Tools For Women - Helpful News Reviews and How-To Tips

Womens Tool Kits - The Rescue from: Slight Assembly Required

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-11-19T10:52:16-08:00

The holiday season is gonna be here sooner than we think and with it comes a herd of gifts with that include those infamous 3 words on the package that no one wants to see: "Some Assembly Required".

And if you think those three words are becoming more and more prevalent, you're right. As overseas manufacturers try to squeeze every penny they can from their costs, they've taken (in a big way) to packaging their products in a knocked down configuration. This saves them the labor to assemble the product, and reduces their packaging and shipping costs as well.

You reap the savings but suffer the price of having to do the work assembling whatever it is you just saved $1.29 on.

Sure some of them guys include a few of the tools you'll need to assemble their product but the quality of those so-called tools leaves a lot to be desired. Remember, they are trying to cut costs so they're not going to spend those labor and shipping savings on assembly tools for you. Those skimpy tools are meant to be thrown away when you're done with them and their shoddy quality reflects that ideology.

The other day I bought some furniture from Ikea. They included a stamped open end wrench and a soft metal allen wrench. I split the open end wrench in two when I tried to tighten a nut, and stripped the allen wrench on a screw. Those tools were junk, so I called upon my trusty set of hand tools to finish the job.

Every household deserves a decent set of tools. They don't have to be fancy but they do need to be durable and function properly. Here's one I think you're going to like...

The following set is a great general purpose Home Tool Set. It includes all the basic hand tools like a Hammer, a couple of Screwdrivers, Pliers, Open End Wrenches, an Adjustable Wrench, a Socket Set, and even includes a set of Allen Wrenches. All in a deluxe carrying case.

This set will come to your rescue and give you the tools you need to slay that "Some Assembly Required" demon. BTW, both Shelly and I want to wish you a great Holiday!

Mini Pro 10 Tool Kit-10% Donated to Breast Cancer Research!

Secret Tool for Busy Moms - Staying Organized

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-09-15T12:13:04-07:00

Busy Moms are gonna love adding this new tool to their organizing toolbox.

It's called the Livescribe Smartpen and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. With this tool, you can stay organized and record the conversation going on around you at the same time.

Are you on or in charge of a committee? Keep track of your notes and share them with other members of the group. No more confusion about what was said and by whom cause you have it all on tape.

Watch the demo video and see if you don't agree how useful this new tool is going to be for you. This is truely one of those ideas that has been a long time coming. Thank your maker it's finally here.

You can learn more by visiting a LiveScribe Demo Site.

Shop today for your very own LiveScribe Smart Pen and LiveScribe Accessories.

Back-to-School College Tools & Tips

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-08-20T14:31:13-07:00

Where did the summer go? Back to school is in full swing and if we don't move fast it will be behind us.

I won't be going into the usual spiel of ways to prepare for your child's needs. Instead I'm going to talk about what to do for them as they head off to college. This is a bit different cause they'll be on their own and it's probably the first time they'll have been away from the safety and comfort of the home you've provided for them all their life so far.

It's a bit scary, huh? I know I was very uncomfortable when Shelly went off to school. We're so used to watching over them that when it comes time to let them loose on their own it set a whole new standard for not being able to sleep at night. I marvel at the courage my parents had to let go. I couldn't even fathom what it was gonna be like until I was in their shoes.

Ok, so how can we help them take this next step? Hopefully we've done a good job of teaching them how to take care of themselves and make good decisions. To give them an added hand, how bout sending them off with a general tool set and some reading material on self protection?

A tool set like the Denali 115 piece, will come in real handy and help them to break the ice with their new dorm mates as well; sort of a safe way for them to meet new people and size them up when they will surely ask to borrow some tool. Send the advise that they not lend those tools out, but instead go help. That way they hold on to the tools and make friends at the same time.

Then make sure they know how to protect themselves with a good book on self protection. We may know a few of the tricks, but not half as many as are in the book Protect Yourself At College. Every student heading off to college needs to learn how to protect themselves, their surroundings, and their possessions.

These are two gifts you can give that will help you sleep better at night and give your daughter or son a good leg up.

Denali 115-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit

Protect Yourself at College: Smart Choices-safe Results

Easy Way to Hang a Picture

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-07-01T16:52:33-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? How about a video?

Ran across these videos and the instructor does a pretty nice job showing you an easy way to hang a picture or any kind of wall hanging for that matter. I do however, have one tip to pass on but first watch the video and then look for my tip a little further down the page.

Part I

Part II

Excellent tip about stringing the wire through the hanger loop two times - I had to learn that trick the hard way.

One tip I’d like to pass on is to NOT use a power driver to fasten the screws. Instead use an awl to make a starter hole and then use a hand-held screwdriver. In this situation, you will have much better control by using a manual screwdriver than you will over a power one.

As you saw in the first video, a power driver can break free of the screw and if you’re applying significant pressure, that slip could go right thru the back of your picture. In this example, the instructor was lucky and didn’t do any damage… And yes, I learned that lesson the hard way too.

Women with Wrenches: Tools for Bicycle Safety

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-06-01T07:03:19-07:00

Have you ever noticed that whenever you get a new car, you tend to notice how many other people are driving the same make and model as the one you just got?

Well, the same thing is happening to me - not about cars, but about stories of women working with tools, etc. All of a sudden I'm finding tons of stories about women finding better ways to get acquainted with tools and learning how to use them.

I don't normally like to write words about some other words, but I found this article about a woman that's put together a workshop for women wanting to learn how to repair their own bicycles. There's more than one reason why i like this story so much. I remember my mom telling us kids that she didn't divide her love among us, she multiplied it. Well this story does the same thing - this woman's efforts multiply the good she's doing.

See if you think the same... Bike Repair 101: For Women

Perfect Pink Tool Set for My Niece's Wedding

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-05-30T11:09:35-07:00

My favorite niece gets married today. Actually, she's my only niece but that doesn't stop her from being my favorite just the same.

I pondered for a long time on what to get her for this joyous occasion. Most people probably think I planned to get her some sort of tool and normally they would have guessed right. But this time I shied away from my usual routine.

Not that tools wouldn't have been a great gift idea, especially if the happy couple happen to be tool junkies. One of the first apartments I lived in was owned by a couple of lesbians. They were tool junkies to the Nth degree. They had every imaginable tool you could think of - and a couple you couldn't think of. For their commitment ceremony, the gift table was STACKED with tools.

However, Angela (my niece) is marrying a great guy (Dan) that's super handy and knows his way around tools forwards, backwards, sideways, and upside down. My meddling in the tool department would have sent the wrong message and I could have hurt some feelings. That isn't anyway to go about gift giving.

So what did I get her (them) for their grand day? Well, I have to keep it a secret from you cause she's a regular reader of this blog and I don't want to spoil it. Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend the festivities today cause I'm on the other side of the continent. I'm not happy about that but that's just the way things worked out. I won't be there in person, but I'll definitely be there in spirit and heart.

I wish you, Angela & Dan, two lifetimes of love and happiness!!

Pink Tools: Great Graduation Gifts for Girls

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-05-16T13:04:18-07:00

June is almost upon us and that means graduation time...

I remember Shelly's graduation. In some ways it seemed like a bazillion years and in others it was just yesterday she popped into this world. (Actually she didn't 'pop' into this world, but that's another story)

I struggled with what to get her for this day of recognition and finally decided to get her a tool chest and upright cabinet. My buddy Rusty laughed at the idea and said "Aren't you trying to make a boy outta her?". NO - not in a million years, I like my little girl being a girl. But I wanted to get her something that represented the accomplishment she had achieved as well as set the stage for the next big steps she'd be taking.

Life teaches us a lot of stuff as we progress through it. We store those memories and lessons in our head and use that knowledge to make those next steps. Each step forward is based on the insight of those that were taken before it. Those lessons are our life tools and we store them in our brain (our mental toolbox). Why not then get her something to store her physical tools in?

When I rolled her gift out of the garage (I had a big bow on it), she smiled with this giant smile (she got that from her mom), and gave me a huge hug. I think she could sense that I was having trouble keeping my emotions in check and she whispered in my ear "I thought you were going to get me a car". I squeaked out "no, that's your husband's job". She burst out laughing and then I did too.

I realized at that moment that she already had a good set of life tools in her head and would no doubt be adding to them as she moved forward. I was proud of her and took comfort in knowing she now had a place to store her physical tools.

Grizzly 5 Drawer Roller Cabinet w/Ball Bearing Slides
Grizzly 6 Drawer Top Chest w/Ball Bearing Slides

A little side note: the other day i was at her house and I needed to borrow a tool. She told me it was in the top drawer of the tool box. I lifted the top to open the drawer lock and noticed that my graduation card was tucked into the top lid. Damn, good thing I had a handkerchief on me...

Women can Repair, not replace it - With the right Pink Tools on Hand

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-05-02T19:35:27-07:00

There's no doubt that this economy has stressed budgets to the breaking point. Nearly everyone I've talked to has a story to tell about something they have needs replacing.

The truth of the matter is that for so long we have become accustomed to replacing something instead of repairing it.

True, many items just aren't manufactured with repair in mind but many things around the house can be fixed with the right tools.

Once you invest in a good quality tool, there's a good chance that tool will last you a lifetime. Tools are an investment, not and expense and will pay for themselves over and over again.

Strategic Plan for Spring Cleanup

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-04-19T12:02:18-07:00

Warmer days and longer stretches of sunshine mean its time to get started with all those spring cleaning projects around the house.

What's on your list? Mine never seems to end. As I scratch one item off, two more get added.

No matter what that list holds, the important thing to remember is that the easiest and safest way to go about tackling any project around the house and yard is to make sure you have the right tool for the job.

Now, I know that we can't go out and buy every single tool we need (at least not all at once), so some planning is in order. Is there a number of projects that need doing that would require the same, or similar tools?

For instance, if you got a good sturdy step ladder you could change that light bulb without having to stand on a rickety chair. You could also change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Get that unsightly spider web out of the corner of the room. Reach that screen that needs repair. Dust the fan blades on the ceiling fan. Put those items above the garage rafters and get them off the floor and out of the way...

See what I'm talking about here? With just one tool, you'd be able to get a whole lot done. I'll bet that with one or two good screwdrivers, a hammer, and a couple of plier sets you could wipe a whole bunch off that list.

My point is this: you don't need to spend a fortune to accomplish a lot. Start small and get those tools that will give you the most bang for the buck. Then as time goes by you can slowly add to your tool box. Tools don't eat, they don't spoil, and they can give you years of service. Putting a few dollars towards some good quality tools is an INVESTMENT that pays off big dividends throughout their lifetime.

Special Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Step Stool

Apollo Precision Tool Set for General Use - 39 Piece, Pink w/Carry Case

Car Problems? Jumpstart your on the road safety with these tools for Women drivers

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-04-27T11:31:57-07:00

Got a call from my daughter the other night and she was stuck at work with a dead battery. I ran over with the jumper cables and in a matter of minutes she was ready to go.

I told her, in typical 'Dad' fashion, "You should get yourself a pair of jumper cables". "No Dad" she said, "It's not safe for a girl to use those". Huh? What? How is using a set of jumper cables unsafe? After she explained it to me I understood.

Using jumper cables requires someone else to be included - you have to get a jump from someone. Unless you know this someone, you're placing yourself in a potentially unsafe situation. OK, so how do we find a solution?

Actually, the answer was pretty easy... A POWERPACK. This is just like having a spare battery along with you. You hook the thing up to the battery and wal-la, you have a jump. This pack includes outlets to power 110volt appliances, a built-in emergency radio, and safety light.

No father likes to think about his little girl being stranded somewhere all alone... But now I feel better knowing the next time she needs a jump, she won't have to get a stranger involved - just one step closer to self independence.

Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio

Gardening Tools You'll Love - Just for Women

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-04-11T11:14:19-07:00

With the weather starting to get nice, Shelly (my daughter) decided that it was time to end the planning and begin the planting of our garden. I'm the type to get the rototiller out and dig up the whole yard. Once that's done I feel virile, want a pizza, and then a nap. Shelly, on the other hand has a lot more sense (and discipline) than I do and just gives me that 'Oh Dad' look, gets her tools out and starts working

A couple years ago she bought this pink tool set. I asked her if the color really made any difference in how well the tools performed. I was being a wise guy and figured I had the upper hand. Again she gave me one of those looks and said "yes, they make the job go easier, I can find them when I put them down cause they contrast with the ground, and mostly cause you won't pick them up and walk off with them".

Hmmm, I guess I can't argue with that reasoning. She's right too about me not using them. A guy has his pride you know and just wouldn't be seen using a pink tool... Actually, it has nothing to do with pride and more to do with security, or the lack thereof.

In any event, when we finished the task, there was a welling up of pride in having accomplished a lot today and the best thing about a garden is the idea that there's more to come and unfold as the days get warmer and the seeds start to germinate and grow towards the sun.

Apollo Precision Tool Set - 18-Piece Garden Set (in pink)

New - Tools For Women is Born

mattsaysso@mac.com — 2009-04-02T12:41:22-07:00

As a father of a young and beautiful daughter, I have always tried to instill a sense of self-reliance. Part of that education has been in the use and care of both hand and power tools.

Early on I realized that most tools were made for men and didn't fit a women's hand - or were too heavy to be used effectively. Fortunately, manufactures saw the problem with this and developed tools meant to address this situation.

This site augments that effort. By taking what I know about tools and coupling that with the needs of a woman, I believe I have put together a pretty good choice of tools any woman would be proud to own and use.

As time goes on, this blog with showcase tools, pass on tips, and talk about how a women can grow to be independent and self-reliant with regards to fixing stuff, putting together a project, and the use of tools.

Mankind, for the most part, is set apart from our mammal counterparts because we use tools. Unfortunately, the term Mankind has come to be dominated by men. This is wrong and I hope to make a point of it here.