In today’s DIY and home-renovation culture, finding the right tool rental near me can make even the toughest projects easy and affordable. Instead of buying expensive equipment for a one-time task, many homeowners and pros opt to rent. In fact, analysts estimate the U.S. tool and equipment rental industry will reach about $5.7 billion by 2025 part of a global equipment-rental boom projected at $82.6 billion by the same year.
This growth shows contractors and DIYers alike increasingly prefer renting high-quality tools over costly purchases. Read on to discover how to find tool rental near me, which stores offer rental services, and tips to get the best deals and gear for any project.
Why Rent Tools Instead of Buying?
Assorted hand tools on a wooden workbench. Renting tools can save time, money and hassle. Instead of investing hundreds or thousands of dollars in a tool you’ll rarely use, rental rates typically cost only a fraction of the purchase price. For example, Home Depot notes that “rental rates are around 5–10% of the cost to buy the same tools”. In other words, if buying a power washer costs $1,000, you might rent it for $50–$100 per day. This pay-per-use model means you only pay for the time you actually need the tool, avoiding large upfront costs.
- Huge cost savings. Renting avoids the hefty investment of buying new tools. You pay only for the rental period typically by the hour, day, or week – so short projects stay cheap. Home Depot highlights that with rentals, “you are only paying for that single use”.
- Access to better equipment. Rental centers stock commercial-grade, high-performance tools from top brands. Home Depot’s tool rental fleet, for instance, includes heavy-duty equipment like industrial-grade saws, generators, and skid loaders. This means you can rent gear that might be well beyond your purchase budget, improving project quality. As one Home Depot expert explains, renters can often choose “higher-quality tools with more accessories than they may be able to afford to purchase”.
- No maintenance or storage headaches. Rented tools are serviced and maintained by the provider. You don’t need to worry about upkeep, repairs, or storing bulky items in your garage. When you’re done, you simply return the tools. This is especially convenient for large or seldom-used equipment (e.g. big concrete mixers, earth drills, or heavy machinery). As Home Depot’s sustainability team puts it, renting eliminates excess ownership – “fewer products are being owned, stored, maintained and discarded”.
- Try before you buy (and greener footprint). Renting lets you test different models before committing, ensuring you have the right tool for the job. It also promotes sharing resources: one tiller rented 125 times over its life replaces dozens of one-time purchases. This sharing model is eco-friendly, as it “optimizes the value and utilization of [a tool]”.
Overall, tool rental provides flexibility and convenience. With rentals, you can tackle any project – big or small – with the exact equipment needed, without the long-term cost and commitment of ownership.
Finding a Tool Rental Near Me
Looking for tool rental near me is easy thanks to modern search tools. Online search engines and apps can quickly point you to nearby options. For example, typing “tool rental near me Home Depot” or “Home Depot tool rental near me” in Google will highlight the closest Home Depot stores with rental centers. The same goes for “tool rental near me Lowe’s” or “Lowe’s tool rental near me” – Google Maps will show Lowe’s locations that offer equipment rentals. In general, using local keywords or setting your map location brings up a “Local Pack” of results: nearby rental shops with hours, reviews and directions.
Key places to check:
- Big-box retailers with rental centers. Home Depot and Lowe’s are the largest players in tool rental. Home Depot alone operates roughly 1,300 rental locations across North America. Lowe’s has rolled out rental programs nationwide as well, with “thousands of locations throughout the country” offering tools and even truck rentals. Many Lowe’s stores (especially in urban areas) provide online booking and 4-hour rental options. Searching online or on each store’s locator will quickly reveal nearby branches with tool rental.
- Hardware and rental chains. Specialty companies like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals and Herc Rentals have networks of rental outlets. United Rentals, for instance, is the world’s largest equipment rental firm with 1,686 locations (mostly in the U.S.). Sunbelt Rentals advertises over 1,200 locations across North America. Herc Rentals has hundreds of branches nationwide (over 700 locations as of 2025). These companies often cater to contractors and have broader equipment (e.g. heavy lifts, cranes), but many also handle DIY-grade tools.
- Local rental shops. Besides national chains, many independent hardware stores and local rental companies rent tools. Neighborhood hardware stores often carry common rental items (drills, ladders, floor sanders). Plumbing or construction supply stores may rent specialized gear (jackhammers, heavy pumps). To find these, try searching “tool rental near me” or browse directories like Yelp or Google Maps under “equipment rental.” Reviews and call-aheads can help ensure the store has what you need.
- Peer-to-peer and equipment platforms. For additional options, consider online marketplaces or sharing apps. Platforms like Zilok, RentMyItem or EquipmentShare let individuals or businesses list tools for rent locally. While less mainstream, they can be handy if you need niche items or flexible delivery/pickup.
When searching, remember to check opening hours. Queries like “tool rental near me open now” can filter results to places currently open. Always verify store hours on Google or the rental center’s website before heading out.
Top Rental Providers: Chains and Local Options
Almost every major home improvement chain and many local stores now offer tool rentals. Below are some of the most common providers:
- The Home Depot Rental Center: Offers a huge selection (power tools, trucks, concrete tools, yard equipment, etc.) at over 1,300 locations. Customers can reserve items online up to 30 days in advance. Home Depot even launched an app and online scheduling so you can “reserve and rent equipment online up to 30 days in advance”. In short, searching “tool rental near me Home Depot” will flag their nearest rental depot.
- Lowe’s Tool Rental: In recent years Lowe’s expanded into rentals at many of its stores. Lowe’s key advantage is nationwide coverage – thousands of stores in 50 states. Each participating Lowe’s has a rental counter where you can grab any tool from its broad fleet (including trucks, outdoor gear, and indoor tools). Lowe’s lets you book online with an account (pick your tool, dates, and go). However, note that not every Lowe’s has a rental section – check the store’s website or call ahead. A quick search for “tool rental near me Lowe’s” will indicate which local Lowe’s stores offer the service.
- Menards Rentals: Popular in the Midwest, Menards stores (in 15 states) provide tool and equipment rentals (including trucks) for DIYers. Menards is known for transparent pricing (often listed online) and flexible periods (minimum 4 hours). While Menards’ reach is regional, it’s a great option if there’s a location nearby – search “Menards rentals [your city]” or use Google Maps.
- Sunbelt Rentals: A leading professional rental company with a vast network of locations across North America. Sunbelt supplies everything from small power tools to boom lifts and portable generators. You can walk into many Sunbelt branches (or small-format Sunbelt Express shops) for immediate rentals, or use their website/app to find and reserve equipment. Given Sunbelt’s marketing of “1,200+ locations”, it’s often a local option in many cities.
- United Rentals: The largest equipment rental firm globally. While United focuses on construction gear (excavators, forklifts, etc.), many branches also offer smaller tools (generators, HVAC tools, compactors). Pro customers often know United for heavy jobs, but it can be a resource if local hardware shops don’t have a specific item.
- Herc Rentals: Also big in heavy construction, Herc has about 737 U.S. locations. They rent trucks, earthmoving, and also commercial tools. Herc often allows online booking or drop-in rentals.
- Local Hardware and Equipment Stores: Don’t overlook your neighborhood shops. Chains like Ace Hardware may rent a few basic items. Smaller construction/supplier stores sometimes have niche rental fleets. Use Google Maps – if a local business is listed as a “Tool Rental” category, give it a call.
In summary, the market is rich: from Home Depot and Lowe’s nationwide down to mom-and-pop rental outlets. Using tool rental near me searches with specific names (“Home Depot”, “Sunbelt”, “Lowe’s”, etc.) will surface exactly where to go.
Popular Tools and Equipment You Can Rent
Rental centers stock an enormous range of tools. Here are some common categories for various projects:
- Landscaping & Yard Work: For outdoor projects, rent leaf blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, tillers, lawn mowers and aerators. Seasonal tasks become much easier: e.g. clear fall leaves or mow overgrown grass without buying a mower. Home Depot’s lawn-and-garden rental section offers gas chainsaws, riding mowers and “tillers, sod cutters” among others. A rented wood chipper or stump grinder can power through big yard debris inexpensively.
- Cleaning & Maintenance Equipment: Pressure washers, carpet and upholstery cleaners, and carpet extractors are ideal rentals. These let you revitalize patios, decks and carpets without spending thousands on home-grade machines. For example, Home Depot notes that pressure washers and carpet cleaners are top rental items, since “spring cleaning” and one-off cleanup jobs don’t justify buying these rarely-used appliances.
- Painting & Home Renovation: Ladders (including extension and platform ladders), scaffolds and paint sprayers can be rented by the day. If you need to repaint high walls or ceilings, renting a tall ladder or scaffolding is far cheaper than buying. Tile saws, floor sanders, and drywall taping tools are also rentable; these are heavy or specialized tools often needed for a single remodel. Home Depot specifically highlights ladders as a common rental, since irregular projects (painting a room, cleaning gutters) don’t warrant purchasing. For example, renting a tile saw might cost $70–$100/day versus thousands to own.
- Power Tools: Most power tools are rentable: drills, impact drivers, saws (circular, miter, table), grinders, nail guns, air compressors, and jackhammers. If you’re doing construction or carpentry, rent the exact power tools you need, rather than buying them. Don’t forget essentials like compressors for pneumatic tools or generators for power. Tools like heavy-duty demo hammers or concrete breakers are popular rentals for do-it-yourself demolition or renovation. Home Depot even rents specialty items like sandblasters and floor polishers.
- Construction Equipment: For large jobs, rent machinery. Mini excavators, skid-steers, backhoes, scissor lifts and boom lifts are available at many rental centers (often at Home Depot’s larger stores or Sunbelt/United branches). These let homeowners tackle big projects – digging trenches, pouring concrete, or major demolition – without owning such massive machines. Many contractors also rely on rentals for daily or weekly projects.
- Plumbing & Electrical Tools: Need to snake a drain, thread pipes or inspect a sewer? Tool rentals shine here. Common plumbing rentals include drain augers and even high-tech drain inspection cameras (Home Depot notes a $6,000 sewer camera can rent for about $250/day). For electricians or handymen, rent conduit benders, fish tape, or pole saws. These specialized tools are expensive to buy but very affordable to rent.
Each rental center may carry a slightly different selection. If you need something very specific (like a power plant, cement mixer, or irrigation pump), call ahead. But generally, stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have dedicated rental fleets covering virtually all the above categories.
Pricing, Discounts and Costs
Tool rental pricing varies by item and duration. Here’s what you need to know to get the best deal:
- Rental Rates: Major chains set rates by hour, day, or week. Home Depot data shows daily rental fees are typically 5–10% of retail price. For instance, a $500 chain saw might rent for $25–$50 per day. Specialized tools can be more, but still a fraction of buying. Providers may offer an hourly rate (e.g. 4-hour min) or flat day rate. Lowe’s and Menards often have similar structures, with trucks even as low as $19/90-min or $89/day (for example) depending on the tool.
- Multi-Day and Weekly Rates: Longer rentals usually yield better per-day pricing. Many places have discounted weekly rates (e.g. rent for 7 days but pay only the equivalent of 3–4 daily rates). If your project spans several days, always compare multi-day vs multiple daily fees.
- Cheap Tool Rental Tips: To keep costs low, consider off-peak weekdays or smaller time slots. Also, check for coupons or membership discounts (e.g. Home Depot’s Pro Xtra card often grants rental deals, and veteran/military discounts may apply). Some credit cards or local apps occasionally offer rental coupons.
- Deposits & Fees: Be prepared to leave a security deposit (or put a hold on a credit card), especially for expensive items. Deposits are usually refunded when the tool returns in good condition. Also ask about fuel fees or insurance waivers: many rental places sell damage waivers for an extra 5–10%, which can be worthwhile on heavy equipment.
- Tool Rental Costs vs. Buying: It’s often far cheaper to rent one-off tools. As Home Depot explains, for many tools you’d need to use them many times to recoup the purchase price. In contrast, renting covers your single use. For example, a professional-grade pressure washer might cost $600 to buy, but you can rent it for $50/day – so even a week-long project costs under $350 vs. buying at full price.
In general, renting keeps projects affordable. Always compare rental fees among nearby vendors (Home Depot vs. local shop vs. Sunbelt) and reserve online if the site shows the best rate. Don’t be afraid to mention a cheaper competitor’s price – sometimes a local rental center will match or offer a discount to win your business.
Convenience & Support
Modern rental services aim to make the process smooth and customer-friendly:
- Online Booking and Reservations: Both Home Depot and Lowe’s let you reserve tools online (sometimes up to 30 days ahead). This ensures availability for big jobs. The Home Depot app and site even let you find nearby rental inventory in real time. When searching for tool rental near me, you can often click through to book instantly.
- Delivery & Pickup: Many rental companies offer delivery for bulky items. For example, Home Depot’s “Large Equipment Delivery” service can drop off big machines at your site (fee applies). Lowe’s and Sunbelt also have delivery fleets. This saves you a truck trip when renting heavy items. Always ask if delivery or on-site setup is available.
- Expert Assistance: Rental centers usually have knowledgeable staff or associates ready to help. Home Depot proudly trains its rental associates as “project consultants”: they’ll ask about your project details (soil type, area size, timeline) to recommend the right tool. This means when you walk into the rental desk, explain what you’re doing (painting a ceiling, clearing brush, etc.), and they can match you with the best equipment (e.g. choosing the right tiller model or the appropriate pressure washer PSI).
- Flexible Hours: Many rental centers in big stores follow the store’s hours (often 6–8 am to 10 pm). Some urban locations might even have 24/7 pickup lockers for smaller tools. When searching tool rental near me open now, Google may show if a rental branch is currently open. Always double-check hours before you go.
- Equipment Quality: Because rentals are meant for short-term use, companies keep their fleets in top shape. You’ll often get tools that are well-maintained and up-to-date. If a tool fails or isn’t working properly, ask for a replacement – most rental policies allow immediate swaps to keep your project moving.
Key Tip: Treat rental tools with care as if you own them. Inspect each item before leaving (check fuel, oil, blades, attachments). Ask for a quick demo if you’re unfamiliar with any equipment. Proper use can speed up work and prevent damages (and extra charges). Rental providers want to keep customers safe and satisfied, so never hesitate to request instruction or guides on a complex tool.
Tips for Renting Tools Successfully
To make the most of tool rentals, follow these best practices:
- Plan Ahead & Reserve: Identify the tools you need before you start. Check availability online or call ahead. At big chains, reserving a tool ensures it will be there when you arrive. Last-minute rentals might force you to settle for a different model or timing.
- Compare Prices: Don’t just go to the first store you find. Compare rates at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sunbelt/United, and local shops. Some tools (like lawn mowers) may cost similar everywhere, but others (like specialty concrete equipment) could have big price gaps. Even within the same chain, rates may vary by region.
- Check Requirements: Bring a valid driver’s license or ID and a credit card when renting. Most providers require renters to be 18+ (21 for truck rentals) and may run an identity check (Home Depot uses CLEAR for tool rentals). Know your own credit card’s purchase protection – some cards cover rental damage, which could save buying insurance at the desk.
- Fuel & Accessories: Some equipment (pressure washers, generators) requires fuel, which you may need to provide. Check if the rental includes fuel or if you need to fill it. Also ask if accessories (ladders, hoses, safety gear) are included or extra.
- Inspect Carefully: Before leaving the rental center, inspect the tool for any pre-existing damage and test it briefly. Document any issues so you’re not charged on return. Learning how to properly start and use the equipment at the store can save time later.
- Return On Time: Most rentals have hourly or daily minimums. Returning late can result in extra charges (often an entire extra day). As a rule of thumb, if you go even a minute over, you’ll typically owe for another full period. Return tools as soon as your work is done, or communicate if you need more time.
- Ask About Deals: If you’re renting multiple tools or a long period, ask the store if they offer discounts. Contractors often get better rates with business accounts. Also inquire about weekend specials or off-season rates.
- Follow Up: After your project, consider buying your frequently rented tools second-hand. Many rental centers sell well-maintained used equipment at a discount once it’s retired from rental service.
By staying organized and communicating with the rental staff, you’ll save money and time – and avoid common pitfalls like late fees or wrong tool selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What kinds of projects can benefit from tool rental?
A: Just about any project! Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, cutting firewood, laying patio pavers, or power-washing a driveway, there’s likely a rental tool for the job. Landscaping tasks (mowing, tilling, trimming) and home repairs (painting, plumbing fixes) especially benefit, since those tools are expensive and needed infrequently. In short, if the project is uncommon or large-scale, renting is ideal.
Q: How do I find tool rental near me?
A: The fastest way is an online search. Try Google or Maps with phrases like “tool rental near me” plus your location. For best results, include specific store names: for example, “tool rental near me Home Depot” or “tool rental near me Lowe’s” to see those chains’ nearest rental desks. Map results will show store addresses, hours, and often “reserve” buttons. You can also visit Home Depot’s or Lowe’s website and use their store locators (they often list which branches have rentals).
Q: Are tool rentals expensive?
A: No, rentals are generally very cost-effective for occasional use. Most rental rates are about 5–10% of the tool’s purchase price per day. This means renting is cheaper than buying if you only use the tool once or a few times. For example, plumbers often rent a high-end drain camera (worth thousands) for a few days at just $200–$300 total. Even regular homeowners save money by renting big tools instead of buying. Always compare day vs. week rates to get the best deal.
Q: Do I need a membership or special account to rent tools?
A: At Home Depot and Lowe’s, you can rent with a regular store account or sometimes even without one (Lowe’s requires a login for online booking, but you can rent in-store with a phone or ID). No extra membership is typically needed. However, contractor or pro programs (like Home Depot’s Pro Xtra or Lowe’s Pro Services) may give rental discounts. Bring a valid ID (driver’s license, etc.) and a credit/debit card. Some stores use identity verification services (like CLEAR) to confirm you’re authorized.
Q: Can I rent tools for plumbing, landscaping, or other specific tasks?
A: Absolutely. Tool rental centers cater to niches like plumbing and landscaping. For landscaping, you’ll find tillers, chippers, hedge trimmers, and more. For plumbing, stores rent drain augers, pipe threaders, and even video inspection cameras. Whatever the task – HVAC duct cleaning, electrical conduit bending, concrete drilling, etc. – there’s usually specialized rental equipment available. It’s one of the big advantages: you don’t have to compromise on job-specific tools.
Q: What does “open now” search mean for tool rental near me?
A: Searching “tool rental near me open now” on Google or Maps will filter for shops currently open. This is useful if you have an urgent need. Note that rental centers generally follow store hours, so check the hours (usually listed on Google) before driving there. Many Home Depots and Lowes open early (around 6–7 AM) and close late (9–10 PM), but local hours may vary.
Q: How do I get the tool home?
A: If the tool fits in your car or truck bed, you can pick it up yourself. For larger gear (skid steers, lifts) or if you lack a vehicle, most rental services offer delivery. Home Depot and Sunbelt, for example, can deliver big items to your address for an extra fee. Lowe’s offers pickup trucks and cargo vans at some locations for transporting rentals. Always plan: reserve a truck if needed or ask about delivery when you book the tool.
Q: Anything else I should know?
A: Always ask the rental desk if you’re unsure. They’ll explain any safety rules or setup requirements. And finally, remember to inspect and operate the tool while still at the store – rental teams want you to succeed and can help troubleshoot on the spot.
Renting tools is an easy way to tackle projects big and small. By using the tips above – from smart searching (“tool rental near me”) to choosing the right provider and understanding pricing – you’ll get the right equipment quickly and affordably. If you found this guide helpful, please share it on social media or leave a comment with your favorite tool-rental tips. Happy building (and renting)!