Handyman Naperville IL completes maintenance and repair tasks in residential and commercial settings. They often work with a team of other professionals, such as plumbers, electricians, and roofers.
A handyman’s tools are their best friend, so choosing the right ones can help them work faster and more efficiently. We asked experienced handymen to recommend their favorite tools and the most essential add-ons.
A cordless driver is a handy tool that is an essential addition to any handyman’s toolkit. They are versatile enough to handle a range of jobs, including drilling holes and driving screws into wood or plasterboard. They come with a wide variety of attachments that can be fitted over the chuck, such as brushes, rotary sanders, and hole saws, to suit different types of work.
The main benefit of a cordless driver is that it does not require being tethered to a power outlet. This means that they are lightweight, mobile, and can be used in spaces with limited access where an extension cord would not be feasible. They also offer a higher level of control and flexibility than their corded counterparts.
The most common type of cordless driver is the drill/driver, which can be used for a range of tasks and is suitable for most DIY jobs. It can be fitted with hex-shank screwdriver bits, making it easy to drive screws into wood or other softer materials. Most models have a variable speed trigger and two or more rpm settings, allowing you to select the right level of torque (twisting force) for each job.
Another option is the cordless impact driver. Unlike the drill/driver, which is designed for general use, the impact driver is specifically geared towards driving threaded fasteners such as screws into wood or other softer materials. It uses a much higher amount of torque to drive the screw, making it ideal for larger jobs that require repetitive screw driving, such as laying decking or building a shed. Most impact drivers have a quick-release hex-shank driver bit system, which makes it easier to switch between the two tools and reduces the risk of stripping screws or ruining bits.
Chalk Line
A chalk line is a tool handymen can use to mark straight lines on objects or surfaces. It consists of a box (or “chalk line body”) filled with colored chalk powder and a reel of string that is coated in the powder. A hook can be attached to the end of the string, and the chalk line can then be pulled taut against a surface to mark a line. The string is then plucked or snapped sharply, which causes it to impart a line of chalk residue on the object along its length.
The chalk line can also be used to mark angles for room framing or other building projects. It is more convenient and easier to see than trying to draw the angle marks by hand with spray paint or pencils. This tool is a staple of construction hand tools that any handyman should have in their arsenal.
There are a variety of different types of chalk line reels on the market that vary in size, gear ratio, filling capacity, and material. It’s important for handymen to find the right one for their needs and budget. For example, a larger reel can snap lines hundreds of feet long but may require more frequent refills than smaller models. Gears are another varying factor, with higher gear ratios helping the user to wind up their chalk lines more quickly and with less frustration.
There are also a variety of colors of chalk to choose from, depending on the surface to be marked. For instance, white powder shows up well against most surfaces but can wash away easily, while yellow is a good choice for outdoor markings because it won’t be washed away by rain or sunlight.
Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is the basic tool of choice for many do-it-yourselfers. You can use it to hang pictures and trim or to do minor building projects. A framing hammer has a heavy head and a flat, prybar-like claw that allows you to drive nails more easily and forcefully separate nailed surfaces. It can also reduce hand fatigue and eliminate sore thumbs.
For a handyman, an 8-ounce stubby claw hammer is ideal because it fits in most toolboxes and can be used to complete a variety of light-duty tasks. It’s also one of the cheapest hammers on the market, and it can be found at most hardware stores. It’s easy to grip and provides minimal vibrations on impact, which makes it a good choice for beginners.
If you need a claw hammer with a bit more heft, try one that weighs 16 or 20 ounces. A heavier hammer provides more leverage, but it can cause wrist strain when swinging it. Some hammers have smooth faces, while others have milled faces. Smooth-faced hammers are less likely to slip from nail heads, but they tend to leave ridges and pockmarks in the wood.
Some hammers have a curved claw that can be used to pull nails from wood, while others have a straight claw that may require more room to maneuver. The head of a claw hammer can be made from steel, fiberglass, or wood. Those with fiberglass handles are inexpensive and lightweight, but they can absorb vibrations less effectively than hickory or steel. Steel handles can be a little intimidating to hold, but they’re durable and are often the best choice for heavy-duty work. Some have eyelets in the handle for tethers, which can keep the hammer from dropping when you’re working up high.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is a flexible ruler used to measure the length of an object or distance. Handymen use a tape measure to take measurements on their projects, and it’s important that they know how to read and use the device properly.
To read a tape measure, you must first understand the increments that are printed on the device. The largest increments are identified by the biggest marks and labeled with numerals. Inch marks usually begin at the top of the tape measure, followed by a series of shorter lines denoting half-inch increments, followed by a quarter-inch mark, and finally 1/16-inch marks. The last increments do not have numeral labels and are difficult to read. Some tape measures also include 1/32-inch marks, which are extremely precise and only needed for very fine work.
Most tape measures have a hook at the end that can be used to grip screws and nails. This feature is important for handymen because it allows them to take measurements without the assistance of a second person. It can also be helpful in taking inside measurements, like the inside width of a bookshelf, as the hook can be pushed against one side of the bookcase and then pulled across to the other side.
The tang at the end of a tape measure is loosely riveted to the blade, which allows it to slide back and forth on the tape measure. This looseness is intentional and helps to ensure accuracy when measuring. It’s a good idea for handymen to practice the technique of measuring by sitting the tang against the edge of a table or chair to get an accurate feel for how the device works.