Re. DIY, are there sets of tools for women available?

Question

Any link/info welcome,

Sonia

My partner's tools are very heavy, and also he store them somewhere I don't know - very tricky when I need them! Since I'll be the one DIYing in future, I'd rather he doesn't nick my tools too! :-)

And it's not like I prefer the tools in Pink, but a more practical approach to a design that is more likely to be "mine" rather than "his"!

Update 3: I've found very good tools at Tomboy tools (they used to deliver in the U.K., which they don't anymore), which allow my smaller hands to use professional tools. The weight of wenches and suches are very good and I recommend their range. Now, they've put everything in pink, which I object to, and they no longer mail outside of the U.S., more's the pity.

Answer 1

Many of the tool manufacturers have realized that more and more women are getting in on doing DIY projects. (You will also find more of them in the woodworking industry) Therefore they are making tools that fit smaller hands. That is really the one option you want to look at.

Go in to the store, and 'try the tools for fit' in your hands. With some tools, (like screw guns) there are several different models available. Get a smaller unit, that weighs less. For example, I use a DeWalt screwgun, but for my wife, I got a Black and Decker 12v... slightly smaller gun, smaller battery, doesnt weigh nearly as much, and keeps up just fine on the typical DIY projects for her. For a circular saw, I bought a light 6 1/4"blade model.... Tape measure, a 16 ft, instead of the 25 ft I normally carry, and so forth. She and my daughters have their own complete tool boxes now, all set with tools to fit their hands.

Look for reviews in cub magazines, or trade magazines, they will often compare handle size along with other features now. ( I recently saw a guide on paint sprayers, for example, and they noted which ones fit a smaller hand more easily.)

You don't have to buy tools with floral prints, or pastel shades. I would go so far as to say avoid buying one all inclusive tool kit, and instead, compare each type of tool for fit and function. When buying, get good tools. (Kobalt, from Lowes carries a lifetime warranty, for example). Don't buy a cheap 1$ tape measure from china that you are going to end up replacing the first time you drop it. Buy a good one.

I like to shop Lowes, and the hardware stores for Stanley products. Sears Craftsman used to be a good source of tools, but theyve taken to importing a lot of their tools now, and the quality just isnt what it used to be. Not all their tools carry the lifetime warranty anymore.

For powertools - occasional use, Black and Decker will work, for more often use, upgrade... (Black and Decker, and DeWalt are the same company), Ryobi, Makita, Milwaukee, all are good brands.

Have Fun

Answer 2

Most DIY power tools are light enough for any woman to use easily.

Hammers; buy a 12oz or 8oz one. It'll only get used to tap in dowels on flat-pack furniture anyway...

Screwdrivers: Buy ones with a really comfy grip.
Wickes do an excellent set with rubber handles (for electricians), and a general set too.

Answer 3

I bought a hammer and needle-nosed pliers at Meijer that were floral print. I think they had a screwdrivers and an adjustible wrench too (though I didn't need those). They sell them indiviually and not in a set. Think they ran like $3 a tool. I know- rip off for china made tools.

I bought them because my husband kept taking my tools! (he couldn't find his- because he didn't put them away properly; but of course blamed the kids for getting into his stuff!)

I think Menards carries 'sets' of floral print tools, but they were in a bubble pack; you'll need to buy a tool box too. I just had an idea, how about keeping them in a sewing box (not in your current one) or a knitting bag: your hubby will never think to look in there for tools!!! (I think that's what I'll do! He's taken my phillips screwdriver this last rummaging!)

Answer 4

Of course there is, ask at your hardware / DIY store for a tool kit for delicate hands. However, as these kits are designed for women and come in similar boxes (identical), they are more expensive. A man's tool kit costs as little as £30 ($60) for a fairly good one but the kit for delicate hands costs around £50 ($100). Finally, as a word of caution, don't buy the kit from the guy wearing glasses as he'll see you coming LOL

Answer 5

diy sets tools women

Answer 6

Check your local builder supply. There are many different grips that can make a tool more comfortable. Don't short yourself with smaller tools that won't do the job, however. On something like a hammer, you need weight, but the handle can make it easier to grip.

Answer 7

Lots of good answers here, both por and con. I'll add my two cents NOT at all sexist.

Obviously there are PINK sets sold; and likely more as a novelty/ attention getting device than what usefulness the color might create.

I happened to notice one answer stating something like "Lighter Weight" tools. That might apply to a hammer; but screw drivers etc. aren't so heavy to handle. One major FACT about a Lighter weight tool; such as a hammer involves the laws of physics. Depending on WHAT you might want to DRIVE with a hammer; a 13 OZ. versus a 22 OZ. hammer would take more Personal; Physical effort to perform the same task.

Show me a woman who doesn't care about color of a tool; or right or left handed jokes; and I'll show you a woman I'd partner with on any job I ever work at.

Steven Wolf

The day "Tools" become gender specific, is the day I'll hang mine up and go back to my passions.

Answer 8

I know the perfect solution if you are just starting with woodworking and also if you have already experience with it. I reccomend to give a look to this website ( woodworkingplans.kyma.info ) You can find a lot of woodworking plans and you will be able to manage the projects with a CAD/DWG software. It allows you to modify the projects and to alter the arragements. If you are a beginner this is the easiest way to start, it's the best approach to woodworking; and if you already have experience you will find a lot of ideas and inspirations to improve your abilities with woodwork. I'm sure that you will love it!

Answer 9

lol why dont you put your knife and your high heel shoe down first of all.

there are no such things as tools for women, although you can get a pink set as my missus has got one lol. think was from a catalogue like littlewoods or something.

I have seen how ever in a novelty shop, a boxes set of 1 high heel shoe and a knife. lol

Answer 10

I got a great set for mothers day,they come with there own pink leather tool belt and has just about every tool you need for the odd jobs around the house,my hubby got a friend to order them in.And I love them(all got pink handles)