Ace Hardware tool rental prices vary by store because rental equipment and rates are set locally, and many Ace locations do not offer rentals. Where available, expect roughly $20-$100 per day for common tools and $50-$250 per day for larger equipment, with price affected by tool type, rental period, location, deposits, and accessories.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld or small power tool | $15/day | $30/day | $60/day | Examples include drills, sanders, and small saws; availability varies. |
| Floor or yard equipment | $35/day | $70/day | $140/day | Examples include floor sanders, tillers, and pressure washers. |
| Large equipment | $75/day | $150/day | $300/day | Examples include compactors and specialty machines; delivery may cost extra. |
| Typical rental period | $20-$60 | $50-$120 | $150-$300 | Rates may be hourly, daily, weekend, or weekly. |
These are planning ranges, not a national Ace rate card. Confirm current availability, billing periods, and terms with the specific store.
Ace rental prices for common tool types
Ace rental counters are independently operated or locally managed, so the same machine can have different rates across nearby stores. The ranges below are useful for budgeting, but they are not guaranteed quotes. A day may mean a set number of hours rather than 24 hours, and late returns can trigger another charge.
| Tool or equipment | Low | Average | High | Typical billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer drill or rotary hammer | $20 | $35 | $55 | Per 4-8 hours |
| Tile saw | $35 | $60 | $100 | Per day |
| Carpet cleaner | $25 | $40 | $65 | Per day |
| Floor sander | $45 | $75 | $120 | Per day |
| Pressure washer | $40 | $75 | $130 | Per day |
| Rototiller | $50 | $85 | $150 | Per day |
For a one-day project, many common tool rentals land between $30 and $100 before accessories, taxes, or deposits. Specialty or commercial-grade equipment can exceed these ranges. A store may also rent by the hour or offer a weekend rate, so comparing the total permitted time matters more than comparing a single advertised rate.
Assumptions: standard homeowner-grade equipment, pickup at the store, ordinary access, and a short rental during normal business hours.
What a rental quote includes beyond the tool rate
The listed rental fee may cover the machine only. Consumables, safety equipment, delivery, cleaning, damage protection, and taxes can change the out-the-door amount. Ask whether the rate includes the blade, bit, pad, hose, or other working attachment needed for the job. Some parts are sold rather than rented.
| Quote item | Typical price range | How it may be charged | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment rental | $20-$150 | Hourly, half-day, or daily | Exact return deadline and overtime rate |
| Attachments and consumables | $5-$60 | Per item or per use | Included quantity and replacement charge |
| Delivery or pickup | $25-$150 | Each trip or distance-based | Service area, stairs, and loading help |
| Damage waiver, if offered | $5-$25 | Flat fee or percentage | Exclusions and deductible |
| Refundable deposit | $50-$500 | Card authorization or cash | Return inspection and refund timing |
| Sales tax | About 0%-10%+ | Based on local rules | Tax treatment of rental and supplies |
Compare the full checkout total, not just the daily rental price. Deposits are generally held rather than treated as a final expense if the item is returned in acceptable condition, but payment rules differ by location. A damage waiver is not necessarily insurance and may exclude misuse, loss, theft, or late return.
Labor is usually not part of a tool rental. For a job requiring an operator or setup assistance, a contractor may charge separately, often around $50-$125 per hour depending on trade and market. If a store quotes delivery or equipment setup, ask whether those services are included in that amount or billed separately.
How tool size and rental length change your bill
Equipment capacity and project scope are two of the strongest price drivers. A small handheld tool may cost less than a high-capacity machine even when both are rented for one day. Larger units can require a trailer, a suitable vehicle, more fuel, or paid delivery, adding to the effective cost.
For compactors, tillers, and similar equipment, compare the machine’s working width and engine class with the area being handled. A small tiller for a garden plot may rent for about $50-$85 per day; a heavier unit intended for a large or compacted area can run $90-$150 per day. A plate compactor may range from $60-$120 per day, with larger or reversible models sometimes higher.
Rental duration can change the effective daily rate substantially. A four-hour rate might be 60%-80% of the daily rate, while a weekly rate may equal roughly three to five daily charges. Those discounts are not universal. A project that runs beyond the return deadline can cost more than choosing a longer block at the start.
Tool size also affects whether a rental is practical to collect. A floor sander may fit in a car only with the store’s approval and proper handling; larger machines may need a truck or trailer. Delivery can add $25-$150 each way, particularly if the store serves a broad rural area or the property has difficult access.
Assumptions: rates reflect typical short-term rental patterns; actual time blocks, machine classes, and delivery charges depend on the participating location.
How long do Ace tool rentals take and what deposits apply?
Small tools are often rented for a few hours or a day, while floor and outdoor equipment is commonly rented by the day or weekend. Some locations require return by closing time, not 24 hours after pickup. Confirm the pickup and return window before booking, especially for weekend work when the store may have shorter hours.
A simple rental may take 10-20 minutes at the counter once the equipment is ready, but first-time paperwork, safety instructions, and inspection can add time. Larger equipment may require a brief operating demonstration. If the tool is reserved for a particular day, ask how long the store will hold it and what happens if the project schedule changes.
Deposit requirements are store-specific and may be higher for expensive or easily damaged equipment. A typical authorization can range from $50 to $500, while some machines may require more. The store may require a credit card, government-issued identification, proof of address, or a vehicle suitable for transport. Confirm accepted payment methods before traveling.
Late-return charges may be hourly or may trigger an additional half-day or full-day fee. Cleaning or damage fees can apply when equipment comes back with excessive debris, missing parts, or damage beyond normal wear. Take a quick condition check at pickup and return, and ask the employee to note any existing damage on the paperwork.
Ace rental rates differ by store and region
There is no single nationwide Ace tool rental price list. Rental equipment is determined at the local level, and some stores direct customers to a nearby rental partner instead. Urban markets can have higher labor and operating expenses, while rural locations may charge more for delivery because of travel distance or offer fewer machines to choose from.
For budgeting, a metro-area quote may run roughly 5%-20% above a lower-cost market for comparable equipment. Remote delivery or limited local competition can push the total higher, while a nearby rental center with more inventory may have competitive weekend or weekly pricing. These are broad market comparisons, not adjustments that apply to every Ace store.
Call the actual rental location with the machine name and job date to get a usable price. Ask whether the equipment is on-site, whether a reservation is required, and whether the quote is from Ace or an outside rental partner. If two stores quote different totals, compare the rental period, included accessories, deposit, delivery, and return deadline before choosing.
Seasonality matters most for equipment in high demand. Tillers and lawn tools may be harder to reserve in spring, while heaters or snow equipment can be scarce during cold-weather surges. Busy weekends and urgent same-day requests may limit options even when posted rates remain unchanged. Booking ahead can reduce the risk of accepting a less suitable or more expensive substitute.
When renting beats buying or hiring a contractor
Renting usually makes financial sense when the tool is needed for one project or only a few days a year. For example, a $75 daily floor sander rental costs less than buying a professional machine that may cost several hundred dollars, before storage and maintenance. But multiple rental days, consumables, transport, and damage risk can narrow the gap.
Buying a basic tool may be cheaper when it will be used repeatedly. A homeowner who expects several short projects can compare the purchase price with estimated rental totals, including replacement blades or pads. For a tool used once, borrowing or renting avoids long-term storage and upkeep. Used equipment can be another option, but it carries repair and resale uncertainty.
Hiring a contractor can be less expensive than renting when the job needs expertise, setup, or several machines. A professional bid includes labor and may include equipment, disposal, and liability coverage. For a small, straightforward task, renting can save money if the user can operate the tool safely and complete the work within the paid period.
For example, a one-day tile saw rental at $60 plus $20 in blade or delivery charges may make sense for a small bathroom project. A complex tile layout with extensive cutting could require several days and increase the rental total to $150-$250 before materials. At that point, comparing an installation quote is reasonable.
Which add-ons raise a rental counter total?
Accessories can be a significant share of the bill when a tool needs specialized cutting or sanding materials. Floor-sanding sheets may cost around $5-$15 each, depending on grit and size, and multiple grits may be needed. Tile saw blades can cost roughly $20-$60 if they are not included. Ask whether unused consumables are refundable before buying a full set.
Delivery is another frequent expense for heavy equipment. A local drop-off and pickup may total $50-$300 depending on distance, vehicle, and access. Fuel charges can apply to gas-powered machines, and some stores expect equipment to be returned with a specified fuel level. Cleaning fees are possible if mud, concrete, or adhesive is left on a machine.
Confirm every mandatory charge before paying the deposit. Ask whether damage protection is optional, whether the rental includes a safety guard or vacuum attachment, and whether taxes apply to equipment and supplies. For a large machine, verify that the delivery vehicle can reach the intended drop point and that the site has enough room for safe operation.
Permit costs generally do not apply to ordinary tool rentals, but the project itself may require permits or inspections. For example, demolition, electrical work, or major plumbing changes can be regulated locally. A rental counter generally does not determine whether a planned project meets local code, so check with the local building department before starting work that alters a structure or utility system.
Lower the Ace rental bill by matching tool to job
Choose the smallest machine that can complete the work safely and within the rental window. Oversized equipment can increase the rate, delivery needs, and risk of surface damage. Give the store the work material, area size, and task details so staff can confirm capacity and suitable attachments before the rental begins.
Measure the job and reserve the correct time block before pickup. For flooring, estimate the room area and ask how many square feet the machine can handle per hour. For a tiller, measure the bed or plot and describe soil conditions. A realistic estimate reduces the chance of paying for another day because the machine was undersized or the return deadline was missed.
Prepare the work area in advance. Move furniture, clear debris, locate outlets or water sources, and make sure transport is arranged before the rental clock starts. For equipment that needs a trailer, confirm the vehicle’s towing capacity and hitch. Returning a machine late because of preventable setup or loading delays can erase a quoted discount.
Compare two or three local quotes using the same rental duration and accessories. Request the complete total, including delivery, deposits, consumables, and any return conditions. If the project can be scheduled flexibly, ask whether weekday rates or a longer rental block lower the per-day price. Do not pay for a premium model or optional coverage without understanding what benefit it provides.
Assumptions: savings depend on local inventory and terms; no single discount, bundled rate, or included accessory is guaranteed across Ace locations.