Sure as the swallows make their annual return to San Juan Capistrano, we, along with tens of thousands of "tool-types" make our yearly trek to the National Hardware Show in Chicago. There we revel in the latest and greatest in nuts, bolts, gadgets, gizmos and power tools. "A couple of kids in a candy store" would describe us aptly.

Although the show displays traditional tools such as drills, saws and sanders, there is no shortage of more specialized ones including chain saws, power snakes, pressure washers, air compressors, generators and rototillers. Argh, Argh, Argh! Can't get enough of those tools.

Why are most people more likely to have a driver/drill than a rototiller? There are many reasons.

The most obvious is need. People can find more things to do with a driver/drill than larger, more sophisticated tools. A rototiller might come in handy during the annual spring planting season, but will remain idle the balance of the year.

There are less obvious reasons also, such as cost (purchase and maintenance), storage space and even an intimidation factor.

For example, it doesn't make sense for someone to spend a bunch of money on an extension ladder that will only be used every three to five years - when it's time to paint the house. And while a pressure washer might be a marvelous tool to have, an above-average or top-of-the-line model can, for some, be a sizable investment that will never yield dividends. Worse yet, with storage space at a a premium, the device will only serve to make an already crowded workshop, garage or storage shed that much less accessible. Some folks are intimated by the size and complexity of some tools, and would rather have the work that requires such a tool performed by a pro.

Tool rental can be just the answer for folks who don't have the budget, space or frequent needs associated with tool ownership. It can also be a more affordable means of overcoming "tool intimidation."

A trip to your local tool rental store will reveal an army of hand tools and power equipment that usually can satisfy virtually any short-term tool or equipment need. Short term is the key here. Most tools can be rented by the hour, half-day, day, week or longer. By the same token, if you find yourself renting a particular tool often, it might make better sense to buy it.

If you have never rented a tool or consider yourself a novice, there are some steps that you can take that can make your rental experience a pleasant one.

1. Plan ahead. Time is money in the tool rental business. Be ready to use the tool when you get it home. Many a rental tool sits idle while other tasks are being performed in preparation for its use.

2. Many people tend to "undertool" (choose a tool that isn't powerful enough to perform a given task). By doing this they are shooting themselves in the foot. An inadequate tool will take longer, which puts stress on both your back and your wallet, and often will result in damage to the tool. When in doubt, get more horsepower than you need.

3. Before leaving the rental store, have someone qualified explain how to safely and effectively operate the tool or equipment.

4. If you will be renting a gas-powered tool or piece of equipment, make certain that the gas tank is full and there is adequate motor oil. Inquire as to the type of fuel required and whether the fuel must be mixed with oil and, if so, at what ratio. Moreover, if you don't own a gas can, most rental yards will include one at no charge or for a modest fee. Some yards are equipped with fuel pumps and will sell you extra fuel in advance.

5. Safety first. Always have the necessary safety equipment when operating a tool. Gloves, safety goggles and earplugs are standard.

6. Don't forget accessories. A floor sander isn't much good without sandpaper. Most tool rental yards will sell accessories that are used with their equipment such as sandpaper, saw blades and cleaning products (with a carpet cleaner). Always get more than you need and return the excess for credit. This can save big time on running around and eating up precious rental time. When renting a saw always get plenty of blades. A dull blade isn't safe and makes the work twice as hard.

7. Buy the "Damage Waiver Fee" (DWF) - it's good insurance. The DWF can protect you from costly repair bills should the equipment become damaged or require replacement.

8. Avoid extra charges by returning the equipment and accessories in a neat and clean condition.

9. If you don't have a truck or other means of getting larger equipment home and back, some companies will include free delivery within a certain range. Be sure to check if delivery is available and what the cost is before borrowing a friend's truck. Paying the delivery fee might be less hassle.

Remember to be safe, have fun and be careful not to plow down your neighbor's hedge with that riding mower you rented.