
North Portland Tool Library
location_onPortland, Oregon
infoAbout North Portland Tool Library
North Portland Tool Library is located at 2209 N Schofield St, Portland, OR 97217. It serves the surrounding community with a focus on providing access to various tools for various projects, making it an invaluable resource for local residents. The facility operates out of a modest space dedicated to supporting home improvement and gardening endeavors. With a volunteer-run model, the library not only emphasizes community engagement but also enhances accessibility for those in need of tools.
Tool Categories and Borrowing
The inventory at North Portland Tool Library is extensive, including categories such as power tools, woodworking equipment, gardening tools, and specialty tools for projects like plumbing or electrical work. With over 300 tools available, the selection caters to diverse project needs—from common tasks like lawn maintenance to more complex undertakings such as building furniture or landscaping.
Borrowing from the library is limited to residents of North Portland, who can check out tools for a week without any associated costs. Patrons must provide valid identification confirming their North Portland address when they visit. This requirement reinforces the library’s focus on community service. Because the organization operates on a volunteer basis, the absence of membership fees eliminates financial barriers, allowing it to serve those who might not have the means to purchase expensive tools outright.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Customers consistently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the volunteers (mentioned in 6 reviews) and the impressive selection of tools available (mentioned in 6 reviews). Many also appreciate the cost-saving benefit of borrowing tools instead of buying them (mentioned in 4 reviews).
GOOD TO KNOW
The tool library is open Saturdays from 10am-2pm, and customers need to check out tools using a North Portland address. The borrowing period is one week, which provides flexibility for various project timelines.
SOME NOTE
A few customers mention that while the equipment is generally good, there may be occasional concerns about the condition of some tools. Additionally, some visitors suggest that more hours or days of operation would improve accessibility.
BEST FOR
This tool library is best suited for local homeowners needing occasional access to tools for projects, renters in small spaces who can't store large equipment, and community members looking to save money on seldom-used items.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat are the hours of operation for the North Portland Tool Library?
The North Portland Tool Library is open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. It is closed on all other days.
help_outlineIs there a membership fee to borrow tools from the North Portland Tool Library?
Membership at the North Portland Tool Library is free.
help_outlineWhat types of tools are available for borrowing at the North Portland Tool Library?
The North Portland Tool Library offers a variety of tools, including power tools, woodworking tools, and gardening tools.
help_outlineHow can I contact the North Portland Tool Library?
You can contact the North Portland Tool Library by phone at (503) 908-4835.
help_outlineWhere is the North Portland Tool Library located?
The North Portland Tool Library is located at 2209 N Schofield St, Portland, OR 97217.
help_outlineIs the North Portland Tool Library run by volunteers?
Yes, the North Portland Tool Library is run by volunteers.
help_outlineWhat is the Google rating of the North Portland Tool Library?
The North Portland Tool Library has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 52 reviews.
help_outlineWhat should I do if I want to borrow a tool?
To borrow a tool from a tool lending library, you typically need to become a member, which in the case of the North Portland Tool Library, is free. After joining, you can check out tools during their operating hours.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that North Portland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 7 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| East Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 8 mi | star5.0 | 0 |
| Rockwood Common Tool Library | Gresham, OR | 11 mi | — | — |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 109 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Tacoma Tool Library | Tacoma, WA | 116 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
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