The Houston Community ToolBank is a nonprofit tool lending program that provides tools and equipment to community groups, faith-based organizations, schools and other nonprofits. As part of a nationwide network, every ToolBank is founded with the intent of empowering our communities to tackle projects of all sizes without investing in the purchase, maintenance, and storage of tools.
Upon verification of nonprofit status or charitable purpose, qualifying organizations gain access to ToolBank resources and the expertise of ToolBank staff to help achieve greater impact in their mission-related efforts.
The ToolBank’s ability to consistently lend tools is dependent upon your responsible and considerate actions as a Member Agency. The tools you borrow were recently returned on time and in great condition by another Member Agency, and upon your timely return of those tools, they will be used once more by another Member Agency.
Your mission-related usage of ToolBank resources allows ToolBank USA and your local ToolBank to continue to serve you with excellence. ToolBank resources are not to be used for personal gain or on projects outside of a member agency’s mission.
If you have any questions or concerns about the ToolBank Service Policy, please contact us at 713-674-0262.
Tool Lending Policies
- Tools may be borrowed for up to 8 weeks at a time, and returned at any time prior to the deadline, during a pre-scheduled return appointment. Borrowed tools may be kept out longer than the original checkout period if they are available and with the approval of ToolBank staff.
- Member agencies pay a tool handling fee equal to 3% of the total retail value of the tools per week borrowed. Payment of the tool handling fee is due at the time of pick up. The ToolBank accepts checks, money orders, and debit and credit cards. Cash is not accepted – no exceptions.
- Tools are to be used to advance the mission and programs of the borrowing member agency. ToolBank tools may not be used for personal benefit or financial gain. Inappropriate use of ToolBank tools may result in the temporary or permanent suspension of tool borrowing privileges by the offending agency.
- If a tool breaks while being used for its intended purpose, and the member agency returns all pieces of that tool, the member agency may not be charged a replacement fee. If no parts are returned, the member agency must either (a) pay the replacement cost for the unreturned tool, or (b) provide a replacement tool that exactly matches the unreturned tool.
- If a tool has been damaged due to neglect or misuse, the member agency will be required to pay the replacement cost of the tool. The damaged tool becomes the property of the member agency once the replacement cost is paid. Neglect or misuse of borrowed tools is determined solely by ToolBank staff.
- Overdue tools (tools not returned or extended before their due date) accrue a late fee of 6% per week until: the unreturned tools are returned, or the member agency pays the replacement cost of unreturned tools, or the unreturned tools are replaced with replacement tools.
- The ToolBank cannot reimburse tool replacement costs if the tool is subsequently found. Member agencies may return ToolBank tools to receive a credit toward future tool handling fees at the discretion of ToolBank staff.
- Access to ToolBank resources will be suspended until all outstanding balances are brought to zero and all overdue tools are accounted for or replaced by the member agency.
- All borrowed tools are used solely at the Member Agency’s risk. Local ToolBank staff, ToolBank USA staff, volunteers, officers, and directors will not be held responsible for injury or accident that may occur from the use of borrowed tools, as per the ToolBank Membership Agreement.
Tool Lending Procedures
Step 1 – Submit your tool order. Place your tool order online (click here). Tool order must be submitted at least two business days before you wish to pick up your tools. Call 713-674-0262 if you need assistance with the tool order process.
Step 2 – ToolBank staff will confirm your tool pickup or delivery. A ToolBank staff member will contact you to confirm your tool order and will confirm your pickup or delivery details at that time. Your appointment is not scheduled until it is confirmed by ToolBank staff. ALL visitation to the ToolBank, including tool pickups and tool returns, is by appointment only.
Step 3 – Pick up or accept delivery of your tools. For pickups, arrive at your scheduled time to load your tools and verify your order as you load. If you are unable to keep your appointment time, please contact the ToolBank to reschedule. For deliveries, be present and available at the delivery location at the scheduled time. Please have additional hands available to support unloading. Tool handling fees are due at the time of pickup or delivery, payable by money order, check or credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted for tool fees. ToolBank staff will give you a receipt listing all borrowed tools, with clear indication of your tool order’s due date.
Step 4 – Have a great project and work safely!
Step 5 – Tool return. If you did not schedule your return appointment at your tool pickup, call the ToolBank to schedule your tool return at least one day before you wish to return them. You may also schedule the ToolBank to come pick up your order from your location once completed – but this must be done at least 72 business hours in advance, and is subject to a fee. If you’re far from the ToolBank, check out our Neighborhood Tool Hubs as a convenient, free option to drop off or pick up your tools. Your tool return is not scheduled until it is confirmed by ToolBank staff. Your ToolBank receipt will allow you to do an inventory count prior to returning your tools. This can help you track down any missing tools. Upon arrival, a ToolBank staff member will count the tools and produce a receipt indicating that your -tool borrowing transaction is complete, or that tools are missing.