Have you noticed how a good handy man is always well equipped? If he’s handy, he’s got the tool for the job, no matter what the job. This is something that I used to take for granted until I entered the dating scene in my 40’s. I’ve since learned that not all men are handy nor are they all vested with what I would consider a well stocked tool kit. Some of them are even lacking certain necessary power tools in their arsenal. Little did I know but this is becoming a real concern. Men are losing their tools at an astonishing rate. Read about this here. How people like this hope to keep a relationship alive, let alone a house in good repair is beyond me!
I’m not exactly the home repair goddess and most of the tools I started my last marriage with (yes, they were mine, dag nabbit!) walked out the door when he did, so I’ve been gradually replacing my tools as I do various jobs around the house. Some of the required tools are obvious, a hammer, screwdriver, you know. And, no matter what anyone says, with tools, just as with sex, size does matter…or…more accurately fit matters.
For example, hammers come in various sizes. 
It is important when I am picking out a hammer that I don’t choose one that is too large or I will not be able to adequately handle the job. I will hurt myself and damage the project. On the other hand, if the hammer is the right size, fits in my hand nicely, isn’t to heavy or too light, I can complete any job quickly, skillfully and with great pleasure and satisfaction in a job well done.
Purchasing tools is not an easy thing if you’re a woman who has absolutely no clue what most of the tools are used for. Just as going to the local pick up bar can be an overwhelming thing for those just venturing onto the dating scene, going into Lowe’s or Home Depot to pick out a tool kit is just as overwhelming for the ignorant or inexperienced. And I was ignorant. 🙂 I found myself thinking all sorts of things like, “Wow! Will I ever need something that large?”, “How many of those does one need?” and “Wow! That sure looks cool but what do you do with it?” (Please, don’t ever take me to the local adult store….I had a tough enough time with the power tools at Lowe’s!)
Cripes! When it comes to cetain tools, I’m still ignorant, but less so than I was two years ago. I’ve decided every woman needs her own set of tools and she needs to know how to use them…and they must be the right size and fit for her. Recently, I made this purchase which I think is genius:
No, self respecting man is going to walk off with any of that stuff! Plus, if you’re working with your good buddy Mr. Sexy HandyMan it is less likely his tool accidentally ends up in the your tool kit or your tools in his, unless, of course, you want it that way. 😉 Even then, after the repair job is over, you can easily pick up your tools and walk away.
The Wild Mind 
You are soooo bad! No, I mean good! No, Good at being bad! Bad at being good? Hell I don’t know.
“It is important when I am picking out a hammer that I don’t choose one that is too large or I will not be able to adequately handle the job. I will hurt myself and damage the project. On the other hand, if the hammer is the right size, fits in my hand nicely, isn’t to heavy or too light, I can complete any job quickly, skillfully and with great pleasure and satisfaction in a job well done” …… hmmm what’s missing here? Something along the lines of – … and if the hammer is too small [insert text here] … Even the three bears had too big, too small and just right.
I’m in awe of your ability to write metaphorically or, alternatively, I’m amazed at my ability to read anything into a perfectly innocuous post! Scrub that … I just visited the link. Right the first time.
TC!
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Chicken!
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Chicken?!!! Are you talking to moi???? And what would be your basis for such a cruel and heartless evaluation…after all…you won’t even have chowder with me. 😉
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I said I was “embarrassed” not chicken!!!!
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Now that I am in the education business, having been a carpenter/boat builder, I still try to maintain my tools. The hand tools need to be used on a regular bases, well oiled, and the points and edges well polished. One should not just put your tools in a box and forget about them. That is a common problem that married couples make with their tools.
The well equipped handy man needs more than just hand tools. Sure they work fine for slow delicate jobs, especially projects that you want to take your time with and do just right . Which, as a craftsmen, is my favorite.
Power tools are much faster, but they make more noise, and require a power source. When using power tools it is always nice to have a helper to hold one end of the project while the more experienced person uses the tool.
Most good handy men and handy women use a combination of hand tools and power tools. Sometimes in fact the combination of hand tools and power tools allows one of the users to come over and over again.
The only way to find the tool that is right for you is to hold it in our hand, try it out for a while and see if it still fits and does the job that you intend it to do. I have found it is best to shop for your tools in a well lit place. Alcohol usually causes most people to choose a tool that had other uses in mind. They can be fun to use, but they don’t seem to be of high quality.
I have found that a combination of girl tool and boy tool works the best.
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Jesse,
This is good, really good. You picked up the, uh, metaphor, and went with it, but you did mention that to find the tool that is right for you, you need to hold it in your hand, try it out for a while and see if it still fits and does the job you intend it to do.
Sadly, those well lit places that you suggest shopping for tools for don’t usually allow a trial period without purchase. Sigh. Then again, there’s the whole problem of packaging and false advertising, something I experienced with a couple of the last tools I brought home. They were nicely packaged and made great claims, but didn’t perform like the advertising said. That is so frustrating and disappointing when that happens.
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Cat,
I think you have started something really interesting here.
All of us that are experienced with tools should put that knowledge to work and share.
How about “The Tool of the Week”. This week I want to start with Screw Driver.
This week, just happens to be the first of April, the month, where I live, when plants push up through the warm fertile ground, begin to grow to their full height, and girth, and blossom. It is a beautiful thing to be a part of after the cold shriveled winter months.
I want to start the”Tool of t he Week” discussion with the simple SCREW DRIVER.
Such a simple, but over looked tool.
First of all they come in two different types. Straight Bit, and Philips Head. The one you chose depends on the shape of the screw you are driving. Straight Bit screws require a Straight Bit Driver. A Philips Head screw requires a Philips Head Driver. Simple? Well there is more to it than this. The “Screw Driver” also comes in different sizes. Some of the are very small, some of them are VERY large, and there are many sizes in between. How do you know which one is the right size and shape for the screw? Well, you just have find one that fits. Sometimes this requires that you have several in your tool box.
I hope this sheds some light on the simple Screw Driver. We still need to discuss the battery operated screw drivers that are so popular these days. A great improvement over the corded “drills” most of us grew up with. That will have to wait for another time.
Next we we will begin our discussion on the screw itself.
Jesse
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Jesse,
I did start something really interesting here I can see! You know what they say about a man and his tool(s)….
Anyway, sounds like you have some fun things lined up for your very own blog! It’s fun, it’s free you should try it out! 🙂 I’m not sure I can commit the time or the emotional energy to a tool of the week write up. After all, the Tool Department hasn’t been my best resource of late, if you’ve been tracking my recent and past posts. It’s a rather disappointing topic since apparently they don’t carry quality tools anywhere in my area!
LOL!
It is really true! Guys LOVE to talk about their tools!!!!!
Thanks for enjoying the blog posts and comments so much!
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What if you can’t figure out what kind of head you need to screw? How can you figure out the right tool? Experimentation, I suppose.
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Ispyu! Hahahahaha!
I guess then you’ll have to stay tuned for Jesse to start up his blog and give you all the details! He said he was going to talk about the screw next week. 😉
Personally, there are so many risk factors involved with experimentation it’s just best to find someone who has the tool(s) and knows how to use it/them. The problem is, people lie about their tools and their abilities with those tools. 😦 Boo hoo! That is so frustrating!!!
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Obviously, you’ve been picking up the wrong damn tools! But then, I think the job for which you are seeking effective tools is a very very big job, and so what you require is a very very big tool. The industrial model. And that, my dear, is where I may be of some assistance.
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Kip,
Yes, of course I’m picking up the wrong damn tools! The job is important, though not what I would consider very, very big if big is in reference to size. However, if, when you say “big” you mean “requiring exceptional power, durability and staying power” then I’d say you were right on. That’s exactly the home improvement project I have in mind.
🙂 But…and I can’t resist….how can I be sure your claims are valid? After all, if I had a dollar for every time a guy told me about his “industrial model” tool only to find out what he referred to as “industrial” amounted to the little tiny thing used to open the battery case on a remote controlled car, I’d be an independently wealthy woman right now.
😀
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Cat,
It has been fun hasn’t it. Thanks for starting all of this. I’m not sure I have the time and energy to continue it myself.
I am having about the same problem here. I have the tool, but the tool boxes just don’t seem to measure up to the advertisement.
Too bad huh.
I guess it is more than just the tool, it is the tool box, the package and the power supply that all work together to get the job done.
I guess the tool and the length of the screw are the biggest factors in the completion of the project.
I would like to continue following your blogs, point me in the right directions and I am in. Over and over and over.
After all the invalid claims, how does one approach the subject without appearing to be a fake?
Well, if you would like to more tools in your tool box, well….
Again, I am enjoying you writing and intelligence.
Jesse
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Jesse,
Thanks for the kind words and the offer of assistance. I imagine that many tool boxes just don’t hold up either. It’s a sad state of home repair these days, I’m telling you.
As for me…I have a box loaded with screws and not a single decent tool around.
What’s a gal to do???
😀
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Aww c’mon. Just between you and I. There’s no need to feel embarassed. What’s it to be, silent and forever considered a “chicken” or a gutsy, all out rebuttal?
By the way “a poor tradesperson always blames their tools!”
TC!
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Oh, yes, I’ve heard that’s true about a tradesman and his tools, but I haven’t heard any of the trademen on here blaming any of their own tools…..they seem to think their own tools are adequate enough….even industrial quality…but…funny how I just can’t seem to find any tools like they describe around here. Just sayin’…. 😉
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“Adequate” really doesn’t cut it. If a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing well and with the appropriate tool. It’s never a good idea to use the same ‘ol tools for every job or to improvise with an inappropriate peice of equipment. One will never be caught short if they ensure that they have the correct tool for the job. For example one should never use a sledgehammer to place a thumbtack. Most jobs, at some stage, require finesse and force, rough and smoothe, speed and patience.
Having the correct tool for the job is a good begining but, particularly if one is inexperienced or has unsuccesfully used the tool in the past, it’s always a good idea to read the instruction manual or seek professional advice. In this technological age it’s relatively easy to get the information you require on the WWW. Alternatively there are several manuals freely available in certain book stores or through mail order.
In certain circumstances improvisation is acceptable. For example when the job is DIY. However, never when there’s another interested party to consider. In this case I find that a little research always comes in handy prior to commencement. By determining the other party’s requirements and discussing a mutually beneficial course of action one can almost be assured of a satisfactory outcome.
I’m not an expert by any means and I’m always open to learning new and varied techniques. Like most people my age I think that I know what I’m good at and tend to rely on these things to get the job done. It’s always a pleasure to meet someone with a different approach that leads to the same outcome. But that’s just me.
TC!
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Enigmatik,
I am sure you are wondering why this comment didn’t post earlier. I am not sure why, but it got hung up in my spam folder. Strange. Maybe because you made the “http://www.” reference. Oh well. I am so sorry this wasn’t discovered by me earlier.
My response to your comments:
Approved: Sledgehammers with thumbtacks are not a good pairing. My first ex always approached home repair that way and then wondered why the thumbtack in his life seemed to run when he approached with the sledge. Yeah. He also refused to read any of the manuals and I eventually got tired of quoting the manual to him. I mean, there are certain things a gal likes in a guy and being a good repairman is one of them. 😀 So, you probably already guessed that I advise all would be repairmen and women to visit Amazon.com regularly. The information is changing so quickly these days!
Hysterically howling at: improvisation and DIY jobs. Sadly, I’m more familiar with that as of late than I’d like to admit…wait…I did just admit that! There are just some jobs that can’t be done alone, sad, but true. 😦
Yes, collaboration is truly the ideal situation. You get more done and have more fun doing it that way!
Thanks!
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Some people just don’t take proper care of their tools, and then wonder why they don’t last over the long haul. You’re not one of those, are you, Cat?
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No, Kip, I’m not one of those. If you will recall in my post I said that most of my tools walked out when my ex left. My dilemma has been that I have been having a difficult time replacing the tools he took. It is overwhelming! When the ex left he took the tools that were in very good condition and which had been well cared for up to the time he left. Though I have to admit, he didn’t take good care of his tool box.
If I had any tools at all, I’d take meticulous and loving care of them…if they didn’t last it wouldn’t be due to lack of care that’s for sure, nor would it be due to negligence or improper use either!
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Cat,
I have been looking forward to “exploring” tool boxes in other areas of the country.
Seems that I can’t find one that fits around here.
I have been putting my tools in the wrong box.
Jesse
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Jesse,
You must be much more selective about those tool boxes! Seriously, at most places you can open them up, take the little compartments out and feel them out for durability and usefulness. They’re even making them much more trendy, flexible and all purpose. A box is a much easier thing to find than the right tool I would think. Just sayin’…
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Maybe even the Pacific Northwest
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Cat,
No way! I have been shopping for a new tool box and they are really hard to find. If you have a nice tool box it think it is much easier to find tools to put in it.
Maybe I’m being too picky! But I am looking for a tool box that will fit my tool and take tender loving care of it. Keep it well oiled and used on a regular basis.
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Good thing there aren’t any pictures! This is sounding more and more like a “my tool is bigger than yours” type of blog!
There seem to be 2 tools and 1 box. The math equals a threesome…or a “Cat” fight…
😉
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*gasps and sputters on Pinot Noir while reading Ispyu’s comment*
Da**! Now my computer’s a mess!
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😀
Sorry I missed that
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You know, miraculous feats of me getting anywhere near a threesome! LOL!
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Especially with people I’ve never met F2F!!!
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So what I am hearing you say is that IF you meet people F2F, there is a remote possibility. It may be small, but…
LOL You know…I could go so deep with this. 😉
I’m also just giving you a hard time.
The pun wasn’t intended, but take it as you will. Actually, there are a couple of puns. Hmmmm….Mr. Smith, here I come!! Oh, this is so not in character with his puns! Do you have any of that wine left? I think I could use some!
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Na, just finished off the last of the Pinot Noir for tonight, which means it is bedtime. (However, I do have a kid free weekend coming up and I just got paid and the hot tub is clean and…and…and…!) What you should be hearing me say is there is no possiblity I will ever entertain the idea of a threesome, and even less if I don’t know the person(s) involved. Go deep, baby! I have the blog marked mature. Make it your outlet!!! LOL!
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Oooo…hmmm…kid free…hot tub…Is that an invite or am I now officially inviting myself? I have a 4:45 hair appt on Sat. I could come by afterwards! Let me know what you think about that!!
Also, I know what I should have been hearing, but it’s so much more fun to twist it.
🙂
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Yes, ispyu, Saturday is fine after the hair thing…lol! and I know you and I know how twisted you really can be!!!! I’ll have the Pinot Noir ready! What would you like to eat…(okay, quit it now!)
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Only in the digital age could we see such miraculous feats!!!!
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Cat, Darling I hope you and ispyu have a fun time in the hot tub! Two tool boxes in the bubbles, no tools, no kids near by…Tool Bashing day?? Seroiusly I think that you may need to branch out into other areas! Maybe you are planning to…..HHHmmmm ;-)!
Alternately, there are other areas to look for the right tool, but one must take the tool seroiusly. Explore it completely, find out from other tool hunters if it is a good quality, high performance, durable tool. (Doesn’t somewhere rent tools?)
Lastly, if one cannot find the right tool where one lives, one should try other locals.
I recomend Pinehurst, NC !!
Have fun !!!!
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Of course what do I know, I just use my tools to repair problems around the house, all day!
😉
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