Terms of Service v1
The short version
FriendsWithTools is a free tool-sharing coordination platform for people who already know each other. We don't handle payments, verify tools, or mediate disputes. You're responsible for your own exchanges. Be honest, don't misuse the platform, and treat your neighbors' stuff with respect.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using FriendsWithTools (the “Service”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
2. Eligibility
You must be at least 16 years old to use the Service. By using the Service, you represent that you meet this requirement.
3. Nature of the Service
FriendsWithTools is a private coordination platform that allows users to share information about tools and coordinate exchanges with people they already know.
- The Service does not facilitate payments
- The Service does not verify tools, ownership, condition, or safety
- The Service does not mediate disputes
- All exchanges occur offline and at your own risk
FriendsWithTools is not a party to any agreements or exchanges between users.
4. Permitted Use
Current Free Tier: Personal Use
The Service is currently designed for personal, non-commercial use only. This includes:
- Sharing tools with friends, family, and neighbors
- Coordinating informal exchanges within trusted groups
- Personal projects and home improvement
Commercial Use: Future Offering
We may introduce commercial tier features in the future (e.g., for makerspaces, contractors, or equipment rental businesses). If and when commercial features become available, they will be clearly marked and may require:
- An upgraded subscription plan
- Additional terms and conditions specific to commercial use
- Separate pricing and service level agreements
Prohibited Current Uses
Until commercial features are officially launched, you may not:
- Use the free tier for business or professional purposes
- Advertise or promote paid services through the Service
- Act as a contractor, landlord, or commercial operator using the free tier
- Generate income from others through the free tier
Commercial misuse of the free tier may result in immediate suspension or termination.
5. User Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Service for illegal activities
- Harass, threaten, or abuse others
- Misrepresent tools, ownership, or availability
- Engage in unsafe or deceptive behavior
- Circumvent access controls or restrictions
6. Content and Responsibility
You are solely responsible for the content you post and the interactions you engage in.
FriendsWithTools does not guarantee the accuracy, safety, or reliability of any user-provided content.
7. Intellectual Property and Trademark Usage
Trademark Disclaimer
All brand names, product names, and trademarks displayed on FriendsWithTools, including but not limited to DeWalt®, Milwaukee®, Makita®, Ryobi®, and Bosch®, are the property of their respective owners. These trademark holders are not affiliated with FriendsWithTools, our services, or our website. Reference to any products, services, or other information by brand name, trade name, or trademark does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by FriendsWithTools or by the respective trademark owners. Brand names are used solely for the purpose of identifying tools listed for sharing by our users.
User Representations and Warranties
By listing a tool on FriendsWithTools, you represent and warrant that: (a) you are the lawful owner of, or otherwise authorized to share, the tool listed; (b) the tool is authentic and accurately described, including its brand, model, and condition; (c) your listing content, including any photos you upload, does not infringe, misappropriate, or violate any third party's intellectual property rights; (d) all photos you upload are your own original images and are not stock photos, manufacturer images, or images downloaded from any other source; and (e) all information you provide is accurate, current, and complete.
Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless FriendsWithTools, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from: (i) your use of the Service; (ii) your violation of these Terms; (iii) your violation of any third-party right, including any intellectual property right; or (iv) any claim that your listing content infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party. This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms.
Intellectual Property Takedown Procedure
FriendsWithTools respects intellectual property rights and will respond promptly to valid notices of claimed infringement. If you believe content on the Service infringes your copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights, please submit a written notice to legal@friendswithtools.io. Notices must include: (1) identification of the right claimed to be infringed; (2) identification of the allegedly infringing material with sufficient detail to locate it; (3) your contact information; (4) a statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material is not authorized by the rights owner, its agent, or the law; and (5) a statement under penalty of perjury that the information in the notice is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the rights owner. FriendsWithTools may remove allegedly infringing content and may terminate accounts of repeat infringers.
Platform Role
FriendsWithTools is an online platform enabling users to share tools with one another. FriendsWithTools does not manufacture, own, inspect, or endorse any tools listed on the Service. FriendsWithTools is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any tool manufacturer. All tools are listed by individual users, and FriendsWithTools makes no representations about the condition, safety, or fitness for purpose of any listed tool.
8. Enforcement and Termination
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to:
- Issue warnings
- Suspend access
- Permanently terminate accounts
- Remove content
We are not required to investigate disputes or provide explanations for enforcement actions.
9. Disclaimers
The Service is provided “as is” and “as available.”
We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of safety, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, FriendsWithTools shall not be liable for:
- Injury, loss, or damage arising from tool use
- Theft, damage, or disputes between users
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
Your use of the Service is at your own risk.
FriendsWithTools shall not be liable for any damages arising from third-party intellectual property claims related to user-generated content or tool listings.
11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
Arbitration Agreement
ANY DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE SHALL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY JAMS OR AAA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR RULES. NEITHER YOU NOR FRIENDSWITHTOOLS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO LITIGATE IN COURT OR HAVE A JURY TRIAL.
Class Action Waiver
YOU AND FRIENDSWITHTOOLS AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.
12. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
13. Contact
Questions about these Terms may be directed to:
14. Affiliate Links and Third-Party Purchases
Our tool comparison and review pages contain affiliate links to third-party retailers including Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe's. When you click these links and make a purchase:
- We earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This is disclosed on every page containing affiliate links.
- We are not the seller. Your purchase contract is between you and the retailer. We do not handle payments, shipping, returns, or warranties for products purchased through affiliate links.
- Prices may change. Prices shown on our pages are verified periodically but may differ from current retailer pricing at the time of your purchase. We are not liable for price discrepancies.
- Product information. Specifications and ratings on our pages are sourced from manufacturers and aggregated user reviews. We do not test products ourselves. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current or error-free. See our Corrections Policy for how we handle errors.
- No endorsement. Inclusion of a product on our site does not constitute an endorsement. Our comparison criteria are based on publicly available specifications and aggregated reviews, not personal testing or recommendation.