Most auto part supply stores will often loan out specialized tools for a repair job. Need to change your struts, they will loan you a strut compressor. Usually it's a $20 deposit that you get back when you return the tool. Loaning tools helps supplement their business.

A friend of mine has borrowed cake pans from the Boston Public Library. Makes a lot of sense to me, as big can pans take up a lot of storage space, and when they come in a seasonal or holiday design, you're not going to use it very often.

I'll always own a drill but I might borrow a miter saw. Sounds like a good, useful concept for anyone that's not too much of a shitbag to look beyond their own situation and see how something might benefit others!

See Fish's comment above as to the type of person that is why we can't have nice things.

This was inspired by that comment

So on one hand (having not RTFA), i have happily lent or given thing of mine to neighbors, there are times where "getting them back" can be a problem. Same as some of these car share programs like ReachNow. It sounds great if there happens to be a car in say, a parking lot near you, but when other people just leave cars in their own street / driveway, less so.
Similarly, Home Depot and others will rent tools so you don't have to purchase them, so i'm not sure of the point. This sounds like a "Little Library" but for tools?

You don't see the difference between renting and borrowing?

My neighbors borrow, usually they give back when done and other times need prodding. There Libraries rent, potentially at rates comparable or less than a store. If my neighbor fox example breaks my lawn mower or power washer, who pays to replace it? How about these LoTs?

berkeley, CA has had a small tool lending "library" like this for years.
it recently got a revamp and upgrade. building was well over 50yrs old with no earthquake retrofitting. its all new now, with new tools. i heard they increased usage fees too. used to be $1 for most things, now its a couple bucks

Next to the temple? I miss that brunch so much...

I did an internship in Berkeley back when I was in school. Fun place.

it's over on martin luther king and russell st.

best brunch in berkeley will always be the vault, if you like eggs benedict and cheap mimosas. definitely one of the better hollandaise sauces out there.