Sometimes Renting the Power Tool You Need Makes More Sense
Are you doing a major DIY project? Then you need tools. However, chances are you would be better off renting rather than buying those tools, because otherwise you could well end up with a house full of expensive tools you used once and then never again. And you don’t want that – your home is for enjoyment, not storing clunky and unsightly tools! Here are 20 tools you should rent rather than buy.
Floor Sander
You might only need a floor sander once every decade at the most, and what are you going to do with it the rest of the time? It’s bulky, expensive, and requires storage space. Renting ensures you get a well-maintained machine without the commitment of actually owning one.
Tile Saw
Unless you install tile professionally, a tile saw isn’t worth buying. These saws are large, require water hookups, and need constant blade maintenance – and that’s a lot of work for something you’re probably going to see very little of. Rent one instead, you’ll be glad you did.
Power Auger
Digging post holes for fences or decks doesn’t happen often enough to justify owning a power auger. They're expensive, heavy, and tough to store and transport. Renting gets you a well-maintained tool when you need it and saves you money.
Wallpaper Steamer
Think about it, how many times are you going to remove wallpaper in your life? Wallpaper is starting to go out of fashion now anyway. Most people won’t need a wallpaper steamer more than once, and it comes with problems. It’s large, needs proper cleaning, and can be tricky to store.
Concrete Mixer
Buying a concrete mixer for a patio or small slab project is just plain costly and unnecessary. These machines are bulky, require thorough cleaning, and take up valuable storage space. Renting allows you to mix concrete without worrying about all those things.
Scaffolding
Unless you're constantly painting, siding, or roofing, buying scaffolding is just plain overkill. It’s costly, time-consuming to assemble, and takes up major garage or shed space. Rent some instead, and you might even get a professional to put it up for you.
Motorized Drain Snake
A motorized drain snake is helpful for serious clogs but not worth buying unless you're a plumber. They're expensive, messy, and require careful cleaning after use. Most people only face major clogs once in a while, and the rest of the time the drain snake just sits around doing nothing.
Power Washer
Some people find power washing a lot of fun (there are countless YouTube videos on the subject) but that doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy a power washer for yourself. You’ll likely only use it a couple of times a year, and the rest of the time it’ll be sitting around taking up space.
Stump Grinder
Removing tree stumps yourself can save money, but owning a stump grinder isn’t practical. These tools are large, dangerous, and require frequent maintenance. It’s always best to rent one and return it safely back to the owner once you’re done.
Trencher
Digging trenches for utilities, irrigation, or drainage is something most people don’t do very often. A trencher is expensive, hard to store, and requires serious upkeep – do you really want all that hassle? Rent one instead – your local hardware store will probably be able to point you in the right direction.
Drywall Lift
A drywall lift makes installing ceiling sheets easier and safer - but it’s just not something you’ll use regularly. Buying one makes no sense unless you’re a contractor with cash to splash. It’s large, hard to store, and expensive, so you should rent one instead and save money.
Carpet Cleaner
Yes, it’s nice to know you can have clean carpets whenever and wherever you want them. But you still shouldn’t buy a whole carpet cleaner. They’re bulky, need regular maintenance, and sit around collecting dust half the time. When you rent, you know you’re getting a fully maintained and reliable machine, instead of one you dragged out of the storage room it’d been sitting in for years.
Demolition Hammer
Demolition hammers are powerful and expensive tools reserved for serious concrete or tile removal jobs. They’re heavy, noisy (your neighbors won’t like it), and require safety precautions and storage. If you must use one, always rent instead of buy. Ask at your local home improvement store and see what they offer.
Lawn Aerator
It’s nice to have a lawn, but they’re expensive. Lawn aeration helps keep grass healthy, but most people only do it once or twice a year. Aerators are costly, heavy, and difficult to store, so before you splash the cash on buying one, always look to see what rental options are in your area.
Sewer Camera
Sewer inspection cameras are costly (some people pay thousands of dollars for one) tech-heavy tools typically reserved for professionals. If you’re trying to diagnose a pipe issue once, renting makes far more sense and won’t set you back as much.
Paint Sprayers
Paint sprayers are another one that people find are genuinely fun to use, but they still shouldn’t actually buy them. For a single project like a fence, shed, or room, you should rent – that also means you’ll get a well-maintained machine that won’t break halfway through.
Chainsaws
Chainsaws are so common now that people forget how dangerous they are, but they are definitely dangerous. If you have children or pets in the house, consider renting a chainsaw whenever you need one for a project, not buying one. It’s safer that way – you get to give it back at the end of the day and not leave it lying around in the garage.
Jackhammer
Jackhammers are extreme tools for extreme jobs like concrete demolition. Most DIYers only need one for a single project. They’re loud, dangerous, and hard to store – so before you buy one, make enquiries as to whether or not you can rent one. You can ask at your local hardware store, for example.
Concrete Saw
Cutting through concrete, brick, or stone takes a specialized, high-powered saw that most people won’t use more than once. These saws are super expensive and require safety know-how, which a surprising amount of people just don’t have. Renting one is a much better idea, and the owner should teach you the safety basics as well.
Insulation Blower
An insulation blower is essential for adding insulation to attics or walls, but it’s not worth owning unless you’re insulating multiple homes. And if you have multiple home, congratulations! These machines are large, expensive, and complicated to maintain, so renting one from a home improvement store is a much better idea.
