A Winnipeg company is cashing in on a trend that's seeing more and more women doing their own home renovations.
 
Tomboy Tools Canada designs and sells tools made specifically for women: they're lighter, smaller and easier to use.

"They're a lot more comfortable. I have a lot of problems with cramping in my hands when I'm using a screwdriver or painting or whatever and these … seem to be getting more of the strength from your arm," said Yvonne Block, who was trying out a drill at a home party in Winnipeg.
 
Since the company began three years ago, its salespeople have hosted 400 sales-pitch style home parties for women in seven provinces.
 
"I've seen them break down into tears picking up a drill for the first time," said Lori Mitchell, president of Tomboy Tools Canada.

Susan Harbin with Tomboy Tools Canada demonstrates the features of one of the company's hammers at a home sales party in Winnipeg.
(CBC)

"Ladies in their 50s and things, who have felt so intimidated, having to call people to hang a picture, when they come to one of our events, they leave going, 'I can hang a picture. I can do this.' "

Peter Anadranistakis with the Winnipeg Entrepreneurs Association said he can see why the concept is working.

"Especially with the high cost of doing business in many parts of Canada, as far as contractors and time it takes for contractors, I think a lot of women are saying out there, 'You know what? I'm just going to do it myself.' "

Mitchell said many women in the market for a home plan to buy it alone and they don't want to pay a contractor every time they need something done.