Tools are one of the best things to rent out in the UK — and for a simple reason. They're expensive to buy, people only need them occasionally, and almost every household and tradesperson searches for them at some point.
So how much can you actually make renting out tools? Here are realistic 2026 figures, which tools earn the most, and how to turn a garage full of kit into steady income.
Why tools earn so well
Three things make tools standout earners on Rentify:
- High demand, low supply. Far more people need a tile cutter or SDS drill for a weekend than own one.
- They're cheap to own relative to what they earn. A £120 drill that earns £300 a year is a brilliant return.
- Low wear. Used carefully for a weekend job and returned, most tools barely depreciate.
What tools earn: day rates and annual income
These are realistic UK figures for popular tools on Rentify in 2026. Actual earnings depend on condition, location and how often the item is available:
| Tool | Typical day rate | Realistic annual income |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless drill set | £10 – £20 | £150 – £500 |
| Pressure washer | £15 – £25 | £200 – £700 |
| SDS / breaker hammer | £20 – £35 | £300 – £900 |
| Sander (belt/orbital) | £10 – £20 | £120 – £400 |
| Tile cutter | £15 – £25 | £150 – £450 |
| Carpet cleaner | £20 – £35 | £300 – £900 |
| Wallpaper stripper | £10 – £18 | £100 – £350 |
| Plate compactor | £30 – £50 | £400 – £1,200 |
| Scaffold tower | £25 – £45 | £400 – £1,300 |
| Cement mixer | £20 – £35 | £250 – £800 |
Based on a few bookings a month for in-demand items in mid-sized UK cities. Some tools book most weekends; specialist kit is less frequent but commands higher rates.
A modest collection of three or four popular tools can comfortably bring in £80–£300 a month.
Which tools give the best return?
The biggest number isn't always the best return. The smartest earners focus on cheap-to-own, high-demand items:
- Best return on investment: cordless drills, pressure washers, sanders, carpet cleaners — low cost, constant demand.
- Highest absolute earners: plate compactors, scaffold towers, breaker hammers — pricier to own, but strong day rates and steady bookings.
- Sleeper hits: wallpaper strippers and tile cutters — cheap, niche, and surprisingly regular.
The principle, as ever: utilisation beats day rate. A £15/day drill that books eight times a month out-earns a £40/day specialist that goes out once. We cover that logic in how much you can earn renting out your stuff.
How to maximise your tool earnings
- Photograph clearly. Clean tools, daylight, show the full kit and any accessories.
- Bundle accessories. "Pressure washer + patio cleaner + 10m hose" rents for more than the bare unit.
- Price for your first reviews. Start slightly below market, earn five stars, then raise rates.
- Reply fast. Renters often message several listings; the quickest reply usually wins.
- Keep a handover routine. Photo at handover and return, plus a one-minute demo, prevents most issues. See how to rent out power tools safely.
A quick word on tax
For most casual hosts, HMRC's £1,000 trading allowance means the first £1,000 you earn each tax year is tax-free, with nothing to report. Earn more and you'll need to register for Self Assessment — explained plainly in our main earning guide. General info, not tax advice.
Common questions
How much can I make renting out tools in the UK?
A few popular tools can earn £80–£300 a month. Individually, a drill might bring in £150–£500 a year, a pressure washer £200–£700, and higher-value kit like a plate compactor or scaffold tower £400–£1,300.
Which tools are most profitable to rent out?
For return on investment, cheap and constantly in-demand tools win: drills, pressure washers, sanders and carpet cleaners. For the biggest absolute earnings, higher-value kit like breaker hammers, plate compactors and scaffold towers.
Do tools get damaged when rented out?
Rarely, when you take a few precautions: set a deposit, photograph the tool at handover and return, and give a quick usage demo. See our guide on renting out power tools safely.
Is it free to list tools on Rentify?
Yes. Listing is free, and you keep 100% of what you earn — the service fee is paid by the renter, not taken from your payout.
How quickly will my tools start booking?
With clear photos and a competitive starting price, popular tools often get their first booking within days. Bookings build as you collect reviews.
The bottom line
Tools are among the best-value things to rent out in the UK: cheap to own, always in demand, and quick to pay for themselves. A small, well-presented collection can earn a steady few hundred pounds a month from kit that would otherwise gather dust.
Put your tools to work. List your tools on Rentify →
Ionut-Cosmin Lixandru — Burton upon Trent, UK Founder of Rentify. Building a marketplace to help people rent items locally, earn from unused things, and connect with local service providers more easily.