Tools for the Handyman

Handyman Naperville IL is a skilled “jack of all trades” who can complete many repairs and home improvement projects. They often charge by the hour or by project.

Handyman

Most handymen will have universal supplies like nails and screws on hand, but for projects that require specific materials, they may need to make a trip to a hardware store.

A handyman needs a good hammer in his toolbox. It’s a go-to for hanging pictures, fastening moldings, or even breaking down doors in case of emergencies (not that we would ever recommend such a thing). There are several types of hammers, all with different jobs to do. The one that’s right for the task at hand is crucial to ensuring the job gets done without damage or injury.

Whether you use a claw or sledgehammer, each has a head with a flat face, a narrow throat that ends in a wider flat surface, and curved claws that extend from the back of the head. Hammers have a lot of kinetic energy in the swing, which is equal to the length D of the swing times the force of the strike. It’s important to keep hammers well maintained, storing them in a toolbox with a tether and dehumidifier to remove moisture and prevent rust. They also need to be stored in a safe, comfortable position when not in use to reduce fatigue and strain.

Level

A level is a tool in the handyman’s kit that ensures that the finished product is even and plumb (vertical). A level is one of the most important tools for any construction project, but it can also be used to complete home improvement projects.

The level is an instrument for determining the vertical position of an object or surface. It usually has two vials, or liquid-filled tubes: one horizontal and one vertical. If the bubble in the horizontal vial sits between the two guidelines, then the surface is level.

A level is especially useful when working on uneven or sloping surfaces. It can be used to level the ground before work starts or to check whether an existing surface is level or not. A level is also useful for checking the pitch of a roof or gutter or lining up concrete piers and fence posts. To get the most precise readings from a level, it is important to make sure that the string is taut. Otherwise, a sagging string will give inaccurate results.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are one of the most common hand tools that handymen use. They are used to remove or install plate covers on outlets and switches, as well as in furniture construction and small cabinet-making projects. They can also be used to tighten or loosen screws. There are multiple types of manual and powered screwdrivers.

The shaft or shank of a screwdriver is usually made from firm steel to prevent bending or twisting when applying torque. It may be rounded or hexagonal to allow the use of wrenches on the tool. The handle of the screwdriver is often made from plastic or wood, depending on the application and personal preference. The blade or tip of a screwdriver is usually made of a metal alloy with different coloration and materials. It is sometimes ground down for a better fit to reduce cam-out, which occurs when the screwdriver slips out of the screw notch during high levels of torque.

Other essential tools for a handyman include pliers for gripping objects and wires, as well as chisels to break up concrete or glue. A voltage tester pen is a handy way to determine if an electrical circuit is live, and a flashlight can come in handy when working at night or in dimly lit areas.

Chisels

Chisels are a handy tool for woodworking and carving projects. They come in various sizes and shapes, each designed for a specific purpose. Smaller varieties of chisels are better for crafting intricate details, while larger tools are better for removing sizeable sections of wood.

Depending on the type of chisel, its blade may have a straight or bevel edge, and it can feature a socket, loop, or capped handle that’s designed to withstand repeated mallet strikes. Framing chisels, for example, are designed with extra hooping and can be used for boat building, timber framing, and other applications that require a heavy-duty chisel.

A power chisel, on the other hand, features an electrical grinder motor and is used to cut into wood at a quicker pace. It’s also ideal for creating a rounded or concave carving design.

Sawzall

Handymen often use power tools to complete their projects, and having a quality sawzall is essential. This powerful reciprocating saw can cut a wide variety of materials, including wood, PVC, and metal. It’s also useful for cutting drywall and other types of textured materials.

When using a Sawzall, be sure to follow the safety features and operational guidelines. It’s also important to keep a spare blade handy in case of an emergency. If you’re going to be cutting through steel, it’s best to use a shorter blade. Also, don’t forget to sharpen your blade regularly. This will ensure a smoother, cleaner cut.

A hackzall is a smaller version of the sawzall that’s designed for one-handed operation. It has a pistol-like grip and is more lightweight than a regular power drill. This tool is great for reaching tight spots and working in areas where a full-sized sawzall might be too big or awkward to handle. The Hackzall can also be used with different blades for added versatility. For example, a coated-steel 10-tpi blade is great for cutting plastics like PVC and ABS.

Shop Vac

A handyman will often work with messy materials, and having a shop vac is an invaluable tool for cleaning up all that debris after a project. These powerful units are designed to suction up wood shavings, sawdust, chunks of metal, screws, and other small items that get scattered around a workspace. Shop vacs come in all shapes and sizes, with various features to help you pick the right one for your needs.

One of the most important things to look for when choosing a shop vacuum is its hose size. A wider hose can cover more ground and prevent you from having to bend down to reach hard-to-reach areas. You should also make sure the hose is made of flexible material so that it can handle a variety of jobs.

It’s also a good idea to choose a shop vac that has a blower port for blowing away loose dirt and dust from difficult-to-reach spots. This is especially helpful when working outdoors and can help speed up cleanup.

Fish Tape

Handymen often work with electricity, so a fish tape is a must-have tool for this trade. It is used to pull wires through walls or conduit. It is a wind flat steel tool that is about 3/16″ wide that helps “fish” wire through small holes within stud bays, through concrete block, or drop ceilings. It is available in different lengths and materials. The most common is fiberglass fish tape, but it can also be purchased in a variety of steel and nylon versions.

Depending on the needs of a project, it can be helpful to have multiple lengths. This makes it easy to choose a fish tape that will be long enough to reach the desired location for your wiring.

Most fish tapes have a head that hooks onto the wire or cable. This allows you to push or pull the fish tape without disconnecting the cable from your work. They are usually stored coiled up on a plastic reel. Some of these reels come with a red cap that prevents them from accidentally disconnecting during use.

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape may look like any other kind of tape, but it has very specific uses in a handyman’s toolbox. This specialty tape insulates wires and other materials that conduct electricity, preventing current from passing between connected wires that could result in a short and possible fire or even electrocution. It also keeps the connections clean and prevents wires from becoming exposed to moisture. It’s fireproof and resistant to heat, making it ideal for use on wire connections near flammable materials like wood wall studs.

When choosing a particular type of electrical tape, look for one with a high degree of elongation, allowing it to stretch around wires without losing its original form. This is essential for properly wrapping the cables to ensure that they’re adequately insulated, as well as for securing them against vibration or movement.

This is not to be used as a replacement for the proper splicing methods of electrical connectors, however, which adhere to strict safety standards in most applications. Duct tape or similar adhesive tape should never be used to insulate wires, as this presents a serious fire risk that can lead to property damage and injuries.