Southwest Portland Tool Library
location_onPortland, Oregon
infoAbout Southwest Portland Tool Library
The Southwest Portland Tool Library operates at 6434 SW Capitol Highway in Portland, Oregon, and has been a community resource since its founding in 2014. This tool lending facility aims to provide local residents with access to a variety of tools without the burden of significant financial investment. Conveniently located on the west side of the Bertha Viaduct, it strategically serves residents from Southwest Portland, Downtown, Northwest, and South Portland, addressing the needs of a diverse community.
Inventory and Membership Model
The library's inventory encompasses a broad range of tools suitable for various projects, including household repairs, gardening, woodworking, and automotive tasks. While the exact count of the tools is not explicitly detailed, community feedback indicates that the library stocks a wide selection of over 1,000 tools. This includes electric drills, saws, lawn mowers, gardening supplies, and woodworking machines. The collection aims to cater to both novice DIYers and experienced craftsmen, encouraging all skill levels to engage in home improvement tasks.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Reviewers appreciate the accessibility of the tool library, describing it as a convenient and unique resource for borrowing tools for free. The community-oriented aspect is also praised, highlighting its focus on serving local residents.
GOOD TO KNOW
Customers should be aware that membership is limited to local residents of Southwest Portland, and the library is located in a shipping container under a bridge, which may affect visibility and accessibility.
SOME NOTE
Some customers may find the location unconventional, which could pose challenges related to finding it or accessing it during inclement weather.
BEST FOR
This tool library is ideal for local residents seeking to borrow tools for home improvement projects, DIY enthusiasts, and community members looking to minimize tool expenses.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhat is the Southwest Portland Tool Library?
The Southwest Portland Tool Library is a resource for residents of Southwest, Downtown, Northwest, and South Portland, providing access to a variety of tools for household, gardening, woodworking, and automotive projects.
help_outlineWhat are the operating hours of the tool library?
The tool library operates on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.
help_outlineWhere is the Southwest Portland Tool Library located?
The tool library is located at 6434 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239, though it re-opens on May 2nd at Greater Portland Bible Church: 2374 SW Vermont St.
help_outlineWhat types of tools are available at the library?
The library offers a variety of tools, including household, garden, woodworking, automotive tools, and more, but does not allow for commercial use or the borrowing of gas, explosive, or hazardous chemicals.
help_outlineIs there a membership fee to use the tool library?
Yes, there is a membership fee of $25 to access the tools at the Southwest Portland Tool Library.
help_outlineAre there any events like classes or workshops offered?
Yes, the Southwest Portland Tool Library offers classes and workshops for members.
help_outlineHow is the tool library managed?
The Southwest Portland Tool Library is volunteer-run, meaning that community members help operate and maintain the library.
help_outlineCan I donate tools to the library?
Yes, the library accepts donations of tools as long as they are suitable for household or garden use and do not include gas, explosive, or hazardous chemicals.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Southwest 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.
Standard adult membership
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Portland Tool Library | Portland, OR | 7 mi | star4.8 | Free |
| ToolBox Project | Eugene, OR | 102 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Central Oregon Tool Library | Bend, OR | 119 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. |
| Tacoma Tool Library | Tacoma, WA | 123 mi | star5.0 | 25 |
| South King Tool Library | Federal Way, WA | 127 mi | star4.9 | — |
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