Tool Lending & Borrowing: Auto Parts Stores, Other?

[mark5767]

This was a good experience.

My '06 Explorer was leaking coolant and I wanted to at least find the source before taking it in.

If it was a hose or thermostat I would do the work myself.

Water pump or radiator I would probably take it in, but I wanted to at least know what it was so I would some idea of the repair ahead of time

I was in O'Reilly Auto Parts poking around, asking questions and mentioned it would be nice to have a coolant pressure tester but I couldn't justify buying one just to diagnose a leak. Well the counter man said no problem they lend these out for free, you just pay a deposit and then get it back when you return the tool.

So I borrowed the tester and it worked great. Unfortunately it WAS the radiator so that was not so great, but the truth hurts sometimes!

Anyway, I guess they also lend specialized brake tools as well. Are there other tool lending opportunites out there people would like to share?

Thanks!

 

[AndrewH]

Pretty much all the major auto stores and even many local shops will loan out specialty tools for free. Autozone, Advanced Auto, Pep Boys etc. it's actually a really nice thing because normally if I need a specialty tool I'll just buy it, but some of them are ridiculous in price and that's where the tool loan helps a lot, especially if it's going to be a one time use thing.

Andrew

 

[ovilla]

I like borrowing the inner tie rod impact socket. It's a great tool and gives you the assurance that everything was installed correctly. That's pretty much the only thing I borrow now. After joining this site I got a strong urge to buy everything else I would ever need.

 

[ovilla]

Oh Autozone also has a really long tool with a square notch that you'll need to replace the serpentine belt. The square notch goes around a drive pulley and makes it easy to compress the little shock absorber on the pulley so you can relax the tension and replace the belt. Just one word of advice. Take the belt out of the packaging and let it sit in the sun. Otherwise it'll keep wanting to revert back to its little pretzel shape.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I got the front suspension set from Advanced Auto. Pretty sure it was an OTC. I need the pitman arm puller. Unfortunately it was cast not forged and spread. Amazingly is popped back !

Had to resort to a propane torch and BFH.

 

[malibu101]

I do not have much love for "fast food" parts stores like AutoZone or such except for sales on oil and such things.

Anyway, I have used AZ to rent a couple of tools over the years.
You pay the price for the tool. If you never return it, you bought it.
If you return it, you get every penny back.
Not a bad deal!

I have never broken a rental tool from AZ. I wonder what their policy is on that?

 

[sselander]

They offer way more than you can imagine.
AutoZone has a pretty comprehensive list of the tools you can rent. Other places are similar.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/landing/page.jsp?name=loan-a-tool

Also this: (rarely mentioned)

"Can't get to the store? No problem. You can purchase the Loan-A-Tool® from AutoZone.com. When you are done, just return it to a store near you, or ship it back to us. When the tool is received, we will process a full refund."

 

[krdiesel03]

I broke a cframe ball joint press, They just swapped out the broken one.

 

[mark5767]

Wow, that AutoZone link is pretty cool thanks!

That is a lot more than I expected.

O'Reilly does not appear to have a specific online list, but below is their loaner statement and link. Their selection looked pretty good, maybe not as vast as AutoZone.

They did appear to have a fan clutch wrench set which looks like it might work for my Explorer if I were ever motivated to do my own radiator replacement. Most guys seem to buy or rent these, loaning would be a nice option.

I returned the pressure testing kit today to a different location than the one I borrowed it from and it was no hassle at all.

Maybe it's fast food, but it sure was convenient! Thanks O'Reilly!

Many vehicle repairs require specialty tools that will only be used once. That's why we have a loaner tool program available at all O'Reilly locations. The tool offering is broad enough to cover just about any job. The loaner tool program does require a deposit, which is fully refundable once the tool is returned. Tool availability may vary from store to store, we suggest you contact your local O'Reilly's to check on the tool you need. Use our Online Store Locator to find your local O'Reilly Auto Parts.

OReilly

 

[Farmall 1066]

Got in a pinch, doing an on site overhaul on a little Shibura built Ford tractor. Needed a ridge reamer and didn't have mine along.
Loaned one from an Oreilly store close by. The thing was amazingly dicked up from previous idiots, but got the job done. I was damn thankful it was just a 2 cylinder engine though!

 

[scaron]

I do not have much love for "fast food" parts stores like AutoZone or such except for sales on oil and such things.

Where else can you get parts besides Autozone/O'Reilly/et al or the dealership? You mean you prefer like a NAPA store? Who's got the best parts?

 

[ChevyEFI]

The last time I could have borrowed a tool was from Autozone.

I opted to buy the pitman arm puller. I had a few uses for one in the future, so I figured I'd buy it.

It bent on the first use. So I returned it. And I didn't even do it to get a good-condition one, a problem with some rentals.

 

[garboui]

The worst thing I have found with the loan a tool services from most places is that I have to go through at least two counter kids before I get someone that knows that the tool Im asking for (by its actual name that printed on the box) even exists.

 

[signcrafter]

Not really a tool but a really nice free resource is most public libraries have alldata or Mitchel or some other repair manuals on their computers you can use for free.

 

[greasemonkey44]

if you have an axle nut; like a crazy front wheel bearing with notches
they usually stock them in the back and you just have to ask
they will also drive on power steering pulleys for you

 

[AV tinker er]

Not really a tool but a really nice free resource is most public libraries have alldata or Mitchel or some other repair manuals on their computers you can use for free.

Wow I didn't know some public libraries have Alldata!? I will have to check that out.

Also, I have used O'Rileys Loan a tool several times before, nice since I cannot justify buying a rear brake ratcheting piston compressor (as an example).

 

[platform389]

Watch out if you use Autozone! Just finished the ball joints on my Toyota truck. Tried to use the ball joint press from the local store.

Unfortunately the press I used turned out to be badly bent by a previous user. As a result, I had to use a three jaw puller and impact socket instead.

However, the worst was after I took the thing back. Autozone failed to remove the charge from my CC and I had to dispute the charge.

Just a couple of things to watch out for if you decide to use this method.

 

[malibu101]

Where else can you get parts besides Autozone/O'Reilly/et al or the dealership? You mean you prefer like a NAPA store? Who's got the best parts?

Actually yes, I buy most of my parts at a NAPA store. Parts are decent and and they have many bins and drawers of various small parts and pieces that are often the lifesavers, plus most of the counter guys have a clue what they're doing.
There is still a small independent store on my way home from work. It's a small place and they don't stock much but they will have a brand name of what you need the next day.

I don't know who has the best parts?
I've had success and failure everywhere.

However neither place rents tools.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I have had good and bad experiences with loaner tools from Autozone. The one time I rented a ball joint press, I bent it. That balljoint ended up coming out with a torch, and BFH. Luckily autozone took the tool back and credited me.
I have rented a fuel pressure tester set, and it read 0 psi on a running car.
I have rented spring compressors, and they worked. Cant remember what else I have rented, but those were the memorable ones.

 

[Kevin54]

I get tools from Advance Auto quite often. The deposit can be hefty though, so if you only have cash on you, you had better take in an extra "C" note with you. I always just put it on the Debit card. It sure comes in handier than having to buy the tools. And they always seem to be in good shape and not abused