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Every DIY father dreams of the day when they can introduce their son (or daughter) to the delights of the tool shed. It’s no surprise that baby tools are big business as even toddlers like to mirror their role models actions bashing wood with a squeaky hammer or pretending to drill with a day glow plastic corkscrew.
However as they get older these Bob the builder tools aren’t enough, children realise they produce little, and moving on from mechano they want to learn from the best – you!
For some it may seem a daunting prospect letting a child loose with tools that can quite easily chop off fingers or drill holes through little hands, however if taught early the importance of safety under strict supervision they will flourish and maybe even take a few jobs off your hands as they hit their teens!
Pick a Project
For the first foray into the tool shed it may be wise to pick a project that you can both do and enjoy. The Americans use Go-Kart races as fathers and sons build Go-Karts together securing the bond and building whilst learning. We can follow in these footsteps as your child will be so proud
and will also gain many years of fun using your joint production, however there are other smaller objects that help with a short attention span and enthuse any boy.
A present for mum – You can make a bird house, bird table, spice rack or a window box for mum, working together for the favourite woman in both your lives.
Fun for him – You can also make something fun to use such as a slingshot, a wooden car, or even his very first tool box.
Something big – If you have plenty of time and wood, you could also make a treehouse or a den. No girls allowed!
Start with Hand Tools
When starting its best to stick to hand tools such as a saw, a hammer, a chisel or even a manual drill, these may take a little longer to use however once your son has mastered the art of using these safely they can move onto the power tools. When using power tools such as a circular saw, jigsaw or power drill its best to use a workbench to teach, as a clamp on each tool, (or for the circular
saw having it fixed to the work bench) will give greater control and much less risk of slipping. Make sure you supervise at all times and make it clear for your child not to use without your presence. Invest in some good gloves, along with safety specs and a dust mask.
Their First Power Tool Gift
Once your son or daughter has mastered the art of power tools, you may be eager to buy them a present so they can expand their own toolbox contents. Perfect presents for over twelves include an electric screwdriver, a mouse or small electric sander, as they can use these unsupervised and are unlikely to get into any trouble.
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