News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes 

Linda-Lou Howarth knows from personal experience how important independence and self-reliance is for women. She also knows that the right tool can make all the difference in the world, and finds it very rewarding to pass that on to other women through her home consultant business, ‘Tomboy Tools.’ 

She sells and distributes a whole line of tools that are made by women, for women. The wide range of tool kits and tool boxes don’t just look good: they are high quality and designed to make every job easier and more efficient. “My husband and I both use these tools---they work for everyone,” she said. 

The ergonomic, made-to-last tools include a standard tool kit where the tool box itself is a strong, light-weight step stool. Inside are things like a quality utility knife, a hammer with a magnetic head, a hacksaw, an apron, a ratchet screw driver set, a magnetic leveler and a tape measure---all with attractive pink handles. 

“The kits make the best birthday, graduation and Mother’s Day gifts,” Linda-Lou said. “One of the nicest things you can give someone you love is a pink ‘Garden Bucket,’ complete with things like a hand cultivator, a trowel, beautifully designed pruning scissors and knee pads. 

“People like the pink ‘Auto Kit’ for grad presents: it has a tire gauge, jumper cables, a wrench, a flashlight, safety glasses and a lined tarp to kneel on when you change a tire,” she continued. 

Linda-Lou’s own introduction to Tomboy Tools began when she suffered a stroke that left the left side of her body partially paralyzed. “I saw something about these tools while I was lying on the couch watching TV and was immediately interested,” she explained. “I’ve always believed in being reliant and self-sufficient, and these tools helped me get that back.”    

She found that the tools are designed to make one-handed repairs easy. “One of the first things I did with my new Tomboy Tool pink hammer was hang some pictures---the magnetic head held the nail in place and I could do it myself with one hand.” 

Tomboy Tools help people suffering from things like tendonitis and carpal tunnel, according to Linda-Lou. “These tools come with a book that tells women how to fix things and build things: something every woman should have,” she continued. “I wish I’d known about these tools 60 years ago.” 

You can get tools for almost anything, including plumbing and painting. “The painting kit comes with a brush designed to fit your hand and prevent fatigue, and if you use latex paints you can toss them in the dishwasher,” she said. “It comes with a 5-in-1 scraper, a paint tray, an adjustable paint roller and a paint-can lid with a spout for drip-proof pouring.” 

Linda-Lou is passing on the legacy of self-reliance to her pink-loving granddaughter, whom she describes as ‘two-and-three-quarters years old.’ “For each birthday and for Christmas she gets one pink tool and when she gets a little bigger, she’ll be set,” she explained.  

She prides herself on being resilient, resourceful and unstoppable. “The worst thing you can tell me is ‘you can’t do that,’” she said. “I will answer back, ‘yes, I can.’” 

 For more information about Tomboy Tools phone Linda-Lou at 250-392-9393 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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