10 Essential Tools
Every Party Rental Business Owner Needs

1. Dolly

Inflatables are heavy! A wide dolly made specifically for inflatables is a must-have for moving them around.

 

Dolly

2. Stakes

You’ll need stakes for every anchor point on your inflatables. Most inflatables come with stakes, but you’ll want to keep extras on hand just in case.

Stakes

3. Mallet/Sledgehammer

For driving the stakes quickly and securely into the ground.

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Sledge Hammer

4. Extension Cords

Use 12-gauge, 50-foot cords. Avoid 100-foot cords—they’re harder to manage and can cause power issues. Bring extras to every setup, just in case.

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Extension Cord

5. Tarps

Lay down tarps to keep your inflatables clean and give kids a dry spot to remove their shoes. It’s a small touch that parents love.

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Tarp

6. Sandbags

For hard surfaces (like concrete) where you can’t use stakes, sandbags keep your inflatables secure.

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Sandbags

7. Straps

Swap the D-ring straps that come with inflatables for buckle straps. They’re easier to use and last longer.

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Straps

8. Cleaning Supplies

Keep your inflatables fresh and safe with non-corrosive cleaners like Odoban or Simple Green. Use microfiber rags for wiping them down. Clean units = happy customers.

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Odoban

9. Shop Vac

For those wet slides, you’ll need a shop vac to remove water from your inflatables. It’s faster and more effective than towels. There are mini shop vacs out there that are super affordable and get the job done. Plus it doubles as a vacuum to remove debris.

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Shop Vac

10. Emergency Kit

Be ready with an emergency kit that includes:

  • Flex Tape (for quick patch jobs)
  • Zip ties
  • Scissors
  • Basic tools (like screwdrivers and pliers)
  • First aid supplies
  • Shopping List

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Emergency Kit

Want to make your life easier?

Head over to the Bounce House School Vault to access a list of tools to buy, plus some exclusive deals from our sponsors just for readers of this book.