Security Bond Guide

Not sure what bond to set for your tool?

Use this simple guide to choose a fair security bond when listing tools, equipment, or machinery on Prum. A good bond helps protect your gear while keeping your listing attractive for local renters.

Quick bond guide

Small tools Hand tools, ladders, basic kits
$50–$150
Power tools Drills, saws, grinders, nail guns
$100–$300
Garden equipment Mowers, chainsaws, pressure washers
$150–$500
Big machinery Expensive items, compactors, mini equipment
$500+
For Prum tool owners

Protect your gear while making money from tools sitting in the shed.

If you have tools in the garage or shed, Prum gives you a simple way to list them locally and earn when people nearby need them.

A security bond can help cover things like damage, missing accessories, cleaning, late return or loss. The bond should feel reasonable for the renter, but still give the owner peace of mind.

  • Choose your own hire price
  • Set a fair security bond
  • Control when your tools are available
  • Approve requests before accepting a booking
Simple starting point

Set the bond around 20%–40% of replacement value.

For most standard tools, this gives owners a practical starting point. You can adjust the bond depending on the item’s value, condition, damage risk and how easy it is to carry away.

10%–20%

Low-risk items

Basic hand tools, low-cost accessories and simple equipment.

20%–30%

Standard tools

Most power tools, DIY tools, cleaning gear and garden equipment.

30%–50%

Higher-risk items

Portable, expensive, specialised or easy-to-damage equipment.

$500+

Big machinery

Higher-value items with greater repair or replacement costs.

Popular tool types

Suggested security bond amounts by item type.

These are general suggestions to help Prum owners list their tools confidently. The final bond amount is always up to the owner.

Tool / Equipment Type Example Items Suggested Bond
Basic hand tools Tool kits, ladders, shovels, levels, clamps $50–$100
Cordless power tools Drills, impact drivers, grinders, circular saws $100–$200
Premium power tools Milwaukee, Makita or DeWalt kits, nail guns, laser levels $150–$300
Cleaning equipment Carpet cleaners, wet/dry vacs, floor scrubbers, steam cleaners $100–$250
Pressure washers Electric or petrol pressure washers $150–$400
Lawn mowing gear Push mowers, whipper snippers, blowers $100–$300
Larger garden equipment Hedge trimmers, chainsaws, pole saws, tillers $150–$400
Commercial garden gear Ride-on mowers, wood chippers, stump grinders $500–$1,500
Camping & outdoor gear Gazebos, eskies, tables, portable fridges $50–$250
Party & event gear Marquees, chairs, tables, speakers, lights $100–$500
Generators Portable generators and small site generators $250–$1,500
Concrete gear Cement mixers, concrete saws, screeds $200–$600
Demolition tools Jackhammers, rotary hammers, demolition saws $250–$700
Compaction equipment Plate compactors, rammers $300–$800
Pumps Water pumps, submersible pumps, trash pumps $150–$500
Scaffolding & access Mobile scaffold, trestles, platform ladders $200–$800
Moving equipment Trolleys, ramps, engine hoists $100–$400
Small earthmoving Mini loaders, trenchers, post hole diggers $500–$1,500
Excavators & machinery Mini excavators, skid steers, dumpers $1,000–$3,000+
How to choose

Think about value, risk and renter confidence.

01

Check replacement value

Look at what it would cost to buy the same or similar item again today.

02

Consider damage risk

Cutting, demolition, concrete and heavy-use tools usually need a higher bond.

03

Think about portability

Small, expensive and easy-to-carry items may need stronger protection.

04

Keep it reasonable

A bond that feels too high may put renters off before they book.

List before locals start searching

Got tools sitting in the shed?

Turn underused equipment into extra income. Add your tools, set your pricing and availability, and choose a fair bond that helps protect your gear.

  • Add your tools in minutes
  • Set your pricing and availability
  • Choose a security bond that suits your item
  • Help locals access tools close to home

Suggested wording for your listing

A refundable security bond applies to this item. The bond helps cover potential damage, missing accessories, cleaning, late return or loss. The item will be checked before and after hire. Please return it clean, complete and in the same condition it was provided.

Security bond FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Is the security bond amount fixed?

No. These amounts are suggestions only. Tool owners can set a bond amount that feels suitable for their item, replacement value and level of risk.

Should every tool have a bond?

Not always. Smaller, lower-value items may only need a small bond, while expensive, portable or higher-risk equipment may need a higher bond.

What should the bond help cover?

A bond may help cover damage, missing accessories, late return, cleaning or loss, depending on the listing terms agreed between the owner and renter.

Start listing on Prum

Ready to make money from tools you already own?

List your tools, set your price, choose your availability and use this guide to set a fair bond for your equipment.

This guide is general information only and does not replace independent legal, insurance or financial advice. Tool owners are responsible for setting their own pricing, bond amounts, listing terms and conditions.