| Schneider from the ’70s sitcom One Day At a Time deluded himself with the notion he was the irresistible handyman of the lady-can-I-fix-your-pipes clichéd porno plot. A guy with a tool belt has always filled a certain dumb-but-handy-with-his-drill niche in western culture’s sexual fantasy menu.
A woman in a tool belt has also been a classic male sexual fantasy standby, more often in a hey-big-fella-can-I-handle-your-tools-while-I’m-wearing-a-tool-belt-over-something-really-skimpy-and-completely-impractical-in-which-to-fix-anything kind of way. Check out this video of women in skimpy bikinis working their power tools (http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2509265) or, for an even more literal association, how about a power drill dildo (http://www.kenstwistedmind.com/Fucking-Machines/KTM-121.html).
However, times they are a changin’, and while we’re happy to let a man show us how handy he is with his tools, we’re less willing to simply stand by and help. More and more women prefer to handle their own tools. Including me. When I signed up for the Women and Power Tools course offered through Lee Valley Tools, I was immediately stoked. The weeks leading up to the day-long seminar were like foreplay. I’d always fancied myself a pretty capable gal, and I imagined myself learning how to handle those power tools like a pro. Sure enough, by the time I had that power router in my hands, I was completely turned on. Our instructors offered some insight into women’s increasing interest in learning how to handle power tools.
"More and more women are buying homes on their own," explained Jennifer, whose calm, soothing voice made entry into this stereotypically male domain easy and non-threatening. And, she added, not to criticize men, but lots of women are tired of waiting around for guys to pick up their tools and get things done. They’re taking things into their own hands.
Turns out, we’re pretty good at it.
"Women pay more attention to detail," said Jennifer, explaining why some of her fellow male instructors prefer teaching women, "and aren’t afraid to admit they don’t know something and ask for help." I can’t imagine a group of guys standing around cheering each other as one by one they made their first cut on the big, bad table saw.
There we were, praising each other’s work, stepping out of each other’s way, apologizing for taking too long with the sander. In other words, being chicks. Though, I do admit I did feel a little tool box envy when I thought my partner’s box looked better than mine. However, walking – not strutting – down the street with my box after class, I felt invigorated. I was ready to go again.
At the risk of overthinking it, there was, dare I say it, something sexually empowering about breaking down the gender barrier and realizing you can be the one handling the tools. Of course, most guys don’t analyze their relationship to their tools to this extent. But women being women, well, we do.
Just read some of the wording on the increasing crop of websites devoted to women and power tools. "Power Tools For Women" founder Joni Daniels’ (http://www.jonidaniels.com/powertools.html) site practically reads like a relationship self-help book. She describes your toolbox as "portable power," while safety goggles "help create clear vision," soldering irons help build "supportive relationships" and tape measures help "establish limits."
At womenwithpowertools.com, they believe in "making changes in the physical world through the application of raw feminine energy," while tomboytools.com even organizes "tool parties," much like Tupperware parties.
I draw the line at companies that design tools for women with names like Harriet the Hammer or Donna the Drill. Even Jennifer our instructor warns these specially designed tools are often lighter and less powerful, and therefore often not as safe, as conventional "guy" tools. You want the power ladies.
As it says on Joni Daniels’ site: "Power tools have, of course, been a traditional symbol of masculine ability and [Daniels’] tools for empowerment allow women to play, to win and to accomplish goals in every aspect of their lives."
A little over the top, but I had to admit, handling those tools did feel damn good.
Now excuse me, I’m going to load up my tool belt and go watch some hot home improvement shows.
QUICKIES
Montreal filmmaker Eisha Marjara is making a film about young women and sexuality and wants to speak to women who considered themselves "Lolitas" in their youth. If you think you qualify, contact her at: e.marjara@pmaproductions.com. |
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