Essential Tools for the Handyman

Handyman Naperville IL has a variety of skills and can perform many different tasks. They may work in construction or service businesses, or they might freelance. They often work with electricians, general laborers, and plumbing professionals.

They also work with carpenters, builders, and building system installers. Handymen need to have good physical stamina, as they are constantly on their feet and bent over repairing items.

Although power tools can be intimidating, they are a handyman’s best friend. From slicing through a rotten window frame to cutting a piece of metal for a new fence post, they are essential to any job. With the right knowledge, even novices can use these powerful tools safely and with precision.

One of the most versatile tools a handyman can have is a circular saw. It can cut through both wood and harder materials like plastic or stone. Small handheld models can be used for household projects, while larger table-mounted ones are ideal for sawmills and lumber yards. The blade on a circular saw can be adjusted to make crosscuts, rip cuts, and even bevel cuts.

Before using a circular saw, it’s important to read the user manual and understand its safety features. Make sure the blade guard is in place, and secure any other safety accessories as instructed. It’s also a good idea to wear eye protection while using the tool.

Once the saw is properly prepared, measure and mark the desired cut line to prevent improvisation along the way. Clamp or secure the material to a worktable or sawhorse, and adjust the blade’s cutting width or bevel angle to match your measurements. Then, activate the saw and lower it onto the material. Align the blade with the marked cut line or angle and begin the cut.

If you’re cutting through a tough material, like masonry or concrete, opt for a special blade that’s designed to handle the task. These types of blades are configured to cut, not melt, composite materials and are available in a variety of sizes that fit most circular saws.

Cordless Driver

The handyman needs a cordless driver, and the most common model is a drill with a chuck that can open and close around various bits to do a number of jobs, from drilling holes (to hang a picture frame or towel rack) to screwing things together. A basic cordless drill will have a motor that delivers up to 54 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for the average handyman to do everything they need.

The chuck can be fitted with hex-shank bits for driving screws and bolts, which are arranged in a driver bit set. Some models also have two or more rpm speed settings to give the user more control, especially when drilling into different materials like wood. Other features to look for are a variable-speed trigger, which adjusts the speed of the rotation, and a rubberized handle that grips well and reduces vibration between the tool and the hand to minimize hand fatigue.

If the handyman wants more power, he can choose an impact driver that offers up to 1,350 inches per pound of torque or twisting force. These devices have a unique power-train system that generates torque by combining the spring-loaded hammer with an anvil, striking them at 3,200 blows per minute. They also have a clutch that disengages the drive train when you reach a certain amount of turning force or torque, which helps prevent stripping the head or snapping the fastener.

Bob Vila is America’s Handyman, and his team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, and tool 101s that support homeowners, renters, and DIY enthusiasts in completing their to-do lists. They also test, vet, and recommend products that help you tackle projects like installing drapery brackets or a shower curtain rod; repairing your lawnmower blade; or building a deck.

Tape Measure

Easily the most used tool by any handyman, the tape measure has a wide range of uses on the job site and at home. The humble tape is used every day by millions of tradesmen around the world. It’s also the most versatile measurement tool you can own, and it can save you a lot of headaches if you know how to use it properly. Family Handyman senior editor Travis Larson reveals some clever tips and tricks for getting the most out of your tape measure.

Start by looking at the longest lines, which are called inch marks. These are usually bold and have large numbers on them, extending along the entire length of the tape. The next longest line is the half-inch mark, which sits halfway between two one-inch marks. The next two shortest lines, which are not designated with any numerals, indicate quarter-inch increments. Next come the third-shortest lines, which are 1/8-inch increments. The final markings on a tape measure are one-sixteenth-inch increments, which can be hard to read for those not familiar with the scale.

Most tape measures have a locking button, which keeps the tape from retracting back into the case when you’re taking measurements. Handymen use this feature a lot, especially when they’re measuring items of furniture or walls that they don’t want to put a nail into.

The handyman’s most important tool is his hands, but he needs the right tools to help him complete his projects and repairs. Promotional Product Inc.’s custom Handyman Locking Tape Measure is a great gift for any handyman and comes with a durable casing to protect it from damage. It’s perfect for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, but anyone can benefit from this useful personalized tool!

Hammer

A hammer is an essential tool for any handyman, whether they’re professionals or amateurs at fixing things. There are a lot of different types of hammers for varying purposes, but most of them have the same basic features: a weighted head fixed to a handle that’s swung to deliver an impact to a surface, such as a nail or other object.

A handyman needs a hammer for a variety of projects, from hanging wallpaper to repairing walls to putting together furniture or other home fixtures. There are also more specialized hammers, like framing and claw hammers, for specific tasks, such as driving or pulling nails. Other hammers are used for metalwork, such as a ball peen or sledge hammer, to reshape or bend metal.

When choosing a hammer, the handyman should consider its comfort in their hand and how it performs. Some hammers are designed to minimize vibrations, while others reduce the chance of mishitting, which can cause pain or injury in the hands and wrists. Handles made of shock-absorbing materials are also available to help prevent injuries from repeated hammering.

A sturdily built hammer is crucial for any handyman, but it’s just as important that they know how to use it correctly. To maximize power, the handyman should swing from the elbow instead of the wrist, and they should make sure they’re focused on the nail or other object and not the hammer itself.

Pliers

As one of the most versatile hand tools a handyman can own, pliers are an absolute must. Depending on the specific type, they can grip objects much more firmly than they would be able to with a hand or other tool and transmit a lot of torque.

Pliers are typically made from a pair of lengths of metal riveted together close to their midpoint and have clamps on both sides, with handles at the ends. These pliers are used to grip, twist, or pull objects, with the additional benefit of being able to cut wire with some models.

There are many different types of pliers available, but the general design remains similar. The jaws are typically flat and serrated at the front and curved at the back near the pivot, which allows them to grip rounded objects like pipes or rods. Utility pliers, also known as needle-nose pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers, have a similar structure but longer handles and more teeth to grip larger items.

Some pliers have other added features to make them better for specific jobs. For example, wire stripper pliers have sharp cutting edges and more power than household wire cutters to cut through heavier-gauge electrical wiring. These are a must for any handyman who deals with electrical work.

Battery terminal pliers are a great addition to any handyman’s tool kit, as they allow the user to remove and install battery terminal bolts with ease. The angled heads and nonslip grips on these pliers also mean they can be used in tight spaces where other types of pliers wouldn’t fit. Another option is a pair of snap ring pliers, which have swappable jaws that can compress or expand snap rings on appliances, hose fittings, and valve repairs.