out at [e-mail] — would love to chat!

[rkuodys]

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

[simonbarker87]

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.

[AlotOfReading]

Tradies own a lot of tools they use for one project and never again. They're definitely a viable market for a platform like this.

[GouacheApp]

I totally agree with you!!

[GouacheApp]

Absolutely, it’s not for everyone. Tool libraries aren’t meant to replace pro setups. I think they’re more for casual DIYers, for occasional project, or people who don’t want to buy something they’lll only use once or try a new tool before buying.

[jogjayr]

A professional usually needs a tool when they need it and can't rely on the vagaries of availability at a library. And it's easy to kick out someone who checks out a tool all year.

Most consumable parts can be excluded from lending. Batteries are trickier.

[GouacheApp]

You're totally right! I agree that batteries are also trickier but we're working on fixing this. If you have any ideas or thoughts, feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

[GouacheApp]

Yeah, that can happen. Having some basic rules and keeping an eye on things usually helps. People are often asked to bring or replace their own consumables too.

[maccard]

Normally you provide your own consumable parts for these sort of tool libraries.

[GouacheApp]

Exactly!

[GouacheApp]

Really appreciate you sharing that example—it perfectly captures the kind of use case we’re building Patio for. DIY is awesome, but yeah, not every tool needs to be owned, stored, or bought new. Renting something like a post hole digger from a neighbor for a few bucks just makes sense. That’s exactly the gap we’re trying to fill—making borrowing as easy as buying, and helping people save space, money, and waste. Thanks again for the encouragement!

[tayo42]

> I think DIY is growing, it’s a great way to save money and it’s only becoming easier with YouTube to help you through most any job.

Tangent on DIY... I keep trying and keep needing to call in a professional eventually when I get out of my depth or break something worse. Or youtube isn't quite right.

Youtube seems to only have stuff that's recent. If your model isn't in the last 5-10 years or built that recently. Like I was trying swap out some light switches, on youtube it looked easy, the actual box in the wall I have looked different i guess because it was wired almost 40 years ago now.

What would be an amazing resource is someway to ask a pro for like 10 min so I can go do it my self with some clear personalized instructions. That would probably be expensive since labor is the expensive part of almost every job though.

[GouacheApp]

Totally get that — YouTube is great until your setup doesn’t match, especially with older homes. That missing link between general advice and your specific situation can be frustrating.

We’re actually working on a way to get quick guidance, just enough to help you finish the job confidently without hiring it all out. Stay tuned — we’re launching something soon to help with exactly that!

[imtringued]

justanswer.com, but as you said, it is quite expensive.

[GouacheApp]

You're right — justanwers.com is a good but can be pretty pricey (+50$ US/month).