The hand that rocks the cradle…should know how to fix it. But if you don’t, then there’s Tomboy Tools to the rescue. Tomboy Tools is a tool and home-improvement company, first started in the U.S., and helmed in Canada since 2004 by Lori Mitchell. In 2002, she read about Tomboy Tools Inc. in her Winnipeg newspaper, and was so inspired she flew down to Tomboy’s Denver head office and came back with the rights to start Tomboy Tools Canada. Since then, she’s crusaded to empower women, one power tool at a time.

Mitchell says their private-label tools aren’t just pretty accessories meant only for display. They’re all Canadian Standards Association–approved tools that were specifically designed by women, for women. Tomboy provides a wide range of tools, from multibit ratchet screwdrivers ($16.95) to circular saws ($119.95), and garden tools (starting at $10.95) to mini air compressors ($229.95).

“These tools aren’t girlie, they’re smarter,” Mitchell enthuses. “I got an e-mail once from a woman who, until she discovered Tomboy, was using a can of peas as a hammer! Regular DIY tools just aren’t designed for women—you may as well use a can of vegetables.”

Some tools are slightly smaller to accommodate a woman’s smaller frame, others are more ergonomic, while others have a different centre of balance. The hammer (16 oz, $19.95), for example, has a magnetic nail groove at the head, which picks up and holds nails, so they can be hammered with one hand.

“Once someone takes a swing with our hammer, they’re sold,” Mitchell proudly declares. “And the tape measure—who wants to count hash marks and convert them into fractions? Our tape measure [25 feet, $16.95] already has the fractions clearly printed.”

Mitchell insists that everybody should know how to maintain their home. “More and more women are buying homes on their own now, so we should know how to keep it running properly,” she advises. “It’s your biggest investment, so learn how to maintain it.” She believes every female should know the top three home renovation projects: basic maintenance of water and heating systems, basic repairs of said systems (no drippy faucets in her home), and furniture assembly.

Mitchell upholds education and open communication as the cornerstones to the success of Tomboy Tools. Sales are done primarily through Tomboy parties, which are hosted by consultants in private homes. Much like Tupperware parties, they provide women with a social and supportive environment to test out tools and techniques.

“It’s important to understand that home renovations aren’t just about skills, but also confidence. Everybody’s skilled enough to be a tomboy,” Mitchell says. At Tomboy parties, women are encouraged to pick up the tools and check their DIY prowess, and the events often include demonstrations of common home-repair projects such as tiling, dry-walling, and basic plumbing.

In 2006, in support of a breast cancer campaign, Tomboy Tools produced a limited-edition pink hammer. It was such a success that the company is adding more tools to the pink collection. Tomboy says women are thrilled not because pink is pretty but because it keeps the men away. Men kept “borrowing” the original blue tools. Pink, however, serves as a natural deterrent.

There are approximately 1,500 Tomboy consultants in the U.S., and about 200 in Canada. There aren’t any in Vancouver yet, but Mitchell’s appearance at February’s BC Home + Garden Show was a huge success. As Mitchell likes to remind everyone: “If opportunity doesn’t knock-build a door.”

Tomboy Tools is at www.tomboytools.ca