The Power of the Right Tools and Personal Growth
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with several single women who have sought my guidance on various home improvement projects. One woman, in particular, has stood out for her journey of growth and confidence. She’s been featured in this column before, and it's rewarding to see how far she's come. Her story is a testament to the saying that "nothing builds success like success."
A few years ago, I had an encounter with her that highlighted the importance of using the right tools for the job. At the time, she had bought a bidet toilet seat and decided to install it herself. The task seemed simple: loosen the nut on the shutoff valve under the toilet that connects to the flexible supply hose. However, after two hours of struggling with no progress, she finally called me.
When I arrived at her house, I could tell she was frustrated and overwhelmed. I asked what tool she had used, and she handed me a channel-lock pliers. That was the problem. These pliers are not suitable for this type of job because they require more hand strength than most people have, especially when trying to turn a stubborn nut. Instead, she should have used an adjustable wrench, which has parallel jaws that can be adjusted to fit the nut perfectly. With the right tool, the nut came off in just 10 seconds, and she was amazed at how easy it was.
Her experience shows that while intelligence is important, knowing how to use tools correctly is equally vital. Unfortunately, many people, especially women, don’t receive proper training on tools and their proper usage. This lack of knowledge can lead to frustration and unnecessary delays.
Recently, she reached out again. This time, she wanted to install a second bidet toilet seat. She didn’t know where the main water shutoff valve was in her home, so we did a live video call, and I showed her where it was. An hour later, she successfully completed the installation. It was a great achievement for her.
However, during the process, a small piece of sediment dislodged in the water line, causing the toilet fill valve to malfunction. I advised her to replace it with a newer model that has better technology. Knowing she was going through a tough time due to a recent family loss, I offered to help her install it. I brought a variety of tools, including a small adjustable wrench and short channel-lock pliers, which proved essential given the tight space around the toilet caused by shelves installed above it.
In another instance, I helped a single mom baby-proof a new home. The house, built in the 1970s, had railings that were too low and lacked proper safety features. We installed 1/8-inch plexiglass to block off dangerous openings. The mother also needed help removing zip ties from the wood railings without damaging the surface. I brought my flush-cut wire cutters, which allowed me to remove the zip ties quickly and cleanly.
Essential Tools for Every Homeowner
What other tools should you keep in your toolbox? Here are some recommendations:
- 14-inch pipe wrench: This versatile tool can be used to turn off the gas on the house side of the gas meter if there's a suspected leak. It can also be used to tighten compression nuts on p-traps under sinks.
- Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers: These are essential for a wide range of tasks.
- Putty knives and drywall tools: Useful for wall and ceiling repairs before painting.
- Sponge-core sanding blocks: Help achieve a smooth finish when preparing surfaces for paint.
Having these tools can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair costs within a year.
If you're looking for more DIY tips and support, consider subscribing to Tim’s FREE newsletter at AsktheBuilder.com. You can also schedule phone coaching calls if you get stuck on a project. Visit go.askthebuilder.com/coaching for more information.
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