I was in my local AutoZone today here in Connecticut and saw a sign indicating that you could borrow certain tools for free! A short listing of these tools include various AC clutch pullers and installers, clutch pilot bearing tool, exhaust pipe spreaders and cutters, oxygen sensor socket, a variety of gear pullers, torque wrench, brake caliper tool (for turning it in), 30-36mm sockets and ball joint press tools to name a few. There were approx. 60 tools in all but some specified for Ford, GM etc..

Generally, you put a deposit down, and when you return it, you get it back. Great for things that you don't use real often, like GM power steering pulley remover/installer.

Canadian Tire store offers the same service.

Originally posted by frag

Canadian Tire store offers the same service.

 

Canadian Tire store in western Canada and Northern Ontario (where I am now) do not loan tools anymore (if they ever did). When I lived in Montreal though, I found that the Kirkland supersize Canadian Tire never had the tools that I needed... And they would not take tool reservations...

 

I have borrowed tools from Partsource in Alberta which is Canadian Tire's standalone auto parts store.

 

I think Pepboy's in the US also loans tools.... It is a fairly common practice.

Right for no reservation.

But in Montreal, at the store near where I live, they almost always have a full selection of loaners.

I've seen tool loan signs in the Canadian Tire stores where I live (Toronto). I don't know how the program works, or if it is a store by store thing. I've never made use of it (yet).

 

Commuter

Inquired recently about a spring compressor to remove and install springs on struts (will be doing this on my car). They had three available.

Same system Snotrocket wrote about: you pay for it and they give you back your money when you bring it back. No need to buy the parts there.