Handymen are skilled at completing a range of maintenance and repair tasks, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and decorating.
A reliable tape measure is essential for a handyman’s toolkit. Precise measurements are necessary for all kinds of repairs and installations. Contact Emerald City Handyman of Naperville now!
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- Circular Saw
Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a professional contractor, the circular saw is one of the most valuable tools for your toolkit. It’s great for cross-cutting materials like framing lumber and ripping plywood sheets to size. Plus, it can be set to a specific angle for cutting angled edges on sheet materials. It can also be set to a certain depth, perfect for making a precise cut through a piece of material without cutting all the way through it.
When using a circular saw, always be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety. It’s important to use proper stance, wear eye protection and gloves, and clear the work area of debris or obstacles. Also, always make sure the saw is unplugged or disconnected from its battery before adjusting it or changing the blade. You should also draw a guideline on the workpiece and carefully check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Before cutting, make sure the saw blade is set 1/8 to 1/4 inch deeper than the material’s thickness. A blade that is too shallow can create dangerous friction and will cause imperfections in your finished product. If you’re unsure what setting to choose, consult the owner’s manual for guidance.
There are many different kinds of circular saws, and the best one for you depends on the type of project you’re working on. Factors to consider include saw style, blade size, torque and weight, corded versus cordless, shoe material, and more. When shopping for a saw, it’s best to go in-store and try out a few models until you find one that feels right in your hands and is easy to maneuver.
- Screwdrivers
Handyman jobs are varied – you could be mending a leaky pipe one moment, and rewiring an electrical socket the next. You need superior tools that will facilitate your tasks and help you deliver high-quality results. This includes a good screwdriver set that includes both Phillips head and flat-head varieties. You should also invest in a ratcheting screwdriver, which allows you to turn screws without having to grip them with your fingers.
A good quality screwdriver has a shaft made of strong material, often chrome-vanadium steel, to prevent bending or twisting under pressure. The handle is usually shaped to prevent rolling and can be covered in a soft material like rubber or thermoplastic rubber for improved grip. A comfortable grip is important to prevent hand fatigue while working. Some handles are designed with a key-like shape to fit in tight spaces. Others have a hexagonal shape to accept a spanner for increased torque.
Screwdriver heads should be matched to the type and size of screw you’re working on. For example, a flathead screwdriver is best for straight or basic notched screws. Phillips-head screwdrivers can be used for cross-shaped or hex-shaped screws, while tri-wing and tri-point screws have a cross-shaped slot with a deeper hex imposed on top.
Some screwdrivers are also available with a magnetic head that attracts and holds metal nails or screws for easy removal. These are ideal for electrical work, especially when you’re handling live wires. You should also include a pair of wire stripper pliers in your tool kit. This helps you remove stripped wires easily, avoiding the need to use your fingers and potentially causing a fire hazard.
Other hand tools that every handyman should have include a tape measure, duct tape, and a utility knife. The tape measure is essential for accurate measurements, while the duct tape can be used to hold materials together or cover gaps in repairs. The utility knife is useful for cutting various materials.
- Hammer
The hammer is a highly versatile hand tool for many jobs and should always be kept in Handyman’s arsenal. Hammers come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, each designed for a specific task to ensure efficient use, minimal fatigue and maximum safety for the user. Using the wrong type of hammer for a particular job can result in shoddy workmanship and even personal injury.
Hammers are typically composed of two parts: a dense metal striking head and a non-metallic mechanical shock absorber handle. The latter is usually made from wood or a durable plastic, often with a rubber grip to reduce vibration and enhance user comfort. Handles are also available in a range of lengths to suit the intended use, with longer handles providing greater leverage and accuracy for heavier or more demanding tasks.
A variety of hammers are used in a wide range of applications for Handyman, including carpentry, metalwork, landscaping and masonry. Some hammers have a dual purpose, such as a ball peen hammer that has one flat face and a rounded “peen” end for shaping metal and setting rivets. Other hammers, such as the brick hammer or mason’s hammer, have distinct chisel-like heads for breaking up and shaping stone and concrete.
Many of the most common Handyman tasks require drilling holes, and having a high-quality drill bit kit is essential for any professional. A ratchet drill bit set is ideal for most drilling applications, and is available in different head widths to fit the requirements of specific tasks, such as drilling through concrete or timber. Handymen may also need to utilise a more powerful impact drill for heavy-duty jobs, or a high-speed hammer drill for faster work.
- Screwdriver Bits
Screwdriver socket bits are an indispensable tool for a Handyman, helping them complete countless jobs quickly and efficiently. From assembling and tightening furniture to replacing light fixtures, socket bits make many tasks much simpler than they would be otherwise.
Having a wide range of screwdriver bit configurations will also help you tackle any project or repair with ease and accuracy. From the five most common types of screwdriver bits to more specialized options, you can be sure that you’ll have the right bit for any job at hand.
Phillips bits, also known as phillips head screws and driver bits, have six points that prevent slippage or cam-out when used with power drivers. A popular choice for household DIY projects, these bits are available in a variety of lengths to suit different needs.
Hex bits, also known as allen screw drives, have a smooth hexagonal shank all the way to their tip. These are the ones that you’ll find in those hex wrenches that come with flatpack furniture kits. They’re also the ones that you’ll use with a screwdriver or drill to drive hex screws and bolts.
Torx bits have a similar design to Hex bits, but with more points. These are commonly found in electronics, appliances and automobiles and can withstand more torque than other types of screwdriver bits. Finally, pozidriv bits look very similar to Phillips head screws but have smaller ribs that move into each corner, making them less likely to slip.
No matter which type of screwdriver bits you choose, it’s important to keep your tools in good condition to prevent them from becoming worn or damaged. This will help you prolong the life of your tools and ensure that they’re ready to be put to work whenever you need them.
- Hammer Bits
Handymen often work with power tools, including rotary hammers and drills. These pieces of equipment are a must-have for any handyman. When paired with the right attachments, they can help you perform a wide range of tasks.
For instance, if you are working on a project that requires drilling into concrete, then a masonry bit is the right tool for the job. These types of drill bits are thicker and sturdier than regular carpentry drill bits, and they feature a broader tip that breaks up and chips away concrete rather than cutting it. They also have a set of spiral flutes situated behind the tip that direct waste and debris away from the hole as it is being drilled.
Another great option for rotary hammers is coring drill bits. These are designed for use with SDS (split-locking) chuck systems and come in several sizes to suit different needs. They have a unique carbide design that delivers longer grinding intervals, enhanced penetration rates, and better collaring accuracy.
A good quality rotary hammer can be paired with a variety of accessories, such as chisels for scaling metal, breaking concrete and removing tile. It’s important to choose a rotary hammer that is equipped with an SDS-Max chuck system to ensure compatibility with these accessories.
Adding the right tools to your arsenal of Handyman tools will allow you to tackle any DIY project with ease. A reliable drill is an absolute must, but make sure you choose a model that is compatible with a range of screwdriver bits so you can quickly switch between drilling and driving screws. You should also add a pair of wire stripper pliers to your collection, as they will help you remove old and outdated wiring without damaging it.