When the word “tool” is uttered, different images pop to mind for different people.
For many, tools are for tackling indoor projects and repairs, while others think about cool culinary gadgets. Some look to the great outdoors and some prefer to plug in the word “beauty” before tools. Whatever way you define the term, look to these pages for top tools for both him and her.
WOMEN | lucky locks
The Super Solano 3500 Lite adds shine, smoothes hair and minimizes fly-aways as it dries! The lightweight styling tool has Tourmaline Technology that reduces static, while its Ion Technology conditions hair.
$239 at Hair On The Avenue, 3459 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 610.927.3772. hotasalon.com
MEN | power pack
For top-of-the-line leaf removal, check out the Echo Blower PB-770, $499. Echo’s most powerful backpack blower will make yard cleanup a breeze.
Walker’s Mower Equipment offers the full range of Echo Blowers, all having a five-year warranty. 1523 New Holland Rd., Reading, 610.777.5643. walkermowerandequipment.com
WOMEN | desk accent
Add a pop of practical color to her desk with the Staples One-Touch DX-3 Desktop Flat Stack Stapler. It’s durable yet has easy push-button staple loading that can handle up to 28 sheets at once.
Available for $15.99 at Staples, 1167 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing, 610.372.3134. staples.com
MEN | just like the pros use
Check out the Senco FinishPro18 brad nailer and air compressor combo kit. The powerful yet lightweight tool meets a wide range of finish needs. Also included are a coil hose, all necessary air fittings, tool oil, safety glasses, manuals and a variety pack of 18-gauge brad nails.
The kit carries a one-year limited warranty and is $175 at Green Hills Home Center & Lumber Company, 3171 Morgantown Rd., Mohnton, 610.856.1600
WOMEN | just for her
Gardening is made easier with HERShovel, the world’s first shovel-spade hybrid scientifically designed for women. Every feature is based on a woman’s body and digging and shoveling style. Available in three sizes, based on height.
Made in Pennsylvania, $57.99. Find it at the Rodale Institute Store, 611 Siegfriedale Rd., Kutztown, and greenherontools.com/hershovel.html
MEN | tool for the pool
Pools are made for lounging. Let the Maytronics Dolphin DX3 do the cleaning. It actively brushes all pool surfaces while filtering water. Robotic scanning ensures the whole pool is clean. A timer lets you pre-set a cleaning schedule.
$699.99 at Fronheiser Pools located in Bally and Sinking Spring. fronheiser.com
WOMEN | make it speedy
Putting together furniture, storage racks and other home projects becomes less daunting with the Black & Decker Cordless Screwdriver. There are no cords or charging cradles to misplace. Just plug the screwdriver into an outlet to recharge.
$19.99 at Douglassville Ace Hardware, 905 West Postal Rd., Douglassville, 610.385.4600
MEN | innovative design
The Craftsman Ratching Magnetic Screwdriver features an ergonomic design allowing for faster turning. The unique six-bit storage system lets you dial to the bit you want. It features forward, reverse and lock positions for fast driving for screws and nuts.
$21.99 at Douglassville Ace Hardware, 905 West Postal Rd., Douglassville, 610.385.4600
WOMEN | get a grip
Need an extra hand? Try the Pampered Chef Jar Opener, $11. Its comfy soft-grip handle makes opening stubborn jars a cinch. Use by hand or make more easily accessible by mounting it under a kitchen cabinet.
Purchase one today by contacting Pampered Chef Director Anita Blew, 610.413.5348. Pamperedchef.biz/anitacancook
MEN | for the DIYer
Help him avoid guesswork and searching for missing pieces. Give him the Black & Decker Ratcheting ReadyWrench, which combines 16 of the most popular standard and metric socket sizes in one hand tool. It comes with a lifetime warranty.
$24.99 at Weaver’s Hardware, 732 Fleetwood-Lyons Rd., Fleetwood, 610.944.7681
WOMEN | pretty in pink
The Classic SD is the perfect Victorinox Swiss Army knife for her. It’s versatile, featuring seven popular functions: screwdriver, stainless steel blade, nail file, scissors, key ring, tweezers and toothpick.
Made with precision in Switzerland, it is just $11.97 at Walmart, 1135 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing, 610.376.5848. walmart.com
MEN | “green” pocketknife
More than 100 years after the original Swiss Army knife was designed, Wenger adds a twist with the Evolution series. Handles are constructed from sustainable top-quality walnut that would otherwise be waste material from other production processes.
EvoWood 18 Swiss Army Knife, $79.99, Cabela’s, 100 Cabela Dr., Hamburg, 610.929.7000. cabelas.com
BY KRISTIN KRAMER | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
