Having a handyman on call can be helpful when you have a list of household tasks that need to be done. It can also save you time and money by eliminating the need to hire multiple professionals for individual jobs such as a plumber, roofer or painter.
If you’re considering hiring a handyman, be sure to check their credentials and areas of expertise. You can do this by asking for references or reviewing their online reviews. Contact J&R Construction for professional help.
A cordless drill is a handyman’s essential tool. It operates without cords and uses rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion (li-ion), to power its motor. This allows the user to work anywhere without worrying about finding a power outlet. It also saves time because there is no need to wind and unwind a drill’s chuck each time a new bit is needed.
There are a few different types of cordless drill available for Handymen to use depending on their needs and the type of work they perform. These include;
Drill driver – this is the most versatile cordless drill and perfect for a range of tasks including drilling holes and driving screws. It will usually have speed settings and a variable clutch for different torque levels. It also comes with a collet that can take any hex-ended bit, meaning you can swap bits super quickly without having to wind and unwind the chuck.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is a versatile tool that can be used by a Handyman for a variety of tasks. Its key features include an adjusting mechanism that can fit different sizes, a secure grip that won’t slip or do damage to both the fastener and the wrench, and the ability to apply torque in a controlled way.
Using an Adjustable Wrench
Start by identifying the size of the fastener you’re working on. Then, open the adjustable wrench’s jaws by turning the adjusting mechanism counterclockwise. Once the jaws are opened to the correct width, slide them over the nut or bolt. Position the movable jaw so that it makes contact with both sides of the nut or bolt, and make sure the fixed jaw is lined up with the handle of the adjustable wrench to provide leverage.
Next, turn the handle of the adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction to tighten the nut or bolt and counterclockwise to loosen it. Use smooth, steady movements to prevent damaging the nut or bolt. After each use, wipe the wrench clean to remove any grease or dirt, and lubricate its moving parts with light oil to keep it operating smoothly.
Socket Set
Socket sets are essential tools for any Handyman and are available in different sizes to suit all types of bolts and nuts. Typically comprising a ratchet, sockets and extension bars, they enable you to tighten or loosen fasteners with ease. In addition, sockets are designed to encircle the heads of bolts and nuts, meaning they can apply much more turning force than an open-jaw wrench. This minimises the chance of the tool slipping and causing injuries to your fingers, hands or knuckles. Most sockets also feature concave and reverse spiral flute walls, making them able to grip corroded or damaged fasteners more securely.
There are various add-ons that can be used with socket sets, including a socket wrench (which inserts into the socket head to apply turning force), an extension bar (which extends the distance between the socket and ratchet spanner) and a breaker bar (a long non-ratcheting bar that can be applied additional turning force for loosening very tight fasteners). When selecting a socket set, choose one made from durable materials like chrome-vanadium steel with corrosion-resistant finishes and look for both imperial and metric measurements to cater for all possible fastener sizes.
As with all power tools, it is important to use your socket set with care. Avoid using it to pry or break things, as this can damage the internal gears and cause them to malfunction. Additionally, never use your ratchet as a hammer, as this could bend its internal components.
Multimeter
Whether you’re a professional electrician or just a handyman, the multimeter is one of the most essential tools in your arsenal. It’s used to measure voltage, current, and resistance and can help diagnose and troubleshoot problems with electrical systems.
Choosing the right multimeter can be daunting, especially for first-time users. A lot of the language and terminology can be cryptic and confusing, but there are some basic functions that every handyman should understand.
Look for a selector knob or button that allows you to choose the metric you want to measure. It will typically have a label that corresponds with the metric choices on the multimeter’s display. The black common port is usually labeled COM, while the red ports are designated as V Omega (for volts) and 300mA (for measuring small amounts of current in milliamps).
Always shut off power to whatever you’re testing before using the multimeter. If you don’t, it’s possible to damage the circuit and possibly injure yourself. Once you’re ready to use the meter, connect the probes to the corresponding ports and read the results on the display. You’ll also be able to test the condition of a light switch by connecting it to the COM port and then to the wires in the electrical box.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is a handy tool to have in your collection of power tools as it makes a wide variety of cuts easily. It is an invaluable tool for both DIYers and professional carpenters, making clean and straight cuts on sheets of plywood or Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF).
When using a circular saw, always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and work gloves. Be sure the area is clear of debris and that you have adequate lighting and a stable work surface. Double-check your measurements and mark the cutting line on your material before starting to cut. If your circular saw is cordless, select a model that allows you to use multiple batteries at once. This way, you can have enough juice to complete the job without running out halfway through.
Some models feature a bevel adjustment lever or knob that lets you tilt the baseplate to make cuts at an angle. If your model has this feature, loosen it and adjust it to the desired angle, then tighten it. Be sure the notch on the baseplate is aligned with your marked cutting line. If you’re right-handed, grip the rear handle and place your left hand on the front handle for stability.
Level
A level is a secondary tool that’s not in every Handyman’s tool box, but it’s useful for many jobs. These devices have vials of liquid to help establish the horizontal plane of an object or surface, and usually include two lines, called guidelines, that are turned perpendicularly from each other. A small, handheld spirit level can be used to measure the horizontal position of objects, and a larger rotary laser can also work for this purpose but is more complicated.
Longer levels (up to 6 feet or 2 meters) are often used by builders, while shorter versions can be used by homeowners for tasks like hanging picture frames. Some even have vials turned perpendicular to also measure plumb, or vertical alignment. Other, more sophisticated levels can be referred to as optical or surveyor’s level and are used in the field for construction or land surveys. These instruments have a microprocessor that converts tilt sensor data into precise angle measurements and provides a visual bubble display. Some also include temperature compensation to automatically account for the impact of thermal expansion or contraction on the measured angles.
Pliers
Pliers are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide variety of tasks. They have a unique design that allows them to grip materials more firmly than other hand tools. They can be used to bend and shape metals, cut wire, and more. There are many different types of pliers available, and it’s important to choose the right type for the job at hand.
The jaws of pliers can be smooth or serrated to provide a firm grip on the object being held. They can also have a groove or other surface that allows the pliers to grip objects more easily. Some pliers have a special recess called the burner port, which was originally designed to hold hot burner nozzles for welding.
The handles of pliers are usually padded or covered in non-slip material to provide comfort and control during use. They may also be insulated to protect the user from electrical shock. One of the most important components of a plier is its joint, which connects the jaws and handles. Without a strong and precise joint, the pliers would be useless. There are several different types of joints, including slip-joint pliers, parallel-lever pliers, and diagonal cutting pliers.