Australia's first public tool library opens in Brisbane and instead of books and magazines, library members borrow power tools, lawnmowers and whipper snippers.
@Zagorath Do you think maybe Men’s Sheds and similar could step up and provide local access? The trouble with lawn mowers though is that they need to be maintained, and they use consumables.
Yeah, they probably could. I’d be wary of it because just by virtue of the name, women might be less likely to feel welcome using them if they’re in Men’s Sheds (even if the space itself is completely welcoming, the name is going to be offputting), but in principle it could work.
The trouble with lawn mowers though is that they need to be maintained
I don’t think that’s an issue at all. The existing Brisbane Tool Library isn’t free, and presumably that access fee in part goes towards maintenance.
and they use consumables
Electric mowers don’t! And for most people renting something for their personal home use, an electric mower is probably a much better option.
If it does run on fuel though, I’m sure a solution could be found pretty easily. It’s already been figured out for car rentals for decades, after all.
@Zagorath Do you think maybe Men’s Sheds and similar could step up and provide local access? The trouble with lawn mowers though is that they need to be maintained, and they use consumables.
Tool libraries are a brilliant idea though
Yeah, they probably could. I’d be wary of it because just by virtue of the name, women might be less likely to feel welcome using them if they’re in Men’s Sheds (even if the space itself is completely welcoming, the name is going to be offputting), but in principle it could work.
I don’t think that’s an issue at all. The existing Brisbane Tool Library isn’t free, and presumably that access fee in part goes towards maintenance.
Electric mowers don’t! And for most people renting something for their personal home use, an electric mower is probably a much better option.
If it does run on fuel though, I’m sure a solution could be found pretty easily. It’s already been figured out for car rentals for decades, after all.
@Zagorath There are a few women’s sheds starting up too. But the libraries are a good gender-neutral space. Council nurseries could be another outlet.