Tool Privilege & Access

  RED   – Tools that may be used by ONLY BY MEMBERS that have had complete training on a tool. (A trained member is one who has been trained and checked out by the tool’s Area Captain.) Person’s name should be put on the approved list for that tool.

Generally speaking, red tools are those that are powered (electric or battery) and

• include an exposed cutting blade (e.g., all powered saws) or an exposed high-speed moving component (e.g., lathes)
• are significantly fragile (e.g., certain 3D printers)
• are extremely expensive (e.g., the laser cutter/engraver)

  YELLOW   – Tools that may be used ONLY after a MEMBER or GUEST has been checked out on a tool by the tool’s Area Captain (or an instructor-level member). Once approved, that person’s name must be put on the approved list for that tool.

Generally speaking, yellow tools are those that are powered (electric or battery) and

• do NOT include an exposed cutting blade or high-speed moving component
• are only moderately fragile (e.g., certain 3D printers)
• are relatively inexpensive (e.g., battery-operated drills)

  GREEN   – Tools that may be used by any MEMBER or GUEST without requiring prior check-out or training. Note that these tools are typically not marked with any color coding.

Generally speaking, green tools are those that are non-powered (electric or battery) and

• do NOT include an exposed cutting blade or high-speed moving component
• are NOT significantly fragile
• are NOT extremely expensive
• are the types of hand tools one might find in a typical “junk drawer” in the family home (e.g. screwdrivers, wrenches, etc0

★ Please refer to the specific tool’s page accessible from the Tools and Equipment page. If in doubt, ask!