Whether you’re assembling IKEA furniture or mounting things on walls, a cordless driver is a handyman’s best friend. Choose one with smart technology and an easy-to-use interface that’s a pleasure to use.

Some projects require specialized expertise, and hiring a professional will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure the job is completed safely. Ask potential contractors for references, a background check, and a written contract. For help, contact Handyman Naperville IL now!

The tape measure is the most important tool for a handyman. It can be used to measure anything from the width of a door frame to the length of a board. It is usually made of durable material and has imperial and metric measurements. There are a variety of different types of tape measures available, each with its own set of features. To ensure you are getting the best tape measure for your needs, it is important to understand how a tape measure works and how to use it properly.

The first thing to do when using a tape measure is to find the proper markings on the blade. The biggest marking is the inch mark, followed by a line that is progressively shorter, indicating 1/2-inch, 1/4-inch, and 1/8-inch increments. The smallest markings on some tape measures are 1/32-inch increments, though most people will not need this level of precision (though fine woodworkers may).

Most tape measures also have a hole or slit near the end that allows you to hook the tape measure over a nail or screw. This is a convenient way to keep track of your measurement and save your tape measure from having to be unfurled and refolded. Some tape measures also have a belt clip that can be attached to your belt so that it is always within reach.

Next, you will need to learn how to read the tape measure. The easiest way to do this is to look at the biggest marking and then figure out how many inches that is by dividing the number of inches between the two shortest lines. The next step is to figure out what fraction of an inch each shortest line represents by finding the lowest common denominator. For example, the shortest line between the marks for 13 and 14 is read as 13 1/2 inches.

Most tape measures have a metric scale as well as an imperial scale, but the metric markings are not numbered and are therefore difficult to read without practice. Some metric tape measures have black diamond markings that are intended to be used for spacing wall studs and joists. However, most people in the construction industry will only need a dual scale tape measure that shows both inches and centimetres.

Utility Knife

As one of the most useful tools a handyman can have, the utility knife is essential to performing many different tasks. From cutting plastic, insulation, vinyl flooring, and cardboard to scoring drywall and removing carpet, this versatile knife can help you tackle almost any task on a construction site.

In the kitchen, a utility knife is great for cutting a variety of ingredients. They are great for slicing fresh, cooked, and cured meats, as well as fruits and vegetables. They are also ideal for tasks that may be too large or too delicate for a chef’s knife, such as dicing onions, carrots, and other veggies and finely chopping herbs.

OLFA makes several different types of utility knives, with both fixed and retractable blades available. Fixed blade utility knives are designed to cut through materials such as drywall and other sheet materials without leaving any rough edges or gouging the material underneath. They can be used to cut both thick and thin materials with ease, and they are often preferred by handymen because they are lightweight and can be held in one hand.

Retractable utility knives are similar in many ways to fixed blade models, but they allow the user to retract the blade when not in use to protect it from potential injury or damage. They are often smaller and lighter than fixed blade options, but they still offer the durability and dependability that you need from a utility knife.

If you are looking for a more precise cutting tool, consider our line of Ceramic Scalpels. These knives have a smaller handle profile, but they are just as durable and can be used to perform detailed work.

Whether you are working on a home renovation or working on the jobsite, having the right tools will make all the difference. By using the right tools, you can complete your work faster and more efficiently, saving both time and money in the process. A sturdy utility knife is an excellent choice for any project, and it will be a valuable asset for your toolbox for years to come.

Fish Tape

A fish tape is a tool that allows a handyman to run wires through tight spaces and raceways. They’re often used to pull cables and wires through walls, ceilings, raised floors or conduit. They’re nonconductive and can be used with different cable and wire types. The best fish tapes are durable, easy to use and come with a case for protection. They are also available in various lengths to suit your needs.

Typically, fish tapes are made from either steel or fiberglass and can be purchased at most hardware stores. They’re housed in a donut-shaped case with a handle at the top. Some also have reel winders to make them easier to use and store.

To use a fish tape, simply extend it through the conduit and attach the end of the cable or wire that you want to pull. Then, gently tug it back. Be careful not to pull too hard, or you may damage the conduit. For long pulls or around corners, use a wire-pulling lubricant to reduce friction and make the job go easier.

Most fish tapes have support ties that hold them into a coiled shape while in storage. These ties need to be removed before the tape can be unrolled or pulled out of its case. If you’re using a metal fish tape, be sure to turn off any electric circuits in the area before working on them. You can purchase nonconductive fiberglass fish tapes as well if you prefer.

When you’re trying to run a cable or wire, there will almost always be some type of road block that you need to get past. This could be batt insulation, a fire block stud, plumbing or service conductors like SER. Having a fish tape will allow you to see what’s blocking your way so that you can break free or figure out an alternate route.

A handyman can also use a fish tape to rewire an existing home or business. This can be especially helpful in older buildings that have thicker walls. Generally, the best fish tapes are made from either steel or fiber and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Fiberglass fish tapes are typically more flexible than steel ones, but they are also a little more expensive.

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is used for many things by a handyman, including splicing wires, taping ends of cords and wrapping cables. However, it’s best known as an insulator for electrical wiring projects. Electrical tape is made to withstand high temperatures and has an elastic composition that wraps tightly around a wire, insulating the current. It also resists moisture, dirt and other contaminants that could cause a fire. The key to choosing the right electrical tape is finding a model that has been properly tested and meets industry standards.

In addition to a high temperature rating, the ideal electrical tape will have good tensile strength and be resistant to abrasion and UV exposure. It should also have a smooth rubber, vinyl or varnished cambric backing. A good test for this is to stretch out a piece of tape that’s about 4 or 5 inches long and wrap it around your fingers several times. A quality tape will be able to elongate slightly without breaking, and it will then tighten around your fingers. This is because the tape has been designed to provide a seal that prevents moisture, dirt and other contaminates from reaching bare copper wires.

There are a wide variety of different electrical tapes on the market, each designed to meet specific needs. For example, some have a special polymeric construction that improves tear resistance and abrasion resistance. Others have a higher abrasion threshold and can withstand harsh chemicals and fluids that might be encountered on the job. Some are also flame retardant, which can be a crucial safety consideration when working on projects in the home.

The colors of electrical tape can be important, too. These help to identify which wires are which, which can be helpful if you’re working on any electrical projects at home. In addition, some electrical tapes are available in a range of colors that are used to identify different voltages. This can be particularly useful if you’re working with delicate electronic equipment or in areas where there may be dangerous voltages present. It’s also a good idea to choose a type of electrical tape that has a UL certification, which means it has been tested and meets all industry standards.