Southeast Portland Tool Library SEPTL
location_onPortland, Oregon
infoAbout Southeast Portland Tool Library SEPTL
Southeast Portland Tool Library (SEPTL) is situated at 1137 SE 20th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Established as a community resource, SEPTL facilitates access to a variety of hand and power tools for home and business owners, as well as tenants. This tool lending library allows members to borrow necessary equipment for maintenance, gardening, and construction projects without the burden of purchasing tools they may only use occasionally. The library is volunteer-run, which enhances its focus on community engagement and service.
Tool Inventory and Borrowing
SEPTL maintains a diverse inventory that includes power tools, woodworking equipment, and gardening tools. The tool lending library has over 400 distinct items, ranging from basic hand tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers, to more specialized machinery, including table saws and garden tillers. The library’s inventory highlights their commitment to ensuring that members can access tools relevant to their specific project needs.
Membership at SEPTL is free of charge, allowing interested individuals to join without any financial barriers. To borrow tools, members must visit the library during its operational hours, which are typically Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Detailed borrowing terms can be clarified upon visit or by checking SEPTL's website (https://www.septl.org/). Members are generally allowed to borrow up to three tools at a time for a two-week period. Late returns can incur small fees; however, the volunteer staff is understanding and encourages communication if members encounter difficulties with returns.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Customers consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable volunteer staff (8 mentions), the great variety of tools available (7 mentions), and the community resource aspect of the library (5 mentions).
GOOD TO KNOW
The library has a comprehensive website that can aid in tool selection and information (1 mention), though it's also mentioned that some tools may not always be in optimal condition (caution advised).
SOME NOTE
Some customers noted issues with borrowing broken or poorly maintained equipment (1 mention), indicating the need for better maintenance checks before tools are lent out.
BEST FOR
This tool library is best suited for DIY enthusiasts looking to borrow tools they won't use often, gardeners seeking specialized equipment, and community members wanting to engage with local volunteers.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the Southeast Portland Tool Library SEPTL?
SEPTL is a free community resource that provides home and business owners, as well as tenants, with access to a variety of hand and power tools for maintenance, gardening, and various projects.
help_outlineHow can I become a member of SEPTL?
To become a member, you need to visit during open hours to register. Membership is free.
help_outlineWhat types of tools can I borrow from SEPTL?
SEPTL offers a range of tools including power tools, woodworking tools, and gardening tools.
help_outlineIs there a fee to borrow tools from SEPTL?
No, there is no fee to borrow tools from SEPTL as membership is free.
help_outlineWho runs the Southeast Portland Tool Library?
SEPTL is run by volunteers who help manage the tools and assist members.
help_outlineWhat is the address of SEPTL?
The Southeast Portland Tool Library is located at 1137 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97214.
help_outlineWhat are the open hours for SEPTL?
You can find the specific open hours by visiting the SEPTL website at https://www.septl.org/.
help_outlineHow is a tool lending library beneficial to the community?
A tool lending library fosters community engagement by allowing neighbors to share resources, reduces costs for individuals who may not want to purchase tools, and promotes sustainable practices by encouraging tool reuse.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Southeast Portland Tool Library SEPTLdoesn'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 | 4 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| North Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 5 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| Rockwood Common Tool Library | Gresham, OR | 8 mi | — | — |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 105 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Central Oregon Tool Library | Bend, OR | 120 mi | star5.0 | Sliding scale, suggested minimum $1 per $1,000 annual income (e.g., $50/year for $50,000 income), no one turned away for inability to pay. |
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