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Hot or Not? Floral Tools

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Comments (16)

Although I find some of the patterns appealing, it bothers me that these are clearly targeted toward women - as if we can't/won't use tools unless they're "pretty".

posted by arza on 2008-02-15 11:03:27
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I totally agree with arza. I love tools (especially power tools!) just the way they are. Women don't need flowers to get the job done.

posted by nazrd on 2008-02-15 11:11:11
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YUCK. To me, the colors and florals are absolutely grandma-ish.

I think tools are more cool when colors are minimal. The orange tone is just fine to me.

posted by MintC on 2008-02-15 11:14:59
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Slightly HOT, only because I have had an ongoing battle with keeping a 10-in-1 screwdriver in the house (2 or 3 have "disappared" over the years into my husband's tools, lost in the garage, etc.). I bought one with purple flowers on it and that one has managed to stay in the kitchen drawer for years, always right where i left it.

posted by robyn on 2008-02-15 11:19:43
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Secure women don't worry about what the designers might have been thinking, nor do they assume that it means women only use tools that are pretty.

I own more power and automotive tools than the average guy in the neighborhood. I wouldn't mind having prints on my tools as long as they still function as well and are the same quality. Why not spice things up a little?

posted by LBhirise on 2008-02-15 11:44:36
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They make me smile! And if I can smile while fixing the toilet or some other mundane house-task, then why not? Function first, color second though! I like being "pretty" handy and self-sufficient!

posted by peardown on 2008-02-15 12:27:45
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I only like that the flowers aid in being able to keep them where they are intended for and not wandering to the garage or DH's tool box. I have a set (a house warming gift) and they have managed to stay in the kitchen drawer for 3 years now! But I guess and annoying pattern (stripes) would accomplish the same thing... :)

posted by ssford99 on 2008-02-15 13:00:24
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I had the floral screwdriver when I lived in a house with guys, and no one ever swiped it (unlike every other tool I owned and my fabric scissors). Plus it had the reversible phillips/regular bit, so it worked for 90% of things I needed a screwdriver for. I think I paid two bucks for it. I should get another one, now that I think about it.

posted by LaughingSara on 2008-02-15 13:00:25
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Fascinating that it seems the floral patterns do not attract women to use the tools so much as they deter men from swiping the tools from women!

posted by KarenH on 2008-02-15 13:37:57
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Gawd, what is that? Like 80's housedress print?
And if you really need pliers, you're gonna want padded handles. I don't think real hardware stores even carry them without a comfort grip.

posted by southof290 on 2008-02-15 13:41:47
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I was at a hardware with my son who fell in love with the screwdriver package with flowers. Being exhausted, I caved and bought it for him. Now, I actually go into his room for it whenever I need a screwdriver, because it's so handy. All the different sizes are right there, no need to search for the different screwdriver at the bottom of the box. I think it's the perfect tool for a busy working mom who doesn't really need the whole shebang of tools, just what works. So the flowers are in.

posted by SFGail on 2008-02-15 13:44:12
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wow. those are hideous.

if they wanted to "soften" up the tools, they coulda gone with some more subtle, contemporary patterns. these look like recycled air freshener bottles.

posted by plann.b on 2008-02-15 14:40:10
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These look like they should go with the "math is hard" Barbie.

posted by DearAbby on 2008-02-15 17:18:35
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At first I thought "oh, cool!" But then after a closer look, it seemed to me they didnt look very "sturdy". If I had a "job" to do, I'd rather invest my money in something durable and more functional, with rubber-grip handles rather than something that just looks pretty.

I once almost bought a pink tool set because of the novelty, but saw they were cheaply made and cost as much as the better made tools. I'll keep my Black and Decker tools, thank-you.

... Now, girly overalls would be pretty cool...

posted by lynnelise1 on 2008-02-15 21:13:47
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I don't mind that they're trying to market tools towards women, but I'd like something simple, like a single color, aqua or purple, then add A coordinating color. The pattern is horrible! And don't skimp on the quality!

posted by crash on 2008-02-17 00:50:10
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my mother works in the computer industry on the hardware side of things (installing servers, pulling cables, etc). she inarguably spends her day in a "man's world". she got tired of her tools walking away so started buying these. no one ever steals her screwdriver anymore.

posted by lindsey kathlene on 2008-02-18 17:00:51
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