Why are we here?
The Industrial Arts Tool Library was created in 2023. We are currently focusing exclusively on educating people on how to fix things, with a particular focus on motorcycles. In the second half of 2025 we plan to begin loaning specialty tools commonly not found in other Portland-area tool libraries; our tools will be focused on repairing motorcycles, small engines, and automobiles.
A broader objective of the Industrial Arts Tool Library (IATL) is to increase awareness of the material world, and encourage its sustainable maintenance. The ubiquity of portable phones, social media, and consumer culture focuses our attention away from the physical world, shifting our attention to a virtual world in ‘cyberspace’. Individuals increasingly treat physical products as replaceable commodities; they do not fully appreciate the burden their creation and disposal place on our environment. Actions derived from this attitude harm both Oregon and the planet.
Plus, it is a lot of fun to fix things with your friends.
The IATL draws inspiration from similar initiatives that have positively changed Oregon and the world. Consumption of plastic bags has declined significantly over the last several years, the decrease driven by education and legislation. Plastic bags are no longer used thoughtlessly, since individuals are increasingly aware of their costs. (Yes, they seem cheap and disposable, but for 50+ years friends and family have been fighting and dying for the oil from which these bags are created.) Similarly, the ‘farm to table’ movement, once limited to high-end restaurants and food enthusiasts, has grown in scope and breadth over decades. Today many consumers educate themselves about their food, the cost of its creation, and the effect it has on their bodies and the planet. Foodways have changed due to the ‘farm to table’ movement, to the benefit of the planet.
The Industrial Arts Tool Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. If you or your business are
interested in making a tax-deductible donation, please contact us.
Who else does rad stuff like this?
Car Krush and Queen of the Vans offer great courses, including their Engine Basics class. We’ve taken it, it’s great!
RepairPDX supports repair and reuse, also offering how-to classes and repair cafes. They’ll help you fix your stuff, or you can volunteer with them, fixing other folks’ stuff.
Wildcat Hobby offers a variety of cool classes. We took their Introduction to Metal Casting class and enjoyed it.
Who supports us?
The Sang-Froid Riding Club partners with the Industrial Arts Tool Library, plus organizes rides, races, and other events in the Portland area. Most of the course instructors are club members.
Woodstock Ace Hardware supports our work through tool and chemical donations. Buy stuff from them; terrific selection, great staff! (Family-owned since the ‘50s!)
Go-faster “Mad” Mark Leslie helped us ‘level up’ in 2024; rest in peace, Mark.
