Ballard Tool Library
location_onSeattle, Washington
infoAbout Ballard Tool Library
Ballard Tool Library operates at 7549-B 15th Avenue NW in Seattle and offers free membership to supporters of Sustainable Ballard, while charging annual membership fees of $35, $60, or $100 for others depending on membership tier. The library positions itself as a sustainability-focused alternative to individual tool ownership, emphasizing community access and knowledge exchange at minimal cost.
What the library stocks
Ballard Tool Library maintains inventories across power tools, woodworking equipment, and gardening tools. The power tools category encompasses items typically needed for construction, renovation, and assembly projects, while the woodworking section serves both hobbyists and craftspeople pursuing furniture-making or finishing work. The gardening tools collection addresses seasonal and ongoing landscape maintenance needs. Members can browse and reserve items through an online catalog before visiting to pick up reserved tools. This pre-reservation system allows members to plan projects around tool availability rather than arriving and hoping desired items are in stock. The library does not publicly list total tool counts or specific inventory numbers on its directory listing, though reviews mention both power tools and smaller implements available for checkout. The absence of detailed inventory disclosures appears intentional, as the organization maintains its own website and catalog system where members can view current availability in real time.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
The concept and convenience of borrowing tools without owning them (2 mentions); the online catalog and reservation system that makes planning easy (1 mention); affordable access for people with space/budget constraints (2 mentions)
GOOD TO KNOW
Tools are held and ready for pickup after online reservation; membership required to borrow (annual fee structure mentioned)
SOME NOTE
One reviewer felt the membership cost was prohibitively expensive and questioned whether the model actually helps users compared to buying tools outright
BEST FOR
DIYers and homeowners with limited storage space; budget-conscious people tackling one-off projects who want to avoid tool purchases
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere is Ballard Tool Library located?
Ballard Tool Library is located at 7549-B 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117.
help_outlineHow do I join Ballard Tool Library?
Membership is free if you are a supporting member of Sustainable Ballard. If you are not already a member of Sustainable Ballard, you can sign up for an annual membership at your preferred level of support: $35 for individual membership, $60 for supporting household, or $100 for sustaining household membership.
help_outlineWhat types of tools does Ballard Tool Library have available?
Ballard Tool Library offers power tools, woodworking tools, and gardening tools for members to borrow.
help_outlineWhat is the membership cost?
Membership is free for Sustainable Ballard members. For non-members, annual membership costs $35 for individual, $60 for supporting household, or $100 for sustaining household membership levels.
help_outlineHow can I contact Ballard Tool Library?
You can reach Ballard Tool Library by phone at (206) 701-7000 or by email at manager@ballardtoollibrary.org. You can also visit their website at http://ballardtoollibrary.org/
help_outlineWhat is a tool library?
A tool library is a sustainable public service that provides community access to tools and an exchange of knowledge, similar to a traditional library but for tools, typically at little to no cost to members.
help_outlineWhat is Ballard Tool Library's rating?
Ballard Tool Library has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Ballard Tool Librarydoesn't lend — buy them once and finish the job. Every item below ships from Amazon.
Tool libraries lend the tools — but you bring your own PPE. These are the basics worth keeping on a shelf.
ANSI-Rated Safety Glasses
Anti-fog, scratch-resistant. The pair you'll actually wear.
Work Gloves (Cut-Resistant)
Level-5 cut resistance handles utility blades and rough lumber.
Ear Protection (NRR 28+)
Circular saws and routers exceed 100 dB. NRR 28+ is the safe floor.
N95 Dust Masks (10-pack)
Critical for sanding, sawing MDF, or drywall work.
Tool libraries don't lend the stuff that gets used up. Buy these once, finish your project.
Sandpaper Variety Pack
60 to 400 grit covers most rough-to-finish work.
Drill Bit Set (Titanium)
Goes through wood, plastic, and most metals. Lasts longer than HSS.
Utility Knife Blades (100-pack)
Standard-size, fit most retractable knives. Cheaper in bulk.
Wood Screws Variety Box
Mixed lengths and gauges — saves a hardware-store trip mid-project.
Cheap, used constantly, not worth a library trip. Build your own small kit with these.
25-ft Tape Measure
Magnetic hook, standout reach. The one tool you'll grab daily.
Combination Screwdriver Set
Magnetic tips. Phillips + flathead in the sizes you'll actually use.
Stud Finder (Magnetic + Electronic)
Multi-mode finders catch both magnetic fasteners and wood/metal studs.
9-in-1 Multi-Bit Driver
Replaces a kit of screwdrivers and nut drivers in one handle.
Books and plans that show you how to actually use the tools you're borrowing.
Reader's Digest Complete DIY Manual
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall — the household bible.
The Woodworker's Pocket Book
Joints, wood species, finishes — fits in a tool bag.
Black & Decker Wiring Guide
Code-current, illustrated, written for homeowners not electricians.
Pencil & Carpenter Marker Set
Mechanical carpenter pencils + deep-hole markers — endless small wins.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are editorially independent — picks based on what tool-library users typically need alongside borrowed tools.
location_onContact & Location
dashboardFeatures & Categories
card_membershipMembership & Pricing
Annual membership gives you access to the full tool inventory for borrowing.
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNA Tool Library | Seattle, WA | 1 mi | star4.9 | 3 |
| Shoreline Tool Library | Shoreline, WA | 5 mi | star4.8 | 25 |
| SE Seattle Tool Library | Seattle, WA | 9 mi | star4.9 | — |
| South King Tool Library | Federal Way, WA | 27 mi | star4.9 | — |
| South King Tool Library - Auburn | Auburn, WA | 27 mi | star5.0 | — |
Interested in Ballard Tool Library?
Become a member and start borrowing tools today.
searchFind More Tool Libraries Near You