Do it yourself with these Central Ohio resources
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl, Shoshana Gordon
It's National DIY Day — a good time to consider resources available to Central Ohioans who want to get their hands dirty.
Why it matters: Costs are increasing for housing, goods and services. Doing some projects yourself could save you some significant cash.
Friction point: DIY is often easier said than done.
- Tools are expensive, space is at a premium and YouTube can't teach you everything.
Yes, but: A variety of Central Ohio entities offer help.
Case in point: Housing nonprofit Modcon Living offers an affordable tool library that provides access to everything from reciprocating saws to lawnmowers.
- Individual memberships start at $15 for 30 days of access for a special project or $50 for a year.
- Annual memberships for students, seniors and veterans cost just $25.
Area libraries offer a variety of resources that go far beyond books.
- Delaware County libraries have their own maker spaces.
- You can find a shovel, birding kits and a VHS converter in Bexley.
- Westerville lends tool kits for jobs like bike repair or plumbing.
- Borrow car code readers, air compressors and more at Worthington Libraries.
Thinking of an artsier project? Check out Makers Social, where you can have a drink and a snack while you pour concrete for a planter.
- Or stop by other creative spaces for a class.
Zoom in: For those with something bigger in mind, the Idea Foundry offers space and lessons in woodworking, welding and a variety of other heavy duty projects.
The bottom line: You don't need to own the tools — or even know how to use them — to tackle that DIY project this weekend.