Generators & Power

Generator Rental Near You

A generator turns fuel into usable power anywhere you need it: a job site with no outlet, an event in a field, or a house that has lost power. Getting the size right is the whole game, because an undersized unit trips out under load and an oversized one wastes fuel and money.

Renting is the practical option when you need power for a weekend rather than a season, and neighbors on Rent my Tools list units sized for both home backup and light construction.

Available generator rentals

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New items are listed by neighbors all the time. Browse the full category to see what else is available nearby, or list your own to earn from it.

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What a portable generator powers

Tools, lights, chargers, small appliances, a fridge or freezer, and event equipment like speakers and catering gear. Motors and compressors are the tricky loads, because they draw several times their running wattage for a moment when they start. That distinction between running watts and starting watts is what decides whether a generator will actually run your table saw or air compressor without tripping.

Choosing the right size

Add up the running watts of everything you plan to use at once, then add the largest starting surge in the mix. A standard generator handles that surge with engine headroom; an inverter generator produces cleaner power, which matters for sensitive electronics, and is usually quieter. Check whether you need 240-volt output as well as 120, whether you want wheels and a handle for moving it, and how loud the unit is if neighbors or a venue are close. Ask the owner how long it runs on a tank for their machine.

What to check at pick-up

Check the oil level and have the owner show you the start procedure, including the choke and any fuel valve. Look at the outlets and the breaker panel for damage, confirm the frame and handles are sound, and ask whether a carbon monoxide shut-off is fitted. Test it with a small load before you take it, and confirm what fuel it takes and whether it is safe to run on the fuel currently in the tank.

Transport and fuel

Generators are heavy and awkward, so lift with two people or use the wheels on a level surface. Transport it upright with the fuel valve off, and do not fill the tank right to the brim before a drive. Store fuel in an approved container, keep it away from heat and sparks, and refuel only when the engine is off and cool. Never run a generator in a garage, basement, shed or tent, even with the door open.

Safety basics

Carbon monoxide is the risk that kills people, so place the generator outdoors, well away from windows, doors and vents, and fit a battery CO alarm in the building if you are using it for backup power. Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords with GFCI protection where possible, keep them out of standing water, and never backfeed a house through a wall outlet. That requires a proper transfer switch installed by an electrician. Keep the unit dry, and let it cool before you cover or move it.

How renting on Rent my Tools works

1

Find it nearby

Browse by equipment type or search the full catalog. Listings show the owner's city and the daily rate they have set.

2

Request your dates

Pick your dates and send a request to the owner. You will see the rental price, any delivery fee and the refundable deposit before you confirm.

3

Pick up or get it delivered

Once the owner accepts, agree the handover details in Messages. Some owners deliver for a fee; others arrange a pick-up time.

4

Use it and return it

Return the item by the end date and confirm the return in your booking. Your deposit is released once the item comes back as agreed.

Daily rate
Set by each owner, so it varies by item and condition. There is no platform-wide rate.
Refundable deposit
Held for the rental and returned after the item comes back, less any agreed damage.
Cancellations
Full refund 48+ hours before the start date, half refund between 24 and 48 hours, no refund under 24 hours.

Questions before you book? Message the owner directly from the listing. Read the rental terms for the full agreement.

Frequently asked questions

How do I work out how many watts I need?
Add the running watts of everything you will run at the same time, then add the starting surge of the largest motor. The owner can help you match their machine to your list.
Can I run a generator in my garage?
No. Never run one in a garage, basement, shed, tent or any enclosed space, even with doors open. Carbon monoxide builds up fast and cannot be seen or smelled.
How long will it run on a tank?
It depends on the unit and the load. Ask the owner for their machine's runtime at half load, and plan refuelling around it.
Can it power my whole house?
A portable generator can power selected circuits, not a whole house safely. Connecting one to your home's wiring requires a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
Is fuel included?
Usually not, and it varies by listing. Check with the owner what the unit takes and whether it comes with fuel.

Own a generator? List it and earn

If you own generator gear that sits unused most of the year, neighbors nearby may be looking for exactly that. You set the daily rate and the deposit, choose the dates you are happy to rent, and can deliver or arrange pick-up.

List your generator