DETROIT – Having the right tools is critical for success, but getting those tools isn’t always convenient.
That’s why, this month, our Go 4 It event is a tool drive to collect certain tools for spring cleaning and general summer lawn/garden care.
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The Bailey Park tool library collects tools that can be rented out or given to people who need them.
So we’re heading to the Bailey Park tool library -- 2617 Joseph Campau in Detroit (just off Gratiot) -- to collect new and gently used tools. Please don’t bring used tools and equipment that no longer work.
Stop by between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, if you would like to help out and donate some tools.
READ: Detroit expands tool library program to empower neighborhood cleanups
If you can’t make it on May 20 but you still want to contribute, click here to donate online.
List of needed equipment
Here’s a list of the needed equipment:
General tools:
- Riding lawn mowers
- Tillers
- Table saws
- Post hole digger (fencing, urban gardens)
- Folding work tables / sawhorses
- Portable lighting kits (for dim basements)
- Battery charging kits (multi-brand if possible)
- Moving tools (dollies, furniture sliders)
Must-have (high-use):
- Electric lawn mowers (compact, foldable)
- String trimmers
- Leaf blowers
- Snow shovels
- Ice scrapers + salt spreaders
- Rakes (leaf + hard rake)
- Shovels (round-point + flat)
- Folding table (for clean-up events
- Folding chairs
Very valuable in Detroit:
- Chainsaw
- Pole saw
- Hedge trimmers
- Pressure washer
Shared transport tools:
- Wheelbarrows
- Garden carts
- Trash/debris bins (heavy-duty)
Home repair -- essential hand tools:
- Hammers
- Screwdriver sets
- Pliers (all types)
- Adjustable wrenches
- Tape measures
- Utility knives
- Pry bars
- Levels
Power tools (core inventory):
- Cordless drill/driver kits
- Impact drivers
- Circular saws
- Reciprocating saws
- Orbital sanders
- Jigsaws
- Angle grinders
- Heat guns
- Shop vacs
Renovation and rehab tools (heavy use):
- Drywall tools (taping knives, sanding poles)
- Stud finders
- Laser level
- Tile cutter (manual + small electric)
- Flooring tools (pull bars, tapping blocks)
- Caulking guns
- Paint kits (rollers, poles, trays)
Electrical and plumbing:
- Voltage testers
- Extension cords (contractor-grade)
- Pipe wrenches
- Basin wrench
- Drain snakes
- Plungers (multiple types)
- Tubing cutters (copper/PVC)
Access equipment:
- Step ladders
- Extension ladders
- Ladder stabilizers
Cleaning:
- Shop vacs (wet/dry)
- Carpet cleaners
- Pressure washers
- Push brooms
Winter seasonal priority items:
- Snow blowers (compact, electric or gas)
- Ice chippers
- Roof snow rakes
Safety gear:
- Safety glasses
- Gloves (cut-resistant + winter)
- Hearing protection
- New Dust masks/respirators
How to borrow tools
Anyone in the community who needs to borrow a tool can do so from these five places:
- Bailey Park Tool Library -- 2617 Joseph Campau, Detroit
- Motor City Grounds Crew -- East Warren Tool Library
- The Detroit ToolBank -- 575 E Milwaukee St., Detroit, MI
- Premier Group Associates
- Carhartt Tool Rental
Go 4 It event details
- Who: WDIV is partnering with Henry Ford Health, the Gilbert Family Foundation, and the Bailey Park tool library.
- What: “Go 4 It: Tools to Spare” tool drive.
- Where: Bailey Park tool library -- 2617 Joseph Campau in Detroit.
- When: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
- Why: To collect new and gently used tools