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Edinburgh Tool Library is the UK’s first tool library, promoting sharing as a way of reducing our environmental impact.
We lend our members tools for DIY, gardening, decorating and machine repair, so that they don’t need to own them. Not only does this collaborative approach make sense environmentally, it also helps our members financially.

The average power drill is used a total of 13 minutes in its lifetime
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we don't all need to own one

The average UK household spends £110 a year on tools (Office of National Statistics, 2014)
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annual membership to the tool library costs £20 (or less if you're skint!)

Being a member of ETL gives you access to over 1000 tools
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without the need to store them, maintain them, or buy them in the first place

FIND OUT MORE

WHERE CAN YOU FIND US?

INVENTORY

Every tool has a use. So avoid throwing out well-made tools that have been built to last a lifetime - give them to us here at the Edinburgh Tool Library. Our success depends on having good quality tools for members to borrow. We are always open to new donations of good quality tools.

Browse the tools

Our operating hours

TOOL BORROWING SESSIONS

Borrow, return and donate tools as well as sign up to become a member or find out more about volunteering.

Leith borrowing sessions
Wednesday 17:00 - 20:00
> Find us at the depot at 9 Spey Street Lane
Saturday 10:30 - 13:00
> Find us at the Leith Walk Police Box

Portobello borrowing sessions
Thursday 11:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 20:00
Saturday 11:00 - 14:00
> Find us at 19 Windsor Place

OPEN WORKSHOPS SESSIONS

Use machinery, tools and workbenches, become a member, learn new skills.

Leith workshop
Tuesday 17:00 - 20:00
Saturday 14:00 - 17:00
> Find us at 1 Customs Wharf

Porty workshop
Thursday 11:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 20:00
Saturday 11:00 - 14:00
> Find us at 19 Windsor Place

WORKSHOPS & COURSES

We run guided workshops for our members on basic woodworking, tool maintenance, bike repair and more. You will find details on all the workshops on our eventbrite page. Follow this page to receive notifications of upcoming workshops and be the first to sign up or find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter!