Know who has every tool.
Get them back on time.
Last updated June 2026 · Competitor pricing verified against each vendor's live page
Tool crib software that replaces the sign-out sheet. Scan to check out, scan to return. Get overdue alerts, full audit trail, and real-time visibility across every crib and job site. Check-in/check-out from $49/mo (Pro).
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime · No per-user fees
What is a tool crib?
A tool crib is a centralized storage area — usually in a shop, warehouse, or maintenance facility — where tools, equipment, and supplies are stored, organized, and issued to workers. Think of it as an internal lending library for tools. A worker needs a torque wrench, they come to the crib, sign it out, use it, and bring it back.
The problem: paper sign-out sheets get lost. Spreadsheets go stale. Tools walk off. Nobody knows who has the good multimeter or when the calibration on the torque wrench expires. Tool crib software fixes this by digitizing the entire check-out/check-in workflow and giving managers real-time visibility into every tool in circulation.
Everything a tool crib needs
Replace the clipboard, the spreadsheet, and the "hey, who has the drill?" text chain.
Check-Out / Check-In
Assign tools to a person, truck, or job site with one scan. When they come back, scan again. The system logs who had it, when, and for how long.
Barcode & QR Scanning
Label every tool with a barcode or QR tag. Scan with any phone camera to check out, check in, or look up history. No dedicated hardware needed.
Overdue Alerts
Set expected return dates, get a daily email alert when tools go overdue, and see them flagged at a glance. Stop losing track of who has what and for how long.
Multi-Location Tracking
Track tools across the main crib, satellite cribs, trucks, and job sites. Nested locations let you drill from building to shelf to bin.
Full Audit Trail
Every check-out, return, transfer, and adjustment is logged with who, when, and why. Know exactly where a tool has been and who touched it last.
Categories & Notes
Organize tools by category, supplier, or location. Attach photos and notes to every record so anyone on the team can find what they need fast.
Built for teams that issue tools
Whether you have 50 tools or 5,000 — if things go out and need to come back, this is for you.
Manufacturing
Machining tools, fixtures, gauges, and dies. Issue tools by shift or work order with a full check-out history.
Construction
Power tools, ladders, generators, safety gear. Know which job site has what and who signed it out.
Maintenance & Facilities
HVAC tools, electrical testers, plumbing kits. Track across buildings and ensure nothing walks off the property.
Aerospace & Defense
FOD-controlled tools, torque wrenches, and shop-floor instruments. Full check-out and audit trail for compliance and inspections.
Electrical & Utilities
Meters, wire strippers, conduit benders, PPE. Issue by crew and reconcile at end of shift.
Schools & Universities
Lab equipment, shop tools, AV gear. Check out to students or staff and track returns automatically.
Most tool crib software charges per user
Dedicated tool-tracking apps like ShareMyToolbox, Cheqroom, and GoCodes price per seat. Add 10 workers and your bill doubles. InventoryQuick Business is a flat $149/mo — covers 15 users with no per-seat add-ons.
Typical per-user tool tracker
$15/user/mo
10 users = $150/mo
25 users = $375/mo
InventoryQuick
$149/mo flat
15 users on Business
No per-seat fees
Frequently asked questions
What is a tool crib?
A tool crib is a centralized storage area where tools, equipment, and supplies are kept, organized, and issued to workers as needed. It works like an internal lending library for tools. A tool crib attendant (or software system) tracks what goes out, who has it, and when it comes back.
What is tool crib software?
Tool crib software replaces the paper sign-out sheet and spreadsheet with a digital system. Workers scan a barcode or QR code to check out a tool, and the system automatically logs who has it, when it was taken, and when it is due back. Managers get a real-time view of every tool in circulation.
How is this different from asset tracking software?
Asset tracking software tracks the location and status of fixed assets (equipment, vehicles, IT hardware). Tool crib software is specifically designed for items that go in and out frequently — hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, safety gear. The key difference is the check-out/check-in workflow, overdue alerts, and per-worker accountability.
Do I need special hardware?
No. InventoryQuick works with any smartphone camera for barcode and QR scanning. You can print labels from a standard label printer or order pre-printed tags. No dedicated scanners, RFID readers, or kiosks required.
How much does tool crib software cost?
InventoryQuick's check-in/check-out workflow — the heart of tool crib management — is on the Pro plan: $49/mo flat for 3 users, with no per-user fees, no contracts, and no setup costs. Business is $149/mo (15 users) and Enterprise $349/mo (unlimited users). Most dedicated tool crib systems charge per-user or require annual contracts starting at $200+/mo.
Can I track consumables alongside tools?
Yes. Unlike dedicated tool-tracking apps that only handle fixed assets, InventoryQuick manages both tools (check-out/check-in) and consumable supplies (stock levels, reorder points, purchase orders) in one system. One app for everything in the crib.
Ready to modernize
your tool crib?
InventoryQuick replaces the sign-out sheet with real-time tool tracking. 7-day free trial, setup in 5 minutes.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime · Plans from $19/mo