We learned about Ms. Fix-it, Barbara Kavovit, in Chicago's Venus zine a couple months ago. Her mission is to provide women with home improvement know-how (website includes a how-to project of the week), knowledge of tools and uses, and ways that every woman can become her own handywoman.
Many of us consider ourselves self-reliant, creative, and "handy," but that one problem project never fails to creep up and diminish our confidence. Kavovit, a veteran of the construction industry, is here to change all that.
Kavovit has designed a line of power tools and general tools for women, focusing on comfort, durability, and ease of use. She says:
Working in the construction business taught me that most tools can be challenging for a woman to use. So I designed my own to better fit a woman's size and strength. My tools weigh a little less and the grips are sized to better fit a woman's hand. I've also built in extra features to make them better suited for women, like patented spring-loaded handles on my pliers and built-in thumb rests on my screwdrivers. But just because my tools are lightweight, doesn't mean they're light duty. My screwdrivers and hammers, for example, have induction-heated tips and faces for extra hardness. And all my tools are stylish and guaranteed forever! 
Just a few price points to ponder: A Barbara K. 30-piece tool set is only $39.99, a quick change utility knife will cost you $6.99, and a roadside safety kit is $29.99.
One of my favorite resources! I have ridiculously small, girly hands, and I use her drill and staple gun. My projects are turning out a lot better.
The book she published last year is very helpful--encouraging, clear explanations, and a wide variety of projects.
Does anybody else find this condescending? I mean, why exactly are the conventional tools so hard to use for women? And why is it assumed that unless something is brightly colored, a woman won't find it appealing/ useful? But it looks like I'm in the minority here.
i hear you, bubble. and you are obviously super confident and skilled. but i think the point is that a lot of women out there DO want something that fits their "ridiculously small, girly hands," or for general encouragement to help avoid condescending moments with the dudes.
another thing barbara k. offers: roadside assistance. the membership includes everything in the roadside safety kit plus:
15 miles Guaranteed no cost towing benefit
Free** - Lockout Assistance
Free** - Jumpstarts
Free** - Tire Changes
Free** - Fuel Delivery
Free** - Accident Towing Assistance
i think this is helpful and awesome. who feels comfortable waiting for a tow truck? who has ever had to deal with a pick-up line or worse when trying to get your car serviced or shop at hardware store? most women, i think.
No, condescending is what my male friends used to do when I asked them to put up shelves or curtain hardware for me. With my old drill, I could not hold it level and reach the trigger at the same time. I could give less than a fig what they look like, as long as I can use them by myself.
I'd like to find an attractive tool box. The ones that I know of are all pretty ugly.
I'm with bubble. Rosie the Riveter didn't need any cute, pastel, petite, "womanly" tools.
Who is this woman?
Why Does she have a Line of tools anyway?
victoria-
that's funny...i loved your question. barbara has a background in the construction industry, but i didn't find any more specifics about that on her website.