A new resource in the Twin Cities offers an exciting opportunity for people to expand their abilities and try out cool new equipment.
It’s called the Tool Bucket Library. It’s a treasure. This major volunteer-driven project has literally hundreds of different tools ready for you to borrow and use at home. Maybe thousands. They are adding new tools every day, both from purchases of new equipment and through their own work to refurbish materials donated to them.
They have a huge variety of items to borrow, including yard/garden, plumbing, electrical, auto, and power tools along with games. If you’ve ever needed or wanted it, there’s a really good chance they have it. Here are a few random items from their inventory: air compressor, circular saw, drain pipe cutter, car engine code reader, masonry hand set, painting equipment, router and bits, sewing machine, work lights and stand, and my personal favorite, a honey extractor.
Their wide array of items are a great way to try something out and learn how it works, or get a specialty tool that you need for a one-time project.
“It’s just like a regular library, but with tools instead of books,” their website notes. “The Master Recycler Composter Tool Bucket Library provides access to shared tools and other durable goods and encourages self-reliance, reuse, repair, and reduced consumption.”
I recently stopped by their headquarters at Floral Park, a gorgeous garden and tidy network of storage containers on the corner near Centralia Christian School and the Lewis County Solid Waste Transfer Station.
I’d encourage you to stop by, too. They are open every Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and they welcome visitors to learn about their project and maybe even join in. You can also learn more at www.mrctoolbucketlibrary.org, email mrctoolbucketlibrary@gmail.com or call 360-520-3206.
There is a membership form and a reasonable annual membership donation requested to be a member. It’s a small price to pay for all the useful items that you’ll suddenly have available to you.
Brad & Lynn Ford, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, are two of the dynamos that keep this engine turning.
Their love for the project is clear, and like a broad smile, it’s easy to catch.
During the open house last month, they introduced me to other volunteers, from the guys unloading and putting together powerful new tools to the guys who carefully check and fix up donations to ready them to be loaned out.
More than the tools, I was impressed with these experts. They know things. They want to share knowledge as well as tools.
The new Tool Bucket Library will connect you with equipment — and with people. It’s a treasure, and it’s ready for your use.
How handy!
Repair Fair this Saturday at Chehalis Outfitters
There is an exciting opportunity this weekend to begin fixing our throwaway culture — by fixing our broken items instead of throwing them away.
Volunteers will be on hand this Saturday, Sept. 27, at Chehalis Outfitters to teach you how to repair clothing, small electronics, appliances, lamps, small lawn mowers and other small engines, sharpen knives and more.
If your bike is broken or your toaster isn’t toasting, stop by the grand retailer formerly known as Sunbirds to fix it. There will also be activities for kids, a free “stuff swap” table, door prizes and more.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Big thanks to the WSU Lewis County Master Recyclers Composters for their leadership on this important turn away from a toss-it to a fix-it lifestyle.
Brian Mittge is a community enthusiast who has written for The Chronicle since 2000 as a reporter, editor and columnist. He can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com.
