ToolBank Member Policies

Placing Tool Requests

To maximize your chances of receiving the tools you need, please submit your borrowing request as early as possible, ideally 5 business days before your desired pickup day or earlier. Inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: Submitting a request does not guarantee tool availability or reserve your pickup time. Orders are confirmed only after pickup and return appointments have been booked via our  scheduling link. Once appointments have been arranged, ToolBank staff will verify equipment availability and confirm your order.

For new members placing an order with a borrowing fee exceeding $500, ToolBank requires a $100 deposit, due before pickup. Please note that this is not an additional charge; the full $100 will be applied toward your order's borrowing fees. Upon placing your order, please email us to provide the appropriate address for invoicing (borrowtools@richmondtoolbank.org).

Rush Order Requests

Whenever possible, Richmond  ToolBank is happy to accommodate last-minute requests. Because rush requests require staff to adjust existing schedules and prepare orders on short notice, additional fees apply. Requests are accommodated only as staffing and inventory allow and are available for warehouse pickup only. 

Fees are based on the amount of notice given at the time the order request is received. 

• $25 Less than 3 business days
• $50 Less than 2 business days
• $75 Less than 1 business day or the same-day

Business days are Monday through Friday; National Holidays are excluded from business hours. Please contact  borrowtools@richmondtoolbank.org before submitting a rush request. 

Cleaning and Repair Fees

Please return all tools clean and ready for the next borrower. A $35 cleaning fee per tool may be charged for tools returned with excessive dirt, dried paint, caulk, mud, concrete, or other materials requiring significant staff cleaning.

Tools returned damaged—beyond normal wear-and-tear—that would prevent use (for example: hardened concrete) may be charged at full replacement cost. Lost, stolen, abused, or tools beyond repair will be charged at their full retail replacement value, plus $35 per hour of processing time.

Fuel-powered equipment should be returned with a full tank. Equipment returned with empty or partially filled tanks will incur a $35 fee. 

Weather-Related Cancellations & Rescheduling

We understand that weather can impact volunteer projects and outdoor work.

Pickup Orders: Orders canceled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice may be rescheduled at no additional charge, or receive a credit toward future tool handling fees.

Delivery Orders: Because delivery routes and staffing must be scheduled in advance, delivery orders require 3 business days' notice before the delivery date to cancel or reschedule. Tool handling fees may be credited toward a future order. Requests received after these notice periods will be subject to the full bill.