Barbara K! BK24214 30-Piece Signature Tool Kit

One problem women often have with standard tools is that they're too big and too heavy. Barbara K Enterprises is unique among tool companies because its products are made to suit women's ergonomic needs. For instance, the handles on most tools are slimmer than usual and many of the tools weigh less than comparable items from other manufacturers. In addition, Barbara K pliers have spring-loaded handles and the screwdrivers have special thumb rests. The philosophy is simple: Women shouldn't be deterred from using tools just because the tools aren't user-friendly.

You might think that shrinking certain tools and putting extra moving parts on others would diminish quality. Wrong. The superior quality of the products is reason enough to buy them. These tools are built to last, and will stand to some serious abuse. Don't be surprised if the tool snob in the house decides to start using these babies on a regular basis. Guys, these tools are good! Still, what makes them stand out is their ease of use. For example, think for a second about how hard it is on your wrist and forearm to pound nails for an afternoon with a 16-ounce hammer. By reducing the weight of its hammer to 7 ounces and slimming down the handle, Barbara K has enabled you to swing harder and longer. If that doesn't convince you, imagine this scenario: It's December and your hose is frozen to the water spigot. You desperately need to get it off, but you just can't squeeze the pliers for hard enough to force a good twist. Enter Barbara K's spring-loaded pliers. With these, holding tight is a cakewalk!

Another really cool thing about the set is the stylish blue plastic carrying case. We're impressed by the compact size and love how it helps you store your tools in an orderly fashion. No more rummaging through the closet or the shed! As long as you remember where you put your case, you're golden. Here's what comes inside:

6-in-1 screwdriver
16-piece hex keys
2-in-1 level
7-ounce hammer
6-in-1 putty knife
6-inch adjustable wrench
6-inch slip joint pliers
10-foot measuring tape
assorted hardware (nails, screws, picture hooks, plastic anchors)
84 page "How To" booklet

We thought it would have been nice if Barbara K included a bigger measuring tape. While 10-feet may be adequate for many small tasks, it's not big enough to span the large rooms you find in many of today's houses. We also would have been pumped if the kit came with a multitool of some sort. The company offers these, but they must be purchased separately. Despite these minor gripes, the Barbara K 30-Piece Signature Tool set is a top-notch package. When you factor in how much it would cost to buy each component separately, this price is a steal.

The Barbara K Story
Company founder Barbara K is a former New York City general contractor. Using her apartment as her first office, Barbara's vision and determination helped her land her first corporate client, IBM. She was also their first-ever female contractor. Soon after she attracted clients such as Carnegie Hall, iVillage, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Her work in construction led Barbara to the realization that tools made for men were intimidating for women to use. This was the motivation for starting barbara k!. She designed and launched her initial product line of high quality tools, toolkits and accessories in May, 2003. Since that time, barbara k! has grown and expanded to other categories including automotive, craft and the college market. Concurrently, Barbara's message of empowerment for women who seek to lead an independent lifestyle has been communicated through her advertising and television appearances on shows such as Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, ESPN, Fox 5, CNN, Inside Edition and many more.

Product Description
Eliminate the fear factor! Why be a damsel in distress when you can be a Do It Yourself Diva? This 30 piece DIY tool kit was created by a woman who used to head a big construction company, and it is one collection. The tools include pliers, hammer, wrenches, putty knife, assorted hardware, tape measure, and the Barbar K guide to simple home repair. Handles are non-slip and ergonomic. The tools are attractively accented in turquoise and carriy a forever guarantee! It all stows in a stylish carrying case.