Whether people like to admit it or not, there is a stereotype when it comes to women and tools. Just look at the ads in today’s newspaper. On page after page of “Holiday Gift Items For Him” tools, tools, tools galore. And, unless you consider a curling iron a power tool, I don’t see a single screwdriver, hammer, or wrench featured on the pages dedicated to “Holiday Gift Ideas For Her.” Perhaps, it could be that many women would send their significant others packing if they unwrapped a voltage tester on Christmas morning. Or perhaps, it’s because stores have gotten negative feedback in the past—-ladies simply don’t want stores listing tools as a gift option because they don’t want the men in their lives to think that a socket wrench is an acceptable present to give.
In any event, I happen to think tools are an important part of every household. Think about it: say you are married to a pilot (ahem) or your spouse has another job that keeps him away from home a lot, or if you just graduated from college, or are a single mother—when something breaks—it becomes your problem. You have to fix it, and believe me, having the right tools can be a tremendous help.
With that said, I have compiled a list of tools that I keep on hand in my pink toolbox (just kidding, it’s yellow). I am going to assume that your home is already equipped with a basic hammer and wrench and screwdriver set. The following tools are additions that will allow you to complete basic plumbing and wiring projects, as well as most carpentry projects.
1. Pipe Wrench. Have more than one handy because you often have to twist one piece while holding another in place.
2. Channel Locks. They are pliers that handle a variety of gripping and turning tasks, including taking apart pipes on those occasions when your toddler “accidentally” tosses your wedding band down the drain.
3. Voltage Tester. Good to have when working on electrical circuit repairs. It’s a little tool that can tell you whether wires are “hot” or not. It’s great to have if you are installing a dimmer switch in your dining room.
4. A Sawzall (I live in Wisconsin, it’s made in Milwaukee). It’s a handheld power saw that’s great because it cuts through nails like a hot knife through butter. It tackles a variety of other tasks as well. And, the blade is reversible, which allows you to cut upside down in tight spaces.
5. A Dremel. A Dremel is a dream tool. It is small, lightweight and can tackle just about any household task. Dremel’s can drill, grind, sharpen, cut, clean, polish, sand, route, carve, and engrave. There’s even a Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit, which allows you to carve off layers of pumpkin flesh to let the light glow through. They can even be used on pets.
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