There are so many things to love about Columbia City, and the Southeast Seattle Tool Library is just one of them. I was replacing some parts on my car and needed a socket wrench for a quick five minute job. It didn't make sense to buy one if I could avoid it. This tool library saved the day. I showed up on Saturday morning and got the wrench I needed in no time flat. The tool was in amazing condition, and I was happy to make a small donation to keep things going. The people that run the tool library are also incredibly nice. Thank you for doing this! read more

We have been members for a couple of years and I just want to echo what everyone else has written. The tools are stellar and the volunteers are fabulous. I have not one negative thing to say. I thought I'd add that they have been wonderful to roll with all the punches that 2020 has thrown. Covid, wildfires etc., they've still found a way to get us access to tools safely when it would be so much easier to just shut down. Thank you!!! The most productive thing that has come out of this quarantine for us (other than our newborn :) is finally building and installing closet shelves and fixing up our yard before the baby arrived. Couldn't have gotten through the nesting process or kept as sane as possible without the tool library. read more

Amazing selection of high quality tools in good shape. I have found all the tools I needed and the volunteers operating the library are very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended! read more

Whattttttt?? Hundreds of tools at your disposal all for a small yearly donation?!! This place is unbelievably awesome! My fiance and I found this place when we were looking for some gardening equipment (and actually on the way to Home Depot to purchase some). Stopping by on a whim, we were quickly overwhelmed by how many things the tool library had to offer and immediately made a donation. We've since borrowed a table saw, a lawn mower, a weed whip, a shovel, a thatching rake, and a hose. They also have plenty of larger tools to be used on site, like a drill press, larger table saw, jig saw, belt sander. This is all volunteer run by super helpful neighborhood people who make it a delight to visit and borrow tools. I'm surely going to be supporting the tool library for years to come. read more

What a fabulous experience and concept. The volunteers are so cheerful to be empowering Your project (as well no doubt as full of endorphins from their own) that they are having just about too much fun. Whether or no you even know the difference between a skill saw and a jigsaw, much less have ever used one, you're in the right place. The community is so much better off for this amazing resource. You really have to check it out if you find yourself needing to borrow a tool! Thank you to the individual who tipped me off to this place! read more

Joined a few months ago to finish up a deck rebuild project. They had everything I needed as a homeowner. They have some pretty serious professional tools to yard tools and even shop space to get er done. Heading there in a few minuets to pick up some tile cutting equipment. Well worth the joining fee and way cheaper and easier than buying and storing a bunch of tools you will only need once in a while. They do need volunteers to staff the library which is why the hours are limited. Highly recommend. Volunteer if you can. read more

I thought I'd share the story of how my new "easel thingy" came to be, with the help of Paul at the tool library. Six weeks ago, my painting mentor stood in my studio and looked at my new easel. I told her I needed to modify it somehow to  make the upper canvas holders hold the top of my work surface securely on the easel. You don't want a wet painting falling off your easel. This easel is fancy: It has two masts. The masts are braced partway down, so the masts can slide up and down, depending on the size of the painting. This means the upper canvas holders slide down only so far. What was I going to do? My mentor suggested a panel with weather stripping around the edges to put between the upper canvas holders and the work surface. A lightbulb went on in my head. I made a sketch of this idea and asked my neighbor, Paul, who is very handy, to come over and look at my easel and talk about the problem and my mentor's idea. He gave me some good advice and offered to help me build my "easel thingy" at the tool library, where he had just started volunteering. I accepted his offer and went to Lowe's to buy a 10-foot cedar plank. After that I went to the tool library when I knew Paul would be there, and we got to work with a chop saw, a planer, and some other power tools I couldn't name now if my life depended on it. We glued the planks together to make two panels and left them at the tool library to dry. The next day I picked up the panels and borrowed a power sander. Back in the studio, I sanded and sealed the panels. I added weatherstripping to the edges so they'd stay securely on the easel. They work well, and they're beautiful. I just want to say thanks for making the tools available, and to Paul for his help. It all went very well. read more

I became a member (paid one time membership ) of the Library last year and am a frequent patron-- going by at least 2 times a month for a mower. Once a member, there are no fees for checking out a tool. To date, the tools I have borrowed were in fine working condition. The volunteers are helpful, knowledgable and kind. They ask if you are familiar with/need help with the tools before you leave the place. While the hours are rather limited (remember, it's volunteer members who staff the office), they are to be increased in the summer time ! I recommend this place with no reservations! read more

Discovered them purely by accident. Great selection of tools. I checked out a pressure washer for a recommended donation of $50, which is much cheaper than I could rent one from Home Depot or other similar places. It did a great job of cleaning my driveway and deck and was in excellent condition. They are only open on Wednesday and Saturday, so you keep the tools for minimum 3 days, most rentals are a week. The staff was friendly and helpful, and I would most definitely recommend them to others. My new go to spot for tool rental. read more

Amazing place! They have everything, including very friendly, knowledgeable , and helpful volunteers. Even if you don't have a project in mind, you should swing by to check this place out. You'll likely get inspired. I did! read more

What a great resource! I highly recommend it. The volunteers that staff the library are helpful and friendly, the selection of tools is tremendous, and check-in/out is fast and easy. It's great being able to simply barrow the tools I only use every once in a while rather than buying and storing them all. read more