A guide to equipment hire.

Hiring equipment in the UK saves money on tools or machines you'd use only occasionally. Typical daily hire rates range from £15–£300 depending on the kit. National chains (HSS, Speedy, Brandon Hire Station) cover most needs; local independents are usually 10-20% cheaper but with smaller fleets and shorter opening hours.

The economic logic is simple: if you'd use the tool more than 5-10 times in its life, buying is cheaper. For one-off projects (decorating a single room, laying a small patio, hedge-cutting a country garden once a season), hire wins easily.

Typical UK hire costs

Plus VAT (20%) and a refundable deposit (£50-£500 depending on equipment value).

What's typically included

• Equipment in working order, with safety certifications.
• Basic instruction on operation if you're unfamiliar.
• PPE recommendations (hire chains often sell or hire ear defenders, dust masks, etc.).
• Public liability insurance for the equipment (your home insurance covers your use of it).
• Fuel for the first run on petrol equipment (you refuel after).

Choosing tools to hire vs buy

The break-even point varies by tool but rough guidelines:

• Hire: scaffolding, mini-diggers, stump grinders, cement mixers, floor sanders, pressure washers (unless using monthly+), carpet cleaners.
• Buy: hand tools used multiple times a year, basic power tools (drills, jigsaws, sanders), bench tools for ongoing projects.
• Borderline: SDS hammer drills, mid-grade pressure washers, paint sprayers — depends on use frequency.

Things people often miss

• Insurance — your home contents insurance may cover hired equipment for accidental damage and theft, but check the policy. Some hire firms offer damage waivers for £5-£20/day; worth it if your insurance excludes hire equipment.
• Fuel — petrol equipment must be returned full. Refuelling at the hire desk is at petrol-station prices plus a markup; refuel yourself at a forecourt.
• Ground conditions for diggers — mini-diggers have minimum gate widths (76 cm typical) and need firm ground. Inspect access before booking.
• VAT and deposit — quoted day rates often exclude VAT; add 20%. Refundable deposits are returned after equipment is checked back in clean and undamaged.
• Weekend vs weekday rates — weekend (Friday-Monday) rates are often 1.5-2× weekday day rate but counted as a single rental period; great value if you only need 1-2 days of work.
• Cleaning charges — equipment must be returned clean. Hire chains charge £20-£100 cleaning fees if not. Pressure washers and cement mixers in particular need cleaning before return.
• Tool delivery — most chains deliver heavy equipment for £20-£60 each way. Often cheaper than borrowing a friend's van for a half-day.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? If hiring kit feels intimidating or the job is bigger than you anticipated, a tradesperson with their own equipment is often only marginally more expensive once you factor in hire costs, fuel, time, and the project getting done right first time.