In Praise of Tools

As I was standing in the aisle of a hardware store searching for a cotter pin (new to my vocabulary as of last week) it occurred to me how much I love tools, and how important it is to use the right tools, regardless of the task at hand.   

 I consider myself pretty handy, having parlayed my childhood interest in how things work into hanging and wiring lighting in my home, and being the go-to person when it comes to putting things together – at my request. My husband is quite handy in his own right, but he always offers me first dibs. I’ve never met a Phillips head screwdriver I didn’t like.

 I love using tools, which is one of the reasons I love making jewelry. I get to work with pretty, shiny things and great tools at the same time. My creative side and my mechanical side are in harmony – my personal yin and yang.

 Using the right tool for the job makes all the difference in the world. During some recent home improvements, the carpenter pulled out his power screwdriver, and put my measly flathead to shame. (I had been trying to help by removing some drawer pulls). I marveled at the interchangeable battery power packs, and wondered if I should get one for my husband (?) for Father’s Day. Using the right tool not only made the task go faster, but do doubt, the connections were stronger and more reliable.

 In every facet of life, having the proper tools are essential. I lost two sisters to cancer in 2010 and realized I didn’t have the tools to deal with such overwhelming loss. The therapist I chose referred to utilizing new tools to help me deal with the emotions inherent in such tragedy. The idea of using tools struck a chord with me. There are parenting tools, relationship tools, self-help tools, all sorts of emotional tools…don’t hesitant to look for the tools you need and use them.

 I find the use of any type of tool empowering. Whether the tools are tangible or intangible is really not important, as long as the tool fits the task at hand…be it the need for a lighter heart, happier children, an improved relationship, or a newly hung chandelier.