Our mission at Seattle REconomy is to ensure everyone in the community has access to our resources equitably and sustainably. The tools in our library are a valuable commodity, and we want to keep them accessible.
Over the past few years, we have noticed a trend in certain tools going missing on initial loans, so we have worked toward a solution that we hope will best serve our members while helping new individuals feel welcome.
After much internal discussion, we have launched a tiered tool access program for new members. New members are defined as individuals who have not completed a loan. This program will restrict access to high-value, “Tier 2” tools, which are frequently misplaced during the first loan period for new members. Most tools will be classified as Tier 1 tools, which are always available to all members.
Below is a list of the Tier 2 items affected by the tiered access program, along with their Tier 1 counterparts, if available:
| Tier 2 Tool | Tier 1 Alternative Tool |
| Air Coil Nailer (2 1⁄2”) | None Available |
| Angle Grinder (4 1⁄2” Corded & Cordless) | Depending on the project, maybe tin snips |
| Bike Repair Stand | None Available |
| Bolt Cutter | None Available |
| Brad Nailer (18-Gauge Cordless) | Corded Brad Nailer |
| Carpet Cleaner | None Available |
| Chain Saw (Cordless) | Corded Chainsaw |
| Drill (Cordless) | Corded Drill |
| Dremel | None Available |
| Drywall Sander (Corded) | None Available |
| Endoscope | None Available |
| Impact Driver Set | Corded Drills |
| Impact Wrench (1⁄4” Cordless) | Corded Impact Wrench |
| Jointer | Various Saws. Planer |
| Nailer (Angled Framing) | None Available |
| Nailer (16-Gauge Finish) | None Available |
| Nailer (Framing) | None Available |
| Oscillating Multi-Tool (120-Volt Corded) | Various saws. Other Multi-Tools |
| Oscillating Multi-Tool (12V Cordless) | Some Corded Multi-Tools |
| PEX Expander Tool | None Available |
| Power Tool Set (Cordless) | Various Corded Power Tools |
| Upholstery Cleaner | None Available |
| Wagon | Wheel Barrow |
| Welders | None Available |
In order to check out these Tier 2 items, new members must successfully complete one loan. That means checking out at least one item (up to five) and returning it at least one open shift later (within one week for most items). You can not check out an item and check it back in on the same day in order to qualify for Tier 2 items, but you could check something out at the end of one shift and at the beginning of another the next open day.
The goal of this program is to keep the largest number of helpful tools in our inventory for as long as possible. While this initiative requires us to initially regulate access to certain tools, we believe it will help ensure our inventory remains available to the community well into the future.
If you have questions about this new program, please email info@seattlereconomy.org.
