5 household tools you should borrow instead of buy

The Home & Auto section of our Library of Things collection includes several tools that sound kinda boring but can be super helpful for making your home healthier and more efficient.

Rather than buying them to use only once or twice, you can borrow them for free with your library card!

1. Electricity Meter

This electricity meter measures how much energy your household appliances and electronics use. Assess the efficiency of items in your home and calculate your electrical expenses to help save on energy costs.

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2. Air Quality Detector

This device detects formaldehyde (HCHO), volatile organic compounds (TVOC), temperature, and humidity, calculating the air pollution level from the detection results of these pollutants.

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3. Water Quality Tester

This device checks the purity of your household and drinking water. Can be used to check drinking water, water filter checks, and aquariums.

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4.  Battery Tester

Battery tester for many battery types, including standard and rechargeable household batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, 1. 5V, 9V and button type.

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5. Electrical Test Kit

This automatically detects standard voltage in cables, cords, circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, switches, outlets, and wires. Can detect most common wiring problems in standard receptacles.

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Browse our full Library of Things collection for more fun and useful gadgets, tools, games, and equipment you can check out with your library card.

Edmund Balzer is an Adult Services Librarian at Morton Grove Public Library.