Herc Rentals

Big weekend projects in Astoria often call for tools that don’t live in most city apartments. That’s where Herc Rentals comes in—equipment for jobs too big for a toolbox, from power washers to scissor lifts. The neighborhood has plenty of hardware stores, but when you need something that won’t fit in a shopping cart, this is the spot.

You’ll find them at 19-01 Steinway St, just off the Ditmars strip where the sidewalks start to feel a little wider. The block mixes auto shops and light-industrial spaces, so the address is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. A quick turn off 31st Street and you’re there.

Need a concrete mixer for a backyard patio or a boom lift to touch up third-floor trim? They’ve got the gear, and the phone to call ahead is (718) 777-5126. No need to guess availability—just ask what’s on the lot that day. The staff can walk you through what each piece does, which saves time when you’re staring at a wall of yellow metal.

Astoria’s tight streets make parking tricky, so plan to walk or take a quick cab from the N/W stop. For directions, pull up the map here: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c25f7aeefd6669:0xdbb940a3f0855c3c. It’s the kind of place you’ll drive past a dozen times before you actually need it—then you’ll be glad it’s there.