Becoming a member agency is the first step to borrowing tools. You'll complete a membership application and agree to the ToolBank's terms of use. Membership is available to qualifying nonprofit, civic, faith-based, educational, and government organizations. Once approved, you'll have access to place tool orders and borrow from our full inventory.

We recommend placing your tool order at least one to two weeks before your project date. This gives us time to confirm availability, prepare your order, and coordinate a pickup time. Rush orders are sometimes available for an additional fee, but early planning helps ensure you get exactly what you need.

Normal wear is expected and accounted for. If a tool is returned damaged beyond normal use or is lost, the borrowing organization may be responsible for a replacement fee. We ask that member agencies inspect tools at pickup and notify us of any pre-existing issues at that time so there's no confusion at return.

Extensions may be possible depending on whether the tools are reserved by another organization. Contact us before your return date to ask about availability. Returning tools on time is important because other groups are counting on that same equipment for their own projects.

Member agencies in good standing return tools on time, pay any fees owed, and keep their membership information current. Organizations with outstanding balances or overdue tools may have borrowing privileges paused until the issue is resolved. Staying in good standing keeps the program running smoothly for every organization we serve.

Tools are picked up and returned at our Birmingham location. Delivery is not a standard part of the lending program. When you confirm your order, we'll coordinate a pickup time that works with your project schedule. Plan to bring a vehicle large enough to transport your requested equipment safely.