Local tool hire with delivery
Rent out power tools and small equipment from home storage, delivered to DIYers and small builders nearby.
- £2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,895 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 77390 “Renting and leasing of other machinery, equipment and tangible goods n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small stock of popular tools such as drills, sanders, tile cutters, pressure washers and carpet cleaners, stored at home or in a lock-up. You take bookings online or by phone and deliver and collect in your own vehicle.
Your first three steps
- Pick 10 to 15 popular tools by checking what local hire shops charge and what is often out of stock
- Set up a simple booking page or messaging group, with hire terms, a deposit and a damage policy
- Get insurance for hired-out equipment and public liability, then promote to neighbours, local Facebook groups and landlords
Who pays
Homeowners doing DIY, landlords, small builders and decorators who want a tool for a day or a weekend without buying it.
How it makes money
Daily, weekend and weekly hire rates, plus a delivery fee and a refundable deposit. A tool pays for itself after a number of hires.
Skills that help
- Knowing how common tools work and how to check them
- Practical maintenance and basic repairs
- Organised booking and record keeping
- Friendly, clear customer service
Watch out for
- Insurance that specifically covers hired-out tools, theft and injury to customers; check the policy wording
- Keeping tools safe and tested; check what electrical testing (PAT) and safety checks are appropriate
- Whether you can store equipment and run collections from home; check your lease, mortgage and any council rules
- Customers damaging or not returning tools, so use written terms, ID checks and deposits
- Heavier or hazardous equipment brings extra training and legal duties; start with simple tools
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: local tool hire with delivery
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a tool hire business?
Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how many tools you buy, your storage and your vehicle needs. These are estimates, and starting with simple, popular tools keeps early spending down.
What should I check before hiring out tools from home?
Check insurance that specifically covers hired-out tools, theft and customer injury, and what electrical (PAT) and safety checks are appropriate. Also check your lease, mortgage and council rules on storing equipment and running collections from home.
How much can a local tool hire business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on your range, pricing and how often tools are booked. Damaged or unreturned tools can hurt profit, so use written terms, ID checks and deposits.
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