Handymen can perform various tasks, from fixing a leaky tap to de-cluttering basements. Handyman Naperville IL can also take care of basic gardening and mowing. There are some limitations to the amount of labor and materials you can charge as a handyperson, and your state may require that you have a license.
A Handyman needs to have a variety of screwdrivers at his disposal. He might reach for one to assemble a crib or hang a picture, but he will also use a different one to remove the back of a watch to replace the battery. Knowing the functions of each manual and powered tool is essential to keeping a well-stocked toolbox.
The most common screwdriver design consists of a thick handle with a cylindrical shaft that extends to the working end. The screwdriver tip is usually interchangeable to fit a wide range of head patterns and sizes. Some screws require special heads to be removed or inserted. These include Phillips, Pozidriv, square or Hex.
Some screwdrivers have a ratchet mechanism that makes it easier to unscrew or insert a screw. This is especially useful when working in tight spaces or with a long screw that may be difficult to grip. The handles of screwdrivers come in a variety of shapes and colors, and some are ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue. They might be padded or have hard plastic grips to prevent slippage and finger fatigue. You can also find screwdrivers that are customizable to showcase a team, school, business or personal logo.
Pliers
Pliers are one of the most useful tools for a Handyman to have in his toolbox. These multi-purpose tools can help grip, position, tighten, loosen, and cut objects. They also allow you to remove stubborn screws or wires that are stuck in place. Pliers come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs to suit different applications.
Some pliers have blades or cutters built into them for cutting wire or other materials. These pliers are commonly known as wire cutters. If you are using pliers to cut metal wires, it is important to choose ones that have been insulated. Otherwise, you could risk electrocuting yourself or damaging the jaws of the pliers.
Other types of pliers include needle nose pliers, which are designed with narrow, tapered jaws that allow them to reach into spaces that bigger pliers can’t. They are often used for gripping, bending, and twisting metal objects. Linesman pliers or electrician’s pliers have jaws that hinge at a set pivot point, and their flat front has shallow serrations for gripping flat surfaces while their curved side is ideal for twisting wires together. They are often used for electrical work and repairing cars.
Chisels
A chisel is one of the most basic hand tools but it’s also one of the most useful. It’s used for shaping wood, and it can help you complete a range of tasks such as removing a damaged section of brick or creating a mortise and tenon joint in furniture making. It’s a must-have tool for any Handyman and can be found in a wide range of sizes.
The chisel consists of a sharp metal edge designed to cut or shape metal, stone, and wood. It has a handle on the opposite end that enables you to hold it comfortably and strike it with a hammer or mallet. There are a few different types of chisels, and each is designed for specific uses.
For example, a wood chisel has a blade that’s thicker than the head and is used for larger jobs. Other chisels are called coursing chisels and have a wider blade that can chip away mortar around a brick so the brick can be removed. There’s even a chisel called an electrician’s bolster chisel that’s designed to cut through brick walls so cables or conduit can enter the building. Whenever you use your chisels, make sure that you’re wearing a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes.
Hammer
The hammer is the most important tool for any Handyman. There are many different types of hammers to fit various tasks. Choosing the right one for each job is essential, as improper use can result in injuries. For example, a nailsetter is designed to drive in wood screws without damaging the surface, while a picture framer’s hammer has a curved, axe-like handle that makes it easier to fit tacks or nailings into tight places.
Drywall hammers have waffle-faced heads that grip drywall nails easily. They’re lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for most jobs. Metal hammers can be used to shape metal and close rivets, but they’re usually heavier than other types of hammers.
There are also sturdier hammers made for heavy-duty work, like linesman’s hammers that have serrated faces to drive in power pole hooks. These have hickory handles that keep weight low without compromising strength. They also feature eyelets for tethers, preventing the linesman from dropping them while working up high. When using a hammer, make sure to hold it closer to the head when starting a nail or driving in screws. Gripping it farther down the handle can crush your fingers between the hammer and the wood if you miss your swing.
Chalk Line
A chalk line is a tool that allows you to mark a straight line on any surface. It works by storing a spool of string covered in chalk that’s then reeled out and snapped against an object or wall to leave a visible mark. It’s a fairly simple device to use and it can be extremely useful on a number of different projects.
There are a number of different types of chalk lines that are available on the market and they differ in terms of how much chalk powder they can hold, their gear ratio and other features. However, the most important thing when purchasing a chalk line is that it’s made from high-quality materials and has a robust handle.
When using a chalk line, it’s important to note that it can leave thick and blurry marks on surfaces when too much chalk is used. To prevent this, make sure to use the hook at the end to secure it to a nail or screw on the wall or board. Then, extend it and give it a flick to remove any excess.
Also, be sure to use white chalk as it’s easier to see and won’t stain, unlike blue chalk which may. Lastly, be careful when working with this tool outdoors as it can get wet and turn into a paste.
Cordless Driver
Handymen use cordless drivers as a multipurpose tool to drill holes and drive screws. A well-rounded cordless driver with a variety of attachments can tackle a wide range of DIY projects such as installing a curtain rod or gate, refinishing furniture, assembling flatpack cabinets, and much more. Some drivers are also fitted with rotary scrubbing brushes for heavy-duty cleaning or stirrers for paint, or even abrasive bits for sharpening lawnmower blades.
A cordless combi driver is a little more versatile than the standard screwdriver with an adjustable chuck head that accepts both drill and screwdriver bits. This type of driver is best used when the Handyman needs to drill into multiple different materials or drives large screws into wood like decking boards or building a shed.
The tools and supplies needed by a Handyman can be expensive, especially for those just starting out. However, there are ways that the cost can be minimized by seeking out discounts and buying second-hand tools. Another option is to enroll in a professional training program that teaches the basics of carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Community colleges, vocational schools, and eLearning companies all offer courses in these areas.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is a staple tool for Handymen. They’re used for all kinds of measurements on a job site, from the width of a door frame to the length of steel beams that will be part of the construction of a building. A good quality tape measure is easy to read and won’t bend or crumple when extended. It will have a metal hook on the end that can be used to latch onto nails and screws and has a scribing tool that can be used as a marking point.
A good tape measure is dual scale and shows both US customary inches and metric measurement. It will also have a fractional reading showing the smaller marks on the tape. This will make it easier to see that, for example, there are three spaces of 16 inches (US standard) in four feet (US standard). Tape measures sold in Australia and many other countries show the same markings, but in metric.
A good tape measure will have a sturdy case that’s made of metal or plastic and is designed to withstand a drop, which can often happen on a job site. It will also have a belt clip to hang on your belt. Some tape measures have a special black diamond marking which are called joist and stud marks. These indicate equal spacing of joists and trusses.
