August 8, 2002

Charm and Hammer

Tools Made for Women

There’s a certain kind of girl and lots of different names you can call her.

“Handy” ain’t one of ’em.

Something’s broken around her house? It’s likely to stay that way. (At least until she can lure some hapless man over to fix it.) Tools? Her? Yeah, maybe for cuticles. (Or — tee hee — some other exciting purpose.)

Tomboy Tools doesn’t blame her for such ignorance. Really, the home-improvement industry can be so male-centric, marketing tools to ladies by reissuing regular merchandise in pink. Like that helps. So Tomboy started a line of tools and a Website for women eager to cultivate an independent, DIY lifestyle. The collection is totally unwimpy, sturdy, and top quality — products that are proportioned for smaller (and, of course, perfectly manicured) hands. Hardware comes individually or in sets like the new Super Stepper. For that “Look, Ma! I’m fixing stuff!” look, dig the Tomboy tool belt. (A killer housewarming gift!) The site offers advice, information, and support. So the next time she’s got a leaky faucet or busted garage door she can take matters into her own hands.

No worries, though — she can still find some other reason to lure hapless men over.

Available online at tomboytools.com.