Now, being the resident handyman at home, I’ve always made it am point to keep my tools away from women. I was a hobbyist ever since I was in high school and I got a collection of tools even back then. I remember there was a time when my mom used my power drill and forced a wood drill bit on concrete. No need to elaborate but it ended up with one messed up wall and a drill bit snapped in two.

Not that I am looking down at women. I am not saying that women can’t handle simple handyman stuff much less power tools. In fact, I do admire women who know their tools and use them - not always waiting for some chivalric dude to do plumbing for them. Not to mention, a woman who has a guy around for plumbing work has been a plot of too many porno movies.

It’s really great news to know that more and more women are becoming more independent and even doing the so-called “macho” work like home and garage DIYs by themselves. Here’s a clip from Josey Vogel’s article “Tool Time” as she writes about women and tools:

“More and more women are buying homes on their own,” explained Jennifer, whose calm, soothing voice made entry into this stereotypically male domain easy and non-threatening. And, she added, not to criticize men, but lots of women are tired of waiting around for guys to pick up their tools and get things done. So they’re taking things into their own hands.

I can’t wait to meet a woman who could take a guy to school in power tool proficiency.

For women who would want to know more about how they can manage without their husbands (who’d rather watch the game rather than work on the leak at the kitchen sink) and finally pick up and drop the hammer, pun intended, here’s a link to Joni Daniel’s site. Daniel holds Power Tools for Women workshops in an effort to educate women on the joy of tools.

And check out WomenwithPowertools.com’s tag:

“Making changes in the physical world through the application of raw feminine energy.”

My advice to women, try to learn new skills. It’s really nice how home chores are now domains of gender equality. Trade skills, teach your hubby how to bake and he’d teach you how to use that power sander. Nice.