What Lowe's rents and how the pricing works
Lowe's rents tools by the day, week, or month at most of its U.S. locations. You can rent items like pressure washers, tile saws, concrete mixers, scaffolding, and carpet cleaners without owning them. Pricing varies by tool and location — a pressure washer might cost $40 to $60 per day at one store and $50 to $70 at another, depending on the model and your region.
The rental period you choose affects the total cost. A tool that costs $50 per day might cost $120 for a week (not seven days of daily rates) or $300 for a month. Lowe's calculates weekly and monthly rates as discounts from the daily rate, so renting longer costs less per day. You pay a damage waiver fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the tool — which covers accidental damage during your rental period.
Fuel, batteries, and accessories are usually not included. If you rent a gas-powered tool, you bring your own fuel or buy it. Some tools come with basic attachments, but specialty blades, bits, or extensions may cost extra or require a separate rental.
Key Takeaways
- Lowe's rents tools by the day, week, or month, with weekly and monthly rates offering lower per-day costs than daily rentals.
- Prices vary by tool type, model, and store location, so you should call your local Lowe's or check online for the exact cost of what you need.
- A damage waiver fee of $5 to $15 covers accidental damage but does not cover fuel, batteries, or specialty attachments.
- You must show a valid ID and provide a credit card at pickup; rental agreements typically require you to return the tool in the same condition you received it.
How to rent a tool at Lowe's
Start by visiting your local Lowe's or going to Lowes.com to search for the tool you need. The website shows which tools are in stock at your nearest store and the rental price for that location. You can reserve a tool online or call the store directly to hold one.
When you arrive to pick up the tool, bring a valid government-issued ID and a credit card. The staff will walk you through the rental agreement, which states the rental period, the daily or weekly rate, the damage waiver fee, and your responsibility to return the tool on time and in working condition. You sign the agreement, pay the fees, and take the tool home.
Return the tool to the same Lowe's location by the end of your rental period. If you return it late, you will be charged for additional days. The staff will inspect the tool for damage before accepting it back. If damage beyond normal wear is found, the damage waiver covers it up to a set amount — usually the replacement cost of the tool.
What happens if you damage or lose a rented tool
The damage waiver you pay at pickup covers accidental damage during your rental period. If you return a pressure washer with a cracked hose or a saw with a bent blade, the waiver typically covers the repair or replacement cost. The coverage limit is usually the full replacement cost of the tool, though some waivers cap coverage at a lower amount.
Damage caused by misuse — such as running a gas tool without oil or dropping a tool from height — may not be covered, depending on what the rental agreement says. Read the agreement carefully before you sign, because it will specify what the waiver does and does not cover.
If you lose the tool or do not return it, you will be charged the full replacement cost plus any rental fees owed. Lowe's may also report the unreturned tool to a collection agency if the bill goes unpaid.
Lowe's tool rental versus buying or renting elsewhere
Renting from Lowe's makes sense if you need a tool for a single project and do not want to buy it. A concrete mixer might cost $400 to $600 to buy but only $50 to $80 to rent for a week. If you use the tool once every few years, renting saves money and storage space.
Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and independent tool rental shops also rent tools. Prices and selection vary. Home Depot's rental program is similar to Lowe's — daily, weekly, and monthly rates with damage waivers. Sunbelt Rentals typically has a wider selection of heavy equipment and commercial-grade tools but may have fewer locations near you. Independent rental shops sometimes offer lower prices or more flexible terms but may have less consistent availability.
If you own a home and use certain tools regularly — a pressure washer, a drill, a circular saw — buying might be cheaper over time than renting repeatedly. If you use a tool once or twice, renting is almost always the lower-cost choice.
Reservation and cancellation policies
You can reserve a tool online or by phone at Lowe's. A reservation holds the tool for a set time, usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on the store. If you do not pick it up within that window, the reservation is released and the tool becomes available to other customers.
Canceling a reservation before pickup is free. If you cancel after you have already picked up the tool, you will owe rental charges for the time you held it, even if you did not use it. Some stores may waive a cancellation fee if you cancel within a few hours of pickup, but this varies by location.
What to bring and what to expect at pickup
Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Lowe's will not rent to you without one. You also need a credit card to authorize the rental charges and the damage waiver fee. The card will be charged at pickup and again at return if you owe additional fees for late return or damage.
At pickup, the staff will show you how to operate the tool if you are unfamiliar with it. They will point out any existing damage or wear so you know what condition the tool is in when you take it. Ask questions about safety, fuel type, or maintenance before you leave — the staff can answer them, and it is better to ask than to damage the tool by using it incorrectly.
The rental agreement will state the return date and time. Most Lowe's locations accept returns during regular business hours. If you need to return a tool after hours, ask the staff whether your store offers a drop box or after-hours return option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a tool for longer than a month?
Yes. Lowe's offers monthly rates, and you can extend a rental by paying for additional months. Call your local store to discuss long-term rental options, as pricing and availability may differ from short-term rentals.
What if I need to return a tool early?
You can return a tool early, but you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of your rental period. If you rented it for a week and return it after three days, you still pay the full weekly rate. Some locations may offer partial refunds, so ask the staff when you pick up the tool.
Do I need a membership or account to rent from Lowe's?
No. You do not need a Lowe's credit card or membership to rent a tool. A valid ID and a credit card at pickup are all you need. If you have a Lowe's account, you can use it to track your rental history online.
Can I rent a tool and pick it up at a different Lowe's location?
Most Lowe's locations require you to pick up and return tools at the same store where you made the reservation. Call ahead to confirm whether your store allows cross-location pickups, as this policy varies.
What if the tool breaks while I am using it?
Contact the Lowe's location where you rented it as soon as possible. If the damage is covered by the waiver, Lowe's will repair or replace the tool at no additional cost. If the tool is unusable, ask whether they can provide a replacement tool to finish your project.