Handyman Lexington KY performs a wide range of tasks, from painting and drywall repair to landscaping and pressure washing. They have a variety of tools that are essential for completing projects quickly and efficiently.
A versatile power drill is a must-have for handymen, along with an adjustable wrench and socket set. A jigsaw helps with cutting intricate shapes and a staple gun speeds up trim work and furniture assembly.
A handyman needs a wide variety of tools to perform various tasks, but one of the most essential is a cordless drill. These power tools run on batteries and are ideal for drilling holes into different materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and stone. They also work well for tightening screws using their power screwdriver feature.
They are very user-friendly, with a balanced design and easy one-handed operation. This makes them better suited for work in tight spaces than corded drills, which often have a top-heavy weight distribution and prove difficult to maneuver with a single hand. They are also highly portable and can be used in a variety of working conditions, such as in areas without an electrical outlet or while climbing ladders.
If you’re considering getting a cordless drill for your Handyman business, keep in mind that they need to be properly maintained to ensure optimal performance and durability. This means regularly cleaning them and maintaining their batteries to avoid damage or poor efficiency. To extend their lifespan, you should also use them according to their intended purpose and store them in a dry, safe place. Also, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s manual to learn more about the features and specifications of your particular model.
Adjustable Wrench
The adjustable wrench is one of the most essential hand tools a Handyman can own. It allows them to tighten or loosen a wide range of fastener sizes, eliminating the need for multiple wrenches and saving space in their tool box. Adjustable wrenches can be found in a variety of sizes, such as 6-inch or 8-inch models, with larger sizes suitable for heavy-duty applications.
When choosing an adjustable wrench, look for one that has a smooth adjustment mechanism that is easy to grip and turn. It should also be made of high-quality materials, such as chrome vanadium, which tolerates a lot of use and won’t break easily. The handle should be comfortable and well-shaped to fit your hands, making it easier to use.
To use an adjustable wrench, identify the size of the nut you’re trying to fasten. Open the jaw by turning the screw mechanism until it is a snug fit around the nut and close the jaw by tightening the screw again. Then, turn the handle clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen the nut. Check the grip often and readjust as needed to distribute force evenly and prevent damage to the wrench or the nut.
Socket Set
Whether you are an avid DIYer tackling home improvement projects or a professional mechanic working on complex automotive repairs, a socket set is an essential tool for any workshop. They provide a quick and easy way to tighten or loosen fasteners without removing the whole bolt. They are available in various configurations, sizes, and accessories. You can choose from a wide range of standard socket sets with attachment sizings to suit the most common nut and bolt gauges, or opt for specialty sockets such as deep sockets designed to reach protruding bolts or recessed nuts.
The design of sockets usually features an opening with a square or hexagonal drive-post connector on the head. A ratchet wrench is attached to the socket via this connection, and used to deliver or absorb torque, turning the fastener clockwise or anti-clockwise. The ratcheting mechanism provides easy, smooth, and continuous motion to make the work less labor intensive.
Most socket sets come in a chrome finish to provide a durable and polished appearance, while offering resistance to corrosion or rust. However, they can also be found in black oxide finishes, which are better suited for abrasive environments or tasks that require prolonged use.
Multimeter
While drills and sanders may get all the love in the home improvement shop, a multimeter is one of the most useful tools a Handyman can own. It’s a small electrical tester used to check for voltage, continuity and resistance in circuits or components, and it can save a homeowner tons of time troubleshooting problems around the house.
While there are digital and analog multimeters, the most common type is a digital model that’s easy to use and offers auto-ranging options. A multimeter typically consists of a display screen, a selection dial and input jacks. The black probe wire plugs into the COM port, and the red probe (also known as a positive or hot wire) plugs into whichever jack is labeled for the desired function, such as VO (voltage), mA (current) or ohms.
Once the multimeter is set up, the user simply touches the test leads to an electrical circuit to read the reading on the display. The device can also be used to test for continuity by connecting the probes across each other and then twisting the selection knob until a beep sound is heard, signaling a connection. When using a multimeter, it’s important to follow proper safety guidelines to prevent injury or fire.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is a handy power tool that has a round blade and may be handheld or mounted to a table. It can cut wood and other materials such as plastic and stone. It can also be used to make straight cuts or angles. This power tool is particularly useful for a DIYer, but it can also be a vital part of the toolset of a professional carpenter.
When using a circular saw, a Handyman should always wear safety glasses or goggles with side shields that comply with national standards and a face shield if appropriate. He should use a respirator when working with harmful or nuisance dusts, and should use hearing protection in noisy areas. He should also check the retracting lower guard to ensure that it works freely, and always use the correct blade for the job at hand.
Before beginning a cutting job, the Handyman should mark the desired cut line on the workpiece with a tape measure and a pencil. He should then loosen the lever or knob on the saw and adjust the blade depth so that it is just below the marked line. During the cutting process, the Handyman should exert gentle forward pressure on the saw to guide it through the material without applying excessive force. He should also avoid sudden movements and the temptation to defeat the guard or remove it entirely.
Level
Handymen often have to work with a variety of materials and tools. This is especially true when it comes to working with flooring. A Handyman can expertly refinish existing floors or install new tile, carpeting and hardwood floors. Having the right level can help Handymen make sure their finished project is straight and accurate.
Whether it’s a spirit level or a torpedo level, these levels use liquid-filled vials with an air bubble to check if surfaces are horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). For more precise measurements and professional jobs, Handymen may need a digital or laser level for higher accuracy.
Tools can be expensive, but Handymen need to invest in quality hand and power tools to get the most out of them. Keeping these tools clean and well-maintained can help them last longer and show their professionalism to clients. Handymen also need to budget for other business expenses, including marketing, insurance and living expenses.
One of the most important things a Handyman needs to understand is how to price their services. This is key to making sure they are covering costs, earning a profit and maintaining client consistency. Using a handyman pricing template or specialized handyman software can help ensure profitable flat-rate prices for every job and improve customer satisfaction.
Pliers
Pliers are hand tools for gripping, cutting, and bending objects. They can also be used to help turn and hold nuts and bolts. A handyman needs to stock up on pliers of different types for different jobs.
A plier is usually constructed of a pair of metal first-class levers, with a fulcrum located closer to one end than the other. This allows the gripping force of the jaws to be amplified and focused on an object with precision. The gripping surface of pliers can vary in shape and texture, from smooth surfaces for delicate materials to aggressive profiles for hard and slippery objects.
The handles of a pair of pliers are typically ergonomically shaped and coated with non-slip materials for comfort during use. They can also be insulated to protect against electric shock and improve handling and control. KNIPEX offers a variety of handle variants, including bare handles, plastic-coated handles, various multi-component handles and two versions of insulated VDE handles.
The jaws of a pair of pliers can be adjusted in width to allow them to grasp a wider range of objects. The heads of a pair of pliers can also be angled in different directions to achieve specific manipulations. For example, needle nose pliers have long pointy jaws that are ideal for gripping small and narrow objects.