Empowering Women Through Tool Mastery: My Journey Begins
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Joining the Women Who Use Tools Club
I recently became a member of a new community—the Women Who Use Tools Club.
This journey began in my early 60s, and I owe my membership to my son, Chris, who generously covered the fees. While I initially joined for practical reasons, I soon found it to be an empowering experience.
Now, don’t expect to see me wielding power saws or mastering advanced carpentry just yet; my focus has been on tackling some minor home repairs. However, as I prepare for a move to Arizona, I might find myself in a fixer-upper situation with my son. If he’s busy with work and I’m left to my own devices, who knows what I’ll learn?
With resources like YouTube at my fingertips, I feel confident that I can tackle any challenge that comes my way!
The Fence Repair Challenge
My DIY journey kicked off with a fence that was in dire need of attention. It was practically collapsing, with numerous pickets missing, making it clear that a complete replacement was necessary.
During the early days of the pandemic, my partner was juggling work and chemotherapy, leaving me to handle things around the house. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the funds for professional repairs.
While mowing one day, I surveyed the fence and thought, “I can handle this! I can fix these pickets!” But first, I realized I needed a drill. Although I had access to a large toolbox filled with handheld tools, I was determined not to swing a hammer or struggle with a screwdriver.
My son, who transitioned from working as an electrician to managing a bike shop, had several power drills at his disposal. I only needed one small drill, so I reached out to him for help.
To my surprise, rather than sending me one of his older models, he shipped me a brand-new power drill, still in its box!
Now, this drill was officially mine!
Power Tools: A New Chapter
With my new tool in hand, I quickly headed to Home Depot to learn about the types of screws I needed and the various wood pickets available. The experience of learning and successfully replacing those missing pickets was incredibly empowering.
This small step in home repairs significantly boosted my self-confidence. That drill became my gateway into the world of tools; I now own three power tools and a set of drill bits tailored to my new favorite gadget.
Woohoo! I’m on a roll!
Note: I wasn’t able to photograph the repaired fence section since a major windstorm last year damaged it, along with termite infestations. However, I did hire a young neighbor for the repairs, and I made sure to supervise by providing him drinks and taking notes on the process.
Next up, I’ll be tackling my own repair project.
Are you a woman who uses tools? If so, check out Vera-Marie Landi’s latest publication and share your story. Here are the guidelines.
Women Who Use Tools — Call for Stories
If you’re passionate about building and using tools, we’d love to hear about your experiences!
The first video showcases the joys of DIY projects, encouraging women to embrace their tool skills.
The second video introduces an exciting new planet-drilling incremental game, perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities.