Tools of the Trade

Living in older homes in the Islands comes with more things to fix, upkeep or renovate. In addition to the price of materials, constantly purchasing tools for DIY repairs can be expensive. Sometimes, homeowners only need to use a tool once or twice and may never pick that tool up again — for people with minimal storage space, this can become problematic.

HNL Tool Library was established as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for these issues. Founded in 2015 by Elia Bruno, who was a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa at the time, HNL Tool Library has grown into a certified nonprofit and valuable local resource.

“It’s just like a regular library, but instead of books, we loan [out] tools,” explains Tracy Meador, executive director of HNL Tool Library. Although it’s not the only tool library in the world, the concept is relatively new in Hawaii. While other tool libraries are typically affiliated with a traditional public library system, HNL Tool Library is a unique enterprise that is “completely self-funded from fundraising and donations,” says Meador.

A membership with HNL Tool Library gives you access to more than 1,500 tools that are loaned out through the nonprofit’s website. You can also donate your tools to share with others.

“We have everything under the sun,” she adds. “From table saws to sewing machines, wrenches, sanders … we have over 1,500 tools in stock, and all of those choices are cataloged on our website.”

HNL Tool Library offers access to its impressive inventory for a monthly or annual membership. Dues run $45 a month or $210 a year. A 20% discount on annual memberships is available for students, senior citizens and military (active, retired, or reserved). After signup, members can borrow tools by logging onto hnltoollibrary.org and creating a reservation for a one-week loan. The loan period can be extended an additional week if no one else wants to reserve a specific tool.

Members receive 20% off the cost of public workshops as well. For people looking to learn new skills or hone their current ones, HNL Tool Library hosts a variety of classes on Saturdays. These sessions — which are usually held in a workshop space located in Re-use Hawaii — are taught by volunteer instructors who are experts in their craft. Past classes include woodworking, laser engraving, lei-making using only invasive species, 3D printing, and more. HNL Tool Library also offers public access to a 3D printer, and a laser engraver and cutter.

Although HNL Tool Library currently does not have its own official workspace where members can try out their borrowed tools, it’s an amenity the staff would like to provide in the future. In the meantime, people can support HNL Tool Library’s mission by donating tools, becoming members or volunteers, and visiting the organization’s booth at the Aloha Farm Lovers markets in Kakaako, Pearlridge or Kailua. HNL Tool Library can also be found on Instagram at @HNLToolLibrary and Facebook at @HNLTL.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.