Tool Library
Turn Idle Equipment Into Shared Capability
Individuals and businesses can contribute tools or equipment to the Tool Library while retaining ownership. The Backyard Shop lists your equipment, coordinates reservations, and shares revenue when items are rented.
This program turns underutilized equipment into income for owners while expanding access to specialty tools for the local builder community.
How It Works
Submit Equipment for Review
Describe your equipment, its condition, and your availability preferences. The shop reviews submissions for safety and fit with the Tool Library.
Equipment Is Approved and Listed
Once approved, your equipment is photographed, documented, and added to the Tool Library catalog with clear ownership labeling.
Reservations Are Coordinated
The Backyard Shop helps coordinate reservations, handles scheduling, and manages renter communication on your behalf.
Revenue Is Shared
When your equipment is rented, a portion of the rental fee is paid to you and a portion supports the Backyard Shop mission.
Benefits for Contributors
Turn Idle Equipment Into Income
Equipment sitting in garages, warehouses, or storage bays can generate revenue instead of depreciating unused.
Support the Local Builder Ecosystem
Your equipment helps other builders, contractors, and hardware teams access tools they need for their projects.
Reduce Unused Capital
Stop paying storage costs or letting expensive equipment sit idle between projects.
Receive Maintenance Support
The Backyard Shop assists with stewardship and basic upkeep coordination to help keep your equipment safe and operational.
Revenue Sharing
When equipment is rented, a portion of the rental fee is paid to the equipment owner and a portion supports the Backyard Shop. The exact split depends on factors like equipment value, maintenance requirements, and coordination effort.
Revenue terms are agreed upon before any equipment is listed. The shop handles payment processing and provides regular statements to equipment owners.
Contributors also support the nonprofit mission of the Backyard Shop by funding workforce training, equipment, and student access to tools.
What Equipment Qualifies?
Good Candidates
- • Specialty tools used only occasionally
- • Construction and jobsite equipment
- • Material handling equipment (forklifts, hoists, lifts)
- • Earthmoving and outdoor equipment
- • Fabrication support tools (benders, presses, welders)
- • Inspection and diagnostic equipment
- • Equipment in good working condition
Less Suitable
- • Common hand tools widely available elsewhere
- • Equipment requiring frequent specialized maintenance
- • Items with significant liability concerns
- • Equipment that is obsolete or parts-unavailable
- • Items in poor or unsafe condition
- • Equipment with unclear ownership
Contributor Expectations
- Contributors retain ownership of their equipment at all times
- Contributors agree to provide discounted rental rates for Backyard Shop members
- Equipment must meet safety and operational standards set by the shop
- The Backyard Shop may decline or remove equipment that does not meet standards
- Contributors are responsible for maintaining their equipment in working condition
- Revenue splits and terms are agreed upon before equipment is listed
Safety and Approval: All contributed equipment is subject to review and approval. The Backyard Shop may require training, certification, deposits, or supervision for certain equipment types. Equipment that does not meet safety or operational standards will not be listed.
Ready to Contribute?
Contact the shop to discuss your equipment, ask questions about the program, or start the submission process.