Do More DIY: The Best Tools to Rent

By Steve Maxwell
Published on June 1, 2007
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Tool-rental stores offer a wide selection of equipment that can make DIY projects easier.
Tool-rental stores offer a wide selection of equipment that can make DIY projects easier.
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A rotary hammer drill bores holes in concrete and stone.
A rotary hammer drill bores holes in concrete and stone.
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Powder-actuated tools use an explosive charge to shoot fasteners directly into concrete and steel. Models come in single-shot, semiautomatic and fully automatic.
Powder-actuated tools use an explosive charge to shoot fasteners directly into concrete and steel. Models come in single-shot, semiautomatic and fully automatic.
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The flat metal plate of this compactor ensures the ground is solid below poured concrete.
The flat metal plate of this compactor ensures the ground is solid below poured concrete.
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This drum-style concrete mixer can be used to prepare both concrete and mortar.
This drum-style concrete mixer can be used to prepare both concrete and mortar.
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Hire an operator with a tractor-mounted tiller and watch as new garden beds appear. 
Hire an operator with a tractor-mounted tiller and watch as new garden beds appear. 
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Skid-steer loaders make large landscaping projects possible. 
Skid-steer loaders make large landscaping projects possible. 

Tool-rental services offer thousands of great tools and machines. You can rent just about any power tool that exists, take on big projects and avoid the burden of maintaining and storing a tool you may need only once or twice a year.

Rental rates vary widely, but you can rent many tools for $20 to $50 a day, although large equipment may cost considerably more. For example, an electric concrete mixer might cost $50 a day to rent, while a skid-steer loader will cost closer to $200 a day. Whether to buy or rent a particular tool usually hinges on two factors: cost and frequency of use. If your rental fees would pay for the purchase of the tool or machine in a year or two, then it probably makes sense to buy the item upfront. If not, rent it!

Renting tools gives you access to an entire universe of expensive equipment usually owned only by professionals. Here are just a few of the handiest tools you can rent.

Home Improvement

Reciprocating saw. This tool is ideal for any kind of demolition work. A reciprocating (recip) saw slices through plastic, pipes and nail-embedded wood. Nowadays you’ll find powerful 28- and 36-volt cordless recip saws that are convenient to use when you’re working far from an electric outlet or in wet locations where a corded tool might be hazardous.

If your cutting area is unobstructed, then a one-piece recip saw will work fine. But if you’re working in close quarters, then look for a professional-grade articulated recip saw. These saws’ swiveling bodies allow them to bend at different angles, so you can configure the saw to cut around obstructions. Recip saw blades are expendable, so plan to buy several replacements when you rent the tool.

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