For the month of October, REAL is offering vouchers for a free two month trial  membership in REAL’s Tool Library.  While the offer is intended to encourage people who have not used the tool library previously, REAL will also make the vouchers available to current and past Tool Library members who ask.  Borrowing tools is  economical, saves storage space, and is good for the environment because it uses fewer resources, and gives used tools a second life. 

REAL opened the Tool Library, located in a corner of the REAL Deal five years ago in October 2021.  There are now about 130 items listed in the Tool Catalogue.  The catalogues is available online through our website REALaction.ca. Take a look before you come in to make sure we have what you are looking for, and note its code number.   Tools may be borrowed for one week at a time, although extensions are permitted if the Tool Library staff are advised.  The library is open during REAL Deal store hours, 10 – 5  Wednesday through Saturday. 

Two new volunteers have joined our ranks and are managing our tool inventory. We welcome Ben Duhamel and Robert Mears.  They are typically covering Thursdays 10 – 2 and Saturdays 1 – 5 .  If you need more help than just signing out or returning a tool, try to come when they are there.  We fully realize this will not work for everyone.  Feel free to call the store ahead at (613) 283-7999 to see if they will be available.  Otherwise, the Store Manager, Dan Cunningham, or another volunteer can help you.

New tools are frequently added.  Some recent additions have been a drain snake auger, a dual beveling compound mitre saw, a compact (4.5″) circular saw  and a manual post hole digger. If you have something you would like to donate to our collection, please speak to Ben or Robert.   

The voucher should be used by the end of October 2027.  Some people choose to wait until they need to borrow a tool before entering into a membership agreement.  The voucher can be used at that point for two months of free borrowing.  After the trial period the usual rates of $25 for 6 months and $45 for 12 months will apply.  Please ask the REAL  Deal cashier if you would like to take advantage of this offer.