Handyman Naperville IL is a profession that performs general repair and maintenance work on homes, businesses, and other commercial buildings. Most commonly, handymen are self-employed, but some work for construction companies and repair service firms.
It is important for a handyman to have a written contract with customers that outlines the work to be done and the price. It also protects both parties from potential problems or misunderstandings.
A hammer is an essential tool for any handyman, but it’s important to select the right one. Look for a hammer that has a well-balanced handle and is comfortable to hold. Additionally, consider a model with features that minimize vibrations and shock to the wrist, hand, elbow, and shoulder. This can help prevent bruised knuckles and other injuries associated with hammering.
Whether you’re looking for a hammer to complete a specific project or simply to stock your toolbox, there are many types to choose from. A claw hammer, for example, has a small groove and magnet that allow you to start nails without risking your fingers. You can also opt for a sledgehammer that can break through concrete or masonry with a single blow, or a tack hammer that has a magnetic face to help you start tacks and nails.
The shape of the head is another consideration, with smooth faces being preferred for general home maintenance because they will cause less damage if you miss your swing. Other heads may have a textured or waffled surface, or they might be milled, which gives you more grip and is often preferred for framing projects. The handle of a hammer is usually formed on a lathe. A piece of wood is secured at each end of the lathe, and a cutting tool moves in and out rapidly to cut the desired handle profile.
Level
Handymen often use a level to ensure that surfaces are flat and even. This is particularly important when installing tile or constructing closet walls, but it can also be helpful in determining the proper angle to dig a trench or set concrete form boards.
A standard 2-ft. A level works fine for smaller tasks, but a laser level can provide more accurate measurements for longer projects. These devices hook onto a long string and produce horizontal and vertical lines of dots. The laser’s light reflects off the surface being measured, and if the lines are perfectly centered in their vials, the surface is even and plumb.
When using a level, be sure to clean the device’s frame and vials before taking any readings. Also, be sure to store the tool in a dry area away from sunlight and extreme temperatures that can affect its accuracy.
A laser level may also come with other features that can make your job easier, such as magnetic edges or shock-absorbing ends. Lastly, it’s important to double-check your work by rotating the device 180 degrees and taking another reading. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your finished product is accurate.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are small, hand-operated tools that have interchangeable driver bits. These come in various sizes and shapes to fit different fasteners. Most sets include Phillips, flat, and torx head types. Some sets also contain ratcheting screwdrivers that allow users to tighten or loosen screws with a simple click of a button. These can be used in places where a wrench is not possible or where it would cause discomfort to use a power tool.
Screw drivers consist of three parts: the handle, shaft, or shank, and the drive tip or bit. The handles are typically made from hard plastic, such as cellulose acetate or thermoplastic rubber, and some feature a grip design to improve comfort when gripping. They vary in length from stubby to over 12 inches. The shaft or shank can be smooth or textured for better gripping, and some are hexagonal to accommodate wrenches.
The bit or tip determines which fasteners the screwdriver can tighten or loosen, and there are several common types, including slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, square, star, and security or tamper-proof bits. There are also hex-head and allen-bit screwdrivers. Some screwdrivers are insulated to protect against electrical shock, and these can be useful for completing jobs near or around live wires.
Pliers
Pliers are an essential tool for any handyman, and they come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs. These multipurpose tools can be used to cut wire, loosen screws, and gain access to inaccessible areas. They can also be used to bend and reshape metal, as well as hold nails. They are an excellent choice for both home and professional use.
Pliers come in a variety of forms and functions, from needle-nose pliers to water-pump pliers. Depending on the type of job, a handyman will need a specific set of pliers to complete the task at hand.
The handles are the parts of a pair of pliers that the user squeezes, and they must be top-notch. They are frequently coated with a nonslip material, such as rubber or silicone, and provide the leverage necessary for the jaws to bite and manipulate an object. The jaws themselves are often serrated to improve grip, and they may be divided into sections with different gripping shapes.
Another common type of plier is called a locking plier, which is useful for clamping down on objects without using both hands. These pliers have a double-lever action that allows them to lock down with more force.
Measuring Tape
A tape measure is a handy tool for measuring the length of objects and spaces. It’s an essential tool for a handyman because it allows him to quickly and accurately determine the size of items needed for his projects.
When choosing a tape measure, look for one with accurate scale markings. Make sure the first marking is labeled “1,” which indicates the measurement unit is inches. After that, the markings should be clear and easy to read. Most measuring tapes have a numbering system that includes decimal points and fractions. For example, 1/4″ is half of 1/2″, and 1/8″ is half of 1/4″.
The metal hook at the end of a measuring tape can come in handy for inside measurements. It’s usually loose so that it can latch onto objects without pulling them out of shape and skewing the measurement. The hook can also be hooked onto screws to hold it in place.
Some tape measures have a metric side with smaller numerals, while others have imperial units in the top row and metric measurements on the bottom. For more accuracy, choose a tape measure with both measurements displayed together so that you can determine the correct amount of material to purchase for a project.
Circular Saw
A handyman needs a circular saw to cut wood and other materials, such as plywood sheets or lengths of 4×4 pressure-treated posts. A standard 7-1/4-inch model can handle most framing applications as well as the basic projects on your weekend project list. Look for a saw with an aluminum or magnesium shoe that supports the blade without touching the workpiece. These lightweight materials make the tool easy to maneuver and easy on your wrist.
A good saw should allow you to quickly and accurately set the cutting depth. Use a framing square to mark the board where you want to cut and draw a dark, straight line that will be easy to follow with your saw. Then plug in your saw, place the shoe on the edge of the material, and position it next to but not touching the line you’ve drawn. Then press a trigger lock switch and pull it to start the motor.
Most models have levers or knobs for adjusting the angle of the blade, called the bevel. A bevel adjustment that’s easily accessible when wearing work gloves is the best design choice. Also, make sure the saw you choose has plenty of amperage for its intended use.
Electrical Tape
Unlike general tape, electrical tape must be able to insulate and protect wiring as well as provide fire safety. It also needs to be able to withstand temperature changes and physical stress. Generally speaking, electrical tape is more expensive than regular tape, but the quality and versatility of the product often make it worth the extra money.
When shopping for electrical tape, look for a product that has a high-quality adhesive and an elastic backing that is resistant to temperature changes. Look for a thickness and dielectric strength that meet industry standards as well. Additionally, consider the color options available for your project. Some electrical tapes are black, while others come in a wide range of colors to indicate specific wire levels and types, such as green for earth ground wire or blue for low voltage.
Some varieties of electrical tape, such as rubber tape, are designed to splice and terminate wires and cables. They are UL-listed and come in different widths to accommodate specific projects. Other varieties, such as liquid electrical tape, are a fluid version that you can apply to wires with a built-in brush. Liquid electrical tape is easy to use and provides abrasion, damage, moisture, and fire resistance.
