Handyman is a person who is skilled in a wide range of repair work. He or she can be self-employed or employed by a company offering repair services.
He or she can also be a licensed professional to offer specific services such as plumbing and electrical work.
A handyman needs a variety of tools for different jobs. Those tools should feature smart technology and be easy to handle.
Handymen must have versatile tools to handle different repairs and DIY projects. These tools must be durable and efficient without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re starting your career or a seasoned professional, the right tools can set you up for success.
A cordless driver is a must-have handyman tool for its versatility, mobility, and power. It’s a power tool that lets you drill holes or drive screws into place without being tethered to an outlet or power source. It also comes with various drill bits to handle a wide variety of tasks.
If you’re looking for a power tool with more torque (twisting force), consider an impact driver. These are designed to handle larger jobs that require repetitive screw driving such as laying decking or building a shed.
Other must-have handyman tools include a utility knife, pliers, and a jigsaw. The utility knife makes precise cuts for efficient and clean work. Pliers are a handy tool that lets you grip objects or materials for tightening and loosening them. A jigsaw is another great handyman tool for creating angled cuts on wood, metal, and plastic.
To keep your tools organized, invest in a tool bag or chest. This is a portable storage option with multiple pockets and compartments that let you store a variety of tools easily. Moreover, it has a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
Chalk Line
A chalk line is a versatile tool that facilitates the drawing of straight lines on almost all surfaces. It can be used for various projects such as fixing timbers, tiling walls and floors or even replacing torn wallpaper. It is easy to use, comes at a pocket-friendly price and can be found in the arsenal of every Handyman.
It draws a straight line by the action of a taut nylon string coated with loose dye, mostly chalk. The string is then lowered over the surface to be marked and then plucked or snapped sharply, causing the area that came into contact with the chalk absorbed string to get marked. This allows the Handyman to make accurate measurements and alignments.
Whether you’re buying a chalk line for marking a flat or uneven surface, a key consideration is the gear ratio that helps it rewind after each use. You also want to look at the material of the case and the end hook. Ideally, you want to find one that is resistant to corrosion and falls.
For better results when snapping the chalk line, drive a nail at the end of the end of the hook (optional) to give it a firm hold and add some friction. Then, when you’re ready to use it, simply stretch the string out and engage the crank handle. You can then adjust the tension by pulling and stretching the string.
Claw Hammer
Most do-it-yourselfers have a standard claw hammer in their toolbox or lying around the house. They work well for taping in pictures and other lightweight jobs. However, a heftier framing hammer can reduce hand fatigue and sore thumbs on larger construction projects. The framing hammer has a heavy head with a flat prybar-like claw for driving nails or pulling apart boards and other materials.
These hammers come in a variety of sizes and weights. Some models have a one-piece forged heat-treated steel head and handle. They also have polymer grips that add to their ergonomics and decrease vibrations when the hammer is used.
Claw hammers have double-sided heads that can be used for either purpose. A curved claw side is ideal for removing nails, and the hammer’s poll can also be used to drive the nails into wood.
When using a claw hammer, consider placing a wood block under the nail to provide some leverage. This puts less stress on the handle and allows you to pull the nails straight up without bending them.
The claw hammer’s poll is also useful for removing metal screws. You can use it to pound and loosen metal fasteners that are stuck in wood or other materials. A curved claw hammer can reach into tight spaces where a straight claw would be unable to do so. A 16 ounce curved claw is an excellent all-around hammer for general home improvement and carpentry projects.
Tape Measure
The humble tape measure, also known as a measuring tape, is one of the most used tools in any trade. It consists of a flexible strip of cloth, plastic or metal ribbon with linear measurement markings and is designed to be easy to carry in a tool bag, pocket, or belt loop.
The markings on the top of a tape measure are imperial, and those towards the bottom are metric. A tape that has both sets of measurements can be difficult to read because there are differences between the units. For example, 1 cm makes up ten small divisions on the metric scale while on an imperial tape, each inch is represented by one large number and fractions are labeled in 8ths.
Most tape measures have a metal hook riveted to the end of the blade. It may feel loose or snag on anything it touches, but that’s by design. The looseness allows the hook to be placed flush against an object for inside measurements or hooked onto a nail or screw when taking outside measurements. It can also help if the tape measure is kept as straight as possible since letting it sag can skew your measurements.
Some tapes have a ‘ft’ marking after every 12 inches to make them easier to read on a jobsite. The ft marking isn’t on all tapes, and some simply repeat the same number with smaller increments after it.
Circular Saw
A hand-held or table mounted tool used to cut wood, plastic, metal and masonry. Handymen use this versatile saw all the time. When choosing a circular saw, look for one with enough raw power to slice through everything from wet lumber to dense hardwood without bogging down. Motor wattage and horsepower indicate how much electricity the machine draws, but it’s the blade speed that counts. A fast blade delivers a cleaner, smoother cut with less vibration, which also improves accuracy.
A properly set blade is essential to safe cutting, whether you’re ripping boards or making crosscuts. If the blade is too deep, it’s more dangerous to operate and will leave uneven or crooked edges. To avoid this, place the material on a workbench or sawhorses and clamp it in place. Or make a guide from a long piece of hardboard and mark it to match your saw’s rip or crosscut guides.
When using a saw, wear protective eyewear and ear protectors. Flying chips and dust can irritate the eyes, and a loud saw may pierce the ears. Also, when reversing the direction of a cut, keep your fingers away from the blade to avoid kickback. Always unplug the saw when it’s not in use, and make sure to secure the cord in a safe location where it can’t be pulled out or activated by children.
Jigsaw
The jigsaw is a handy power saw that can cut wood, metals and plastics. Jigsaws have a wide variety of blades, making them versatile enough for almost any DIY project. Using the right blade can help you achieve the exact shape you want for your project. It is also important to know how to use a jigsaw properly in order to avoid any accidents.
Before you start cutting, make sure the jigsaw is on a stable surface. Secure it with clamps if necessary. Also, it is a good idea to work in an open area. This reduces the risk of sawdust and debris flying around. In addition, it is a good idea to wear safety glasses and ear protection. Always remember to let the jigsaw blade fully stop before you lift it up from your workpiece.
If you are cutting a large piece of material, it may be easier to drill a hole for your starting point. Once the hole is made, insert your jigsaw blade and begin cutting. Use an edge guide if necessary to ensure that you are cutting in a straight line. Also, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the blade to veer off course or break. You should also remember to lubricate your blade regularly to keep it from getting dull. You can buy a variety of jigsaw blades for your specific materials at most hardware stores.
