We are always delighted to be offered good quality tools and equipment that is in working order and just needs a new home. Our “priority wish list” below will evolve and change, depending on members’ demands and sometimes because things break.
Unfortunately, we cannot take everything. Our “Sorry, but we can’t list” below may also change if we work out ways to handle the challenges.
We would always like to hear about anything you think members will use, that is in good working order that and you are happy to donate. Do not hesitate to get in touch either using our dedicated contact form or by email to things@penicuik.org.uk, preferably with a picture and a description of the item’s condition. Offers are always appreciated! Even if we can’t take it, we might know of another group that need it.
Thank you for your support!
Our Wish List:
Sanders
All types of sanders are kept busy by our members and often seem to need repairing or replacing. Donations of all types of working sanders are very welcome.
Cordless drills
Drills, and indeed other cordless tools, are very popular loans and donations always appreciated.
Pressure washers
Really useful and really popular, but prone to breaking down. If you have a working one going spare, it will be gratefully received.
Battery powered Gardening tools
Like everyone else, we are trying to move away from petrol driven tools for environmental reasons, so if you have battery powered alternatives to donate, we would be delighted.
Gardening tools
More and more of us are getting keen on growing things in our gardens. Good quality garden tools are always in demand and if we have too many, we can pass them on through the Penicuik Community Garden group and other local organisations.
Sorry, but we can’t:
Equipment that requires special qualifications
The Library of Things cannot keep and lend out those large and dangerous machines that only qualified experts should use… such as chain saws!
Petrol Driven Garden Tools
They are too big and heavy for us and not very good for our carbon footprint.
Antique tools and equipment
Sadly, antique tools are usually very beautiful but not suitable for loaning out.
An exception would be tools and equipment connected to Penicuik’s paper making past or printing. Not for the Library of Things, though. We want these for the Penicuik Paper Heritage Museum, which we believe is the only museum of paper making in Scotland.
Broken and worn tools; bits and bobs
We are not able to safely restore broken and worn tools to make them suitable for loaning out. And those jars and boxes of mixed screws, nails, and curious bits and bobs will just haunt us if we accept them, so we prefer not to.
Too many duplicates
This is not an issue yet, but as the inventory grows we may accumulate so many of some tools, most likely hand tools, that we might regretfully have to stop taking in more at some point.
If this happens, we will try to find other local groups that would appreciate the donations.