Renting
Power tool rental checklist: what to check before you pick up
A pre-pickup checklist for renting drills, saws, compressors and other power tools from a neighbor, including the safety acknowledgment Rentsome requires.
Renting a tool for one job is the sensible move — a tile saw used once does not need to live in your garage forever. It also means you are using equipment you may not know well, so a few minutes of checking at pickup goes a long way.
Before you request
- Read the whole listing. Owners usually state what is included (blades, bits, hoses, batteries) and what is not.
- Match the tool to the material. A cordless drill will not drive anchors into concrete; a hammer drill will.
- Check power requirements. Corded tools need a nearby outlet or a heavy-duty extension cord; some compressors trip standard circuits.
- Plan protective gear: eye protection, hearing protection, gloves and a dust mask are on you, not the owner.
The safety acknowledgment at checkout
For listings in the Tools category, Rentsome asks you to confirm at checkout that you have read the manufacturer’s instructions, have the skill and protective equipment to use the tool safely, and accept the risk of using it. This is recorded with the booking. It is there because tools can hurt people, and because Rentsome does not inspect or certify the items owners list — the owner describes it, you check it.
At pickup: a two-minute inspection
- 1Cord and plug: no cuts, no exposed wire, no bent prongs. On battery tools, confirm the battery holds a charge.
- 2Guards and switches: blade guards move freely and return; the trigger lock works; the tool switches off when released.
- 3Blades and bits: sharp, undamaged, correct for your material. Ask if a fresh blade is included or if you should buy one.
- 4Photograph the tool from a couple of angles with the owner present. It protects you both.
During the rental and at return
Use the tool for what it was built for, keep it dry, and clean off dust and debris before returning it. If it fails during the job, stop and message the owner rather than forcing it. At return, take the same photos you took at pickup. The owner has 72 hours to raise any damage, and only documented damage can be deducted from your refundable deposit.
Browse tool listings near you.
Frequently asked
Who is responsible if I get hurt using a rented tool?
You are. Rentsome is a marketplace, not the tool’s owner or manufacturer, and the safety acknowledgment at checkout records that you accept the risk of using the equipment. Use protective gear and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do I have to sharpen or replace a blade I wore out?
Normal wear is expected; destroying a blade on the wrong material is not. Check the listing for the owner’s expectations and ask before you start if you are unsure.
Can I rent a tool for a single day?
Yes. Rentals are priced per day, and one day is the minimum. The service fee is 15% of the rental with a $2 minimum.
Borrow it from a neighbor instead.
Deposit-protected bookings, priced by the day.
Keep reading
Should you rent or buy a pressure washer?
A pressure washer gets used a couple of weekends a year. Here is how to decide between renting one from a neighbor and buying your own.
What happens if a rented item breaks? Claims, explained
The step-by-step claims process on Rentsome: the 72-hour filing window, the renter’s 72-hour response, review, and what can be deducted from the deposit.
How security deposits work on peer-to-peer rentals
What a rental deposit is, how Rentsome sizes it (30% down to 10% of item value, capped at $2,000), why it is a hold rather than a charge, and when it is released.