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
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
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.
Low-risk items
Basic hand tools, low-cost accessories and simple equipment.
Standard tools
Most power tools, DIY tools, cleaning gear and garden equipment.
Higher-risk items
Portable, expensive, specialised or easy-to-damage equipment.
Big machinery
Higher-value items with greater repair or replacement costs.
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+ |
Think about value, risk and renter confidence.
Check replacement value
Look at what it would cost to buy the same or similar item again today.
Consider damage risk
Cutting, demolition, concrete and heavy-use tools usually need a higher bond.
Think about portability
Small, expensive and easy-to-carry items may need stronger protection.
Keep it reasonable
A bond that feels too high may put renters off before they book.
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.
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.
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.
