Temescal Tool Lending Library

This place is a huge asset to the community. A big bow to all the people who work at and support this place.

There just isn’t anything cooler than this. I’ve rented dozens of different things and all you need is a library card. Super nice people too.
The best

I know nothing about tools I needed to put in posts in my back yard to terrace it to prevent soil erosion I was told I needed to dig at least two feet After an hour, and one feet later, I wonder how the mobsters can easily dig six feel in one night big enough for a body. I realized I may need more than a shovel and a pick. I thought I needed an electric auger. I was advised against it A girl of my size would not have been able to use it without hurting myself. They gave me a couple of suggestions and I can’t wait to go home and try it

Oh, the neighborhood tool lending library – it’s everything you imagine it to be!
They are open odd days, so check the hours before coming. Make sure you bring an ID, and a form of address verification (rental agreement, tax or utility bill).

Granted, I’ve only been here once, but I gotta give them their 5 stars. This place is amazing, they’ve got most everything you need for your project, and the staff is super helpful and friendly. One more reason to enjoy living in Oakland.

I only have one question: how can you give the Temescal Tool Lending Library any less than 5 stars?
The staff is friendly and helpful — need them to hold something? Call! Not sure what tool for the job? Ask! The TLL is an amazing resource for when you don’t really want to hire a professional for lack of tools or buy tools yourself. They have high quality tools and are very helpful. Just remember to borrow things when you need them and get it done, then return promptly to avoid late fines.

Another shout-​out on the awesomeness that is the OPL – tool division!
Staff is friendly and knowledgeable; items are more than you might think, like ability to check out tool books and videos too.
There’s also a waiting list for very popular items, like tile saws and table saws, and they really do call you as soon as your tool is ready.
I’ve gotten everything from wrenches and paint scrapers to heat guns and sawzalls to a concrete breaker and chainsaw (chainsaw is a Friday-​only thing – note).
My only complaint is that not everyone takes care of things the way they should. I have rented tools that don’t work because the person before me caused damage, and some things are too dirty and dusty. I try to return my tools better than I got them just to pass some courtesy on to the next DIY-​er, and I hope to see others do the same!

The Tool Lending Library had everything I needed for the quick disposal of sone remains I stumbled upon in my back yard! A handsaw, spade shovel to break apart that hard clay Mosswood soil, and even a pick for the especially hard bits… perfect!!! They said they did not have bonesaws but the carbon tipped handsaw still worked quite well for the grisly work I required.
One issue even though I know it’s a big demand and unreasonable… but sometimes night hours would be a big help!!! especially during my «midnight emergencies» because I would love to be able to take care of my midnight emergencies at home and help my garden’s soil become more rich and fertile instead of having to take care of my problems by dumping them in the docks by Port 29 or up in the Hills in Redwood Park.
Oh and make sure you clean your tools when you return them or they get mad and sometimes police investigators show up at your home and make wild accusations at your person.
Love you tool library!!!

I over looked the TTLL for some time. I wish I had looked into it sooner, but none-​the-​less, It’s a great resource and I appreciate friendly service at the front desk. Instead of buying new tools, that I may use once or twice, I’ll double check the libraries inventory.
Certain equipment goes really fast and only is available on certain days (for example chain saws).

OMG, omg… omg…the best thing evah!
So I’ve been fixing up our turn of the Century apartment building for the last 5 years. Since the building had been unloved for at least 50 years, there was a list of to-​dos that could have wallpapered every unit :(
But I soon learned to have no fear!
With the TLL there to save me money and to provide numerous helpful hints, and a wink and a smile, I always felt as though a friendly neighbor was peaking over my shoulder making sure my projects were completed correctly, and quickly. LOL
Yes, a fine or two is a PITA, but it guarantees your projects will be completed in a timely manner.