It’s Almost Mother’s Day: A Tool Kit Just for Mom

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we thought that we might lend a hand by suggesting some gifts that veer from the traditional perfume, vacuum or toaster. Instead, we thought we might offer something practical, yet not insulting — a tool kit for mom.

Not all tool kits are created equal. Moms and dads really differ when it come to tools and tool kits. Dads generally believe that the more you have and the bigger they are, the more capable you are at performing a task. The biggest difference is that when it comes to mom’s tool kit, less is more – in more ways than one. Moms like simplicity. Nothing would please a mom more than having one tool that can be used for multiple tasks. While that may be a bit ambitious, there are definitely certain ‘basics’ that no mom should be without in her tool kit. Simplicity aside — weight, size, balance and comfort are especially important to women.

When it comes to creating a tool kit for mom, we offer the following ‘pearls’ (figuratively) in no particular order.

1. Hammer: It’s the foundation of most tool kits. Most women want one that this not too heavy, but tough enough to get the job done. Hammers are sold by weight in ounces. A 13 to 16 ounce hammer with a comfortable rubber grip will suit most moms just fine. Be sure that the hammer has a smooth face to avoid dings; claws for pulling nails; and consider a magnetized nail groove to pick up and hold nails in place. $15.00.
2. Screwdriver: We recommend an all-in-one multi-bit screwdriver that consists of a single handle and shaft and an assortment of bits that will work with 90 percent of the screws on Earth. As with the hammer, a comfortable padded rubber ergonomic grip will make all the difference when it comes to power and safety. Give mom one with a reversible ratchet driver and she’ll be in home improvement heaven. $12.00.
3. Measuring Tape: We love our 25’ and 30’ retractable measuring tapes. However, they’re too heavy and bulky for mom. A good quality 12’ to 16’ tape measure is lightweight and will fit nicely in mom’s hand. Think comfort and ergonomics! An oval housing and a rubber boot add comfort. $10.00
4. Level: A small torpedo bubble level (about 8 to 10 inches long) has always been a favorite for moms everywhere – especially for those who love to hang pictures and art. Though still popular, the torpedo level is rapidly being replaced by the laser level. This state-of-the-art level projects a straight line (vertical or horizontal) onto any surface for use when hanging pictures, chair rail, wallpaper — you name it! Torpedo level: $8.00; Laser level: $30.00
5. Pliers: There are three styles of pliers that no mom’s tool kit should be without. A standard run-of-the-mill plier for general use; a long-nose pliers that are super for bending and cutting wire or for holding small finish nails for hammering; and an adjustable ‘wide mouth’ tongue and groove pliers that are great for small household plumbing repairs. Look for the padded rubber handles for added comfort and a better grip. $10.00
6. Wrench: A small (6”) adjustable wrench (also known as a Crescent wrench) is a must for assembling furniture, tightening loose nuts and changing a bicycle tire. $15.00
7. Putty Knife: A small (2” wide blade) flexible metal putty knife is great for patching holes in walls and for scraping a rough surface. Plastic and wooden handles are out and oval padded soft grip ergonomically designed handles are the rage. $5.00
8. Utility Knife: A utility knife with a soft rubber grip for opening the boxes that contain the never ending supply of new shoe deliveries. $5.00
9. Mini Hacksaw: An all purpose hacksaw for cutting tubing, pipe, dowels and other small items. Saves the kitchen knives big time! $10.00
10. Tool Box: A kitchen drawer serves as a great home for mom’s tool kit, but lugging that drawer around can be a pain. A soft-sided cloth tool bag is the latest and greatest in tool storage for moms. Size and compartments will dictate price. $20.00

Some other small items that will complete mom’s tool kit include:

Sandpaper: An assortment of coarse, medium, fine and extra fine paper for touching up dings and dents in furniture.

Rubber Jar Opening Pad: For getting a grip on hard-to-grip things, including jar tops.

String: To tie things and make a straight line. A roll of string can turn any mom into MacGyver.

Glue: A small bottle of white glue for to repair the damaged picture frame or kitchen chair; a tube of crazy glue for everything else.

Dark brown shoe polish: It covers all wood flaws.

Nails & Screws: A small assortment of finish nails and screws for hanging this or repairing that.

And last, but certainly not least, a small roll of duct tape. No respectable tool kit would be complete without it — even if mom will never use it!

For more home improvement tips and information search our website at www.onthehouse.com  or call our listener hot line 24/7 at 1-800-737-2474! All you need to do is leave your name, telephone number and your question.

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