Handymen are skilled at a variety of home repair and maintenance tasks. They can refinish floors, fix holes in walls, install new light fixtures, and make minor electrical repairs.
They also know how to assemble furniture and refinish cabinets. Handymen can save homeowners money by repairing or replacing damaged items. Contact Emerald City Handyman of Naperville now!
One of the most important tools a handyman needs is fish tape. It allows them to run wires and cables through walls and tight spaces. This is a common task when installing lighting, doorbells and other electrical fixtures. There are several different types of fish tape, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job. Steel fish tapes are good for long runs through conduit, while fiberglass ones can handle tight bends and insulated walls.
A discerning pro will likely select a fish tape with a nonconductive lead and laser-etched measurement markings that won’t scratch off over time. These features reduce the risk of a short, which can injure the professional and cause substantial property damage. Ideal Industries notes that electricians and information transport systems installers use fish tapes daily to snake electrical wires and cables through conduit, finished walls and hard-to-reach spaces above ceilings and below flooring.
It’s also important to use proper hand techniques when working with fish tape. The sharp end can cut bare hands, so it’s best to wear gloves whenever possible. This helps prevent blisters and other injuries. The pliers or wrenches used to hold the fish tape should be large enough to accommodate the head of the tape, and it’s helpful to keep an eye out for any burrs or other obstructions that could interfere with operation.
To use fish tape, simply unwind a portion of the tape and extend it to the desired location. Then, push the tape into the wall or conduit to pull it. It’s a good idea to apply a wire pulling lubricant to the tape, which can help reduce friction and make it easier to feed through the wall or conduit.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is one of the most valuable tools in a handyman’s toolbox, offering insulation and quick fixes for wire damage. Understanding the different types, uses, and application techniques will help ensure safety during electrical work, making it an essential part of any project.
Electrical tape insulates electrical wires and prevents short circuits. It also helps to keep electric currents contained, which is crucial in preventing fire hazards. It can be used to repair cracks or frays in cords or wires and is also often used to mark different electrical phases, leads, or items.
Most electrical tapes are made from non-conductive materials, so they will not conduct electricity. They are also resistant to heat, moisture, and corrosion. However, they can be damaged by exposure to UV rays, so it is important to check the label for details. Most electrical tapes are rated by their minimum and maximum temperature ratings, so it is important to choose the right type for each job.
It is important to note that electrical tape should never be used to cover live wires. Even if it is only covering a small portion of the cord, this could cause an unsafe situation. It is best to use a dielectric spray before applying electrical tape to any exposed wiring. It is also a good idea to check that the tape has been applied correctly before applying any power to the wires. This will ensure that the tape has a solid bond and won’t come loose. Moreover, it will also protect the wiring from any accidental contact with other objects. If in doubt, a quick consultation with an electrician will ensure that you are using the correct product for your project.
Circular Saw
A circular saw can be an indispensable tool for any handyman, as it allows them to make fast and accurate cuts through wood. It’s important to choose the right type of saw for your job, based on factors like size, blade size, bevel capacity, and cutting depth. You should also consider whether you’ll be using the saw for a single project or as part of a larger home improvement effort.
If you need to cut at an angle, a bevel adjustment lever or knob can be loosened to tilt the base of the saw and adjust the position of the blade. It’s important to double-check the blade bevel setting against your marked cutting line to ensure accuracy and that you’re working with a safe angle. You should also be sure to check that the guard can’t get snagged by anything metal before you start cutting.
The shoe of the saw, which sits on the material you’re cutting, can be made from steel, aluminum or magnesium and may be flat or cast. Cast shoes have raised reinforcing ribs on the surface that help prevent them from bending or breaking if you drop your saw. Steel shoes are typically lighter but may not hold up to as much wear and tear as cast metal ones.
You can find a wide variety of circular saws online or at your local hardware store, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with all the features before you buy one. Take into account the saw’s power source (corded or cordless), blade size, bevel capability and cutting depth, shoe type and bevel adjustment, and whether you prefer a right- or left-blade model.
Drill
As a handyman, you will be drilling a lot of holes, so it’s important to have a good drill. There are a variety of different types of drills on the market, so make sure you choose one that is designed for the type of material you will be using it with. For example, some drills are specifically designed for wood while others are more suitable for metalwork or machine tool fabrication. In addition, you should choose a cordless drill that can be easily moved around your workspace and is easy to operate.
A hammer is one of the most useful tools you can have as a handyman, especially if you do any work that involves putting up pictures or hanging items on the wall. It can also come in handy when you are repairing damage to a surface or preparing it for painting. A quality hammer should be comfortable to hold and not too heavy so it doesn’t put too much strain on your hands when you use it.
A utility knife is another great tool to have as a handyman, as it can be used for a wide variety of tasks involving cutting materials. It’s also an essential part of a tool kit for DIY projects, such as assembling furniture or making home improvements. When choosing a utility knife, look for a model that has a retractable blade to protect yourself from cuts. It’s also a good idea to choose a model with multiple attachments, so you can switch out the blades when needed. Also, be sure to choose a durable model that can withstand heavy use and frequent use. You might also consider a variable speed setting to accommodate various materials.
Wrench
A wrench is a tool used to turn fasteners. Handymen use a variety of wrenches to help with different tasks, including removing and replacing items. Some wrenches are designed to be used with a ratcheting mechanism that allows users to apply more force with each turn. This can save time when working with a fastener that is difficult to loosen.
A socket wrench has a recess that fits the edges of a nut or bolt head, typically hexagonal in shape. This type of wrench is ideal for tightening wing nuts, as it can apply more torque than a standard open-end wrench. It is also used in some stringed musical instruments to tune the strings by applying more tension.
Another wrench often used by a handyman is the adjustable wrench, which has a fixed end and a movable jaw. This allows it to grip a wider range of fasteners and is useful when access to the area where the fastener is located is restricted. Adjustable wrenches are available in both metric and standard (also known as S.A.E) sizes, so it is important to know what size wrench you need before purchasing one.
Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, having the right tools can help you tackle any task. However, a handyman should always be mindful of their tool’s limitations and should never resort to using excessive force on stubborn or rusted fasteners. This can damage both the tool and the fastener, so it is best to seek out professional assistance when needed. If you’re in need of an experienced, reliable handyman, contact NEXT today! We’ll connect you with a local provider in minutes.
