Marissa McTasney traded in her high heels for work boots, leaving the corporate world for the skilled trades. She quickly saw a gap in the market for work wear for 'handywomen', so she founded Moxie Trades - which makes work gear for women that's stylish, durable, practical - and pink! Marissa came by to tell us why you need a toolbox, and what you need in it!

Why do I need my own toolbox?
Even if there's a toolbox in your house, it likely belongs to the male, and it's often personal territory - borrowing may not be welcome. It's a bit like someone borrowing from your makeup bag and using your cosmetic 'tools' for their own purposes. And their tools may not suit your grip, or your needs.

What should be in my toolbox?

A Hammer

• When you buy a hammer, test it out! See if it feels comfortable in your hand - if not, you may have a hard time with it.


• When you use the hammer, hold it at the end of the grip, not right near the head. Let the hammer do the work on the nail.

A Level

• A level is useful for hanging doors and hanging pictures - anytime you want to be sure you have a straight line. Just make sure the bubble is between the lines.

A Tape Measure

• Make sure your tape measure is in inches and centimeters and about 25 ft minimum


• Bring it with you to the building yard or furniture store when you're looking for something!

A Screwdriver

• Multi-bit screwdrivers are self contained, compact and versatile. You won't even need to look for a bit to change - or another screwdriver to do the job.

Paintbrush

• A round brush is amazing at cutting corners - it's the right angle for edging, and gets the right amount of paint


• Wrap your paintbrush in a plastic bag or plastic wrap in between painting days, and store it in the freezer. For water-based paint, use light soap and water till it runs clear.

Pliers

• Useful for lots of little things, opening things, fixing doors, hinges pulling stuff apart, taking nails out.


• Both an all purpose size and needle-nose pliers are good to have.

Power Tools

• Make sure power tools are lightweight, and comfortable in hand so you don't get tired using it. Ideally, you want a lithium lightweight battery, and a back up battery at a minimum of 18 volts.


• Cordless Drill: Good for all sorts of things, including putting furniture together.


• Cordless Jigsaw: For fixing trim, fences, building a bench or for details on craft projects.


• Cordless Palm Sander: So you don't get tired out manually sanding! They hide a lot of sins, and are easy to use for restaining damaged furniture, easy wall touch-ups and refinishing.

Safety Goggles

• Always protect your eyes, no matter the work!

Tip: Give your kids their own real toolboxes! Teach them to use tools! Girls love building as much as boys, and it's a great Xmas gift idea... just add wood!

Visit ww.moxietrades.com or shopdragonsden.com/ for more about Moxie Trades!