Norma's Diva Do's and Don'ts

Norma's Top 10 Diva Do's and Don'ts

1. DON’T wear loose clothing while performing home improvement tasks. Loose-fitting garments can get caught in power tools, especially saws—a potentially life threatening situation.

2. DO know where the main shut-off valves for all your utilities are located. Women need to know how to turn off the main power sources for the gas, water and electricity in their homes. This is critical in an emergency.

3. DON’T be stymied by a lack of upper body strength. For example, women can gain leverage by extending the length of a wrench—thus requiring less brute strength—by adding a long piece of metal pipe over the wrench’s handle. “Back in Brooklyn, we call that pipe a ‘persuader,’” Norma says.

4. DO mark your project materials before cutting them. The old adage goes, “Measure twice, cut once.” Norma takes it a step further, “Whenever possible, mark instead of measure is even better.”

5. DON’T buy cheap tools. Investing in good tools upfront will save you
money in the long run since they won’t need to be replaced. They’ll also save you a lot of aggravation— and not being aggravated is priceless!

6. DO know which direction to turn screws and other fittings. The general rule is, “Right tight, left loose.”

7. DON’T be embarrassed to ask for help from the staff in home improvement centers and hardware stores. They are often retired trades people and can offer a wealth of information.

8. DO organize your work space and keep it clutter-free. Clean up as you work to keep the area safe and free of potential hazards, especially anything that you can trip over.

9. DON’T forget to bring along any old parts that you may be replacing when you go to the hardware store. Norma says, “It’s much easier for you and the sales staff to find replacement parts when you bring in an example of what you’re looking for.” If you can’t bring it with you, try to find a serial or ID number from the original part.

10. DO unplug your power tools when you’re adjusting a part or changing a blade. “Just turning the tool off isn’t enough,” cautions Norma. “Accidents can and do happen, so be sure to always unplug your tools.”

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EMMY nomination

Way to go Norma!


Discovery Home Channel announced today a local Emmy nomination for the network’s hit series TOOLBELT DIVA by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the category of Service Program. The series, in its third season on Discovery Home Channel, follows host Norma Vally as she teams up with female homeowners to take on everything from basic to challenging home improvement projects. Furthering her mission to instill the confidence in women to enter the traditionally male-dominated realm of home repair projects, Norma tackles it all from quick fix-it projects to garden enhancements, and even restaurant renovations with expertise, humor and her signature New York-diva style.

New York Book Party!

Recently, my book publisher Penguin USA and OOK Picture Hanging Hardware, www.ooks.com (if you don't have any OOKS - you should), threw me a little shin dig to launch my new book, CHIX CAN FIX. Here are some photos from the event. Enjoy! -NV

Chix Can Blog

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my blog! I'm new to the blogging world, but really excited about sharing news about upcoming appearances, book signings and news about my radio and television show, Toolbelt Diva. You can also check out my web site at: www.chixcanfix.com. -NV