Say what? Five things every girl needs in her toolbox? No ladies, I’m not here to talk about manicure or makeup kits, though I love those kind of toolboxes too. We’re talking about the real deal here. Every girl needs her own REAL toolbox.
As much as a love playing the role of domesticated diva, I’ve got to say, it’s quite satisfying being a girl that can accomplish almost anything around the house. Okay, anything that doesn’t require extreme power tools or heavy machinery (though I can’t say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind…..). In all seriousness, having the ability to accomplish little handy- manwoman projects on my own is quite rewarding and saves me the time I’d usually spend nagging and making honey-do lists. Go ahead, make those women’s rights activists proud. Be independent!
Okay, I’ll get to the point now. Here are five tools (plus one bonus!) that are necessary for all the girls who are ready to ditch their husband for the day and tackle projects alone! One side note: I’m not claiming to have any extensive knowledge on tools…I just know which ones I use regularly. Do yourselves a favor and talk to someone who knows much more than I do, before you purchase anything.
- Hammer
No one needs their husband to hang pictures or artwork for them. This is definitely a “girl friendly” task. If you’re going to tackle this task, a hammer is (obviously!) a must. This Old House suggests purchasing a 16 ounce claw hammer with a smooth head type and a rubber grip. - Screw Drivers (both Phillips and standard)
I’m not sure that many jobs can be done without using a screw driver. Installing light fixtures (yes, I’m proud to say that I’ve done this!), removing switch plates or outlet covers, or tightening an assortment of objects around the house all require screwdrivers. Both a Phillips and standard screwdriver are essential parts of any tool kit. - Small Measuring Tape
The key word here is small, as in small enough to carry in your purse. You laugh, but I’m serious. My mom has done this forever, and I never realized how brilliant of an idea it was until I lived in my own house! Whether you’re measuring for a new piece of furniture or you’re estimating square footage for a project, a measuring tape is ALWAYS necessary. By keeping a small one in your purse while you shop, you’re able to measure things on the spot to make sure no one else snags that special item out from under you! - Basic Hardware Set
Basic hardware sets can be purchased inexpensively at any hardware store or even dollar store. These sets contain an assortment of screws, nails, and sometimes even a few push-pins. Keeping a variety of hardware items in your tool kit comes in very handy when hanging pictures, wreaths, or any other kind of decor. - Level
Make it look like a pro did it! Keep a level on hand for hanging things evenly and creating straight lines. For basic tasks such as hanging pictures, a basic small level will work fine. However, I prefer to use a laser level because it works well for many different jobs, such as painting straight lines and hanging large curtain rods. - BONUS ITEM: Quality Paintbrush
One of the most important items…one that I definitely couldn’t leave off of the list…is a decent paintbrush. Why? Because no girl needs a guy to paint for her. Painting everything from walls to furniture to old junky frames is a simple way to give your home a mini-facelift, and it is definitely a task that girls should take head on! A medium-sized, angled paintbrush will work for cutting-in while painting walls, painting trim, and doing many DIY paint projects like the kind you see on Pinterest. Don’t be afraid to invest in a quality brush. If cared for properly, a good paint brush will last a long time!
Ladies, you can do this, I promise! Just pull up those big girl pants and get handy! 😉
Ps, you seriously can go completely diva and buy a sweet pink toolbox like the one in the picture. Check them out here!
Diary of a Domesticated Diva 