Handyman Naperville IL can do everything from fixing a leaky faucet to installing a new light fixture. However, they don’t have the same skills as a licensed plumber or electrician.
Some handymen choose to charge by the hour, while others prefer to price jobs based on the scope of work and factor in the cost of any specialty tools or equipment needed.
A circular saw uses a selection of disc-shaped blades to cut materials such as timber, plastic, and metal. It’s a great tool to have when working on home improvement projects, as it allows you to make repeating straight cuts quickly and accurately. The tool is available in both cordless and electric options, with the latter often being a better choice when working on heavy-duty jobs.
A great option for a beginner or someone who plans on using the tool occasionally is the BLACK+DECKER ONE+ Circular Saw, which provides plenty of power and precision. With a large 7 1/4″ blade, it’s capable of cutting through wood and metal without much difficulty. It also includes an easy-to-use depth adjustment that lets you create precise cuts with the tool.
The saw’s baseplate can be used to support a straightedge guide, which is useful when making rip cuts (cuts that run parallel with the grain of the material). This feature allows you to get accurate and straight results every time. The guide can be attached to the saw’s baseplate or to an external device such as a clamp.
It’s important to note that when using a circular saw, you need to take extra care and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. This means keeping your hands away from the blade and always gripping the tool properly to avoid splinters or injuries. It’s also recommended that you regularly inspect the blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and other safety features to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
A good idea is to keep a spare blade in case it’s damaged when working on a project and to regularly clean the saw and remove any debris before storage. This will help extend the lifespan of your tools and make them more reliable.
Framing Nailer
The framing nailer is a staple tool for handymen, as it allows them to quickly drive large nails into thick material. It’s used to build and repair decks, fences, sheds, and other small buildings, as well as framing houses and other structures. A nailer can be either pneumatic or electric, depending on the type of job and its intended use.
A pneumatic nailer uses an air compressor to drive nails, whereas an electric nailer draws power from an outlet or battery. Both can be effective, but it’s important to consider the needs of your business and choose the right one for your specific purposes.
Both types of nailers have a variety of options and features, such as an adjustable depth, no-mar pad, and exhaust diffuser. The best framing nailers also have a removable nose cap that prevents accidental firing and helps you get into tight spaces. They also come with a choice of interchangeable triggers, so you can choose between single-fire and bump-fire modes. The single-fire mode is safer and easier to master, so it’s a good idea to use this until you have a feel for the tool.
Another consideration is whether the framing nailer uses round-head or clipped-head nails. Many local building codes require the use of round-head nails, which can hold up better than clipped-head ones. A good framing nailer will accommodate both kinds of nails, but it’s best to stick with round-head nails.
A nailer’s size and weight are also important factors to keep in mind. A framer may need to crouch or stand on a ladder for long periods of time, so it’s important that the tool is light and easy to maneuver. Additionally, it should have a depth adjustment that’s easy to turn without requiring too much force.
Miter Saw
A miter saw is a tool of choice for many carpenters. It cuts a wide range of wood workpieces, including trim and moldings. It can also cut metal and masonry with the right blade. Miter saws cannot cut a large sheet of material like a table saw, and they don’t curve as well as a bandsaw, but they are great for cutting dimensional lumber for building framing or decks.
There are a number of different types of miter saws available to a handyman, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a sliding miter saw can increase cross-cut capacity but may require regular maintenance to keep the blade in perfect alignment. If you don’t want to deal with that, consider a compound miter saw that can cut both bevels and crosscuts.
Another feature to consider is the size of the miter saw’s base, as this will determine how portable it is. Many of these saws have bases that can fold to become a rolling stand, so you can easily transport the tool in and out of your truck or garage. If you don’t need to move your saw around much, consider a cordless model that runs on a battery and doesn’t require cords to operate.
Finally, be sure the saw you choose has a dust collection port so you can hook it up to a shop vac to minimize the amount of sawdust in your workspace and lungs. Even the best miter saws will produce a lot of dust, and if you don’t have some kind of dust control system, your shop can quickly become a messy place to work. Fortunately, most miter saws come with simple dust ports that you can use to connect your vacuum.
Fish Tape
A handyman needs to run cables and wires through a finished wall, and that’s where fish tape comes in. It’s a thin, flexible length of nylon, fiberglass, or steel designed to be fed through narrow spaces and wall cavities, helping you guide wiring through walls, conduits, and other obstacles without damaging the conductors inside.
There are several different types of fish tape, and it’s important to pick one that matches your needs. For example, if you work in an environment with potentially energized circuits (like a data center), look for an option that’s rated to withstand electrical shock. This can protect you from injuries caused by electrical arcing and reduce the likelihood of equipment damage.
Most fish tapes come coiled on a plastic reel, which allows you to store them neatly and easily when not in use. The reels also make it easy to grab the right length of fishing tape when you need it. Most models feature hooks on either end that can be attached to wires, which helps you pull them through walls or conduits. When you’re pulling through an especially long opening, it’s a good idea to use two pieces of fish tape connected together to help prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged.
A fish tape’s case is another important factor to consider. Look for one that’s made from corrosion-resistant material, so it can last longer. Some cases come with a thumb control, so you can wind up the tape quickly and easily. Others are made with wide, impact-resistant slots that ensure the tape can be wound securely. Some even have viewports, so you can see where the tape is positioned within the case.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a must-have tool for any handyman. You can use it to patch minor nicks in your wiring, protect exposed wires from heat, or for arts and crafts projects. It’s important to look for electrical tape that has a rubber or vinyl backing that is resistant to temperature extremes and can stretch. It should also be able to resist airborne contaminants and create an airtight seal. Look for a UL listing or Canadian CSA approval, which are certifications that indicate the tape has passed certain quality and performance qualifications.
You can find electrical tape in a variety of widths and colors, depending on your project’s needs. You may want to opt for a wider tape for larger applications or go with a narrower version for tighter spaces. The thickness of the tape is another factor to consider. Thicker tapes are more durable, but they can be difficult to tear. Look for an adhesive that doesn’t leave a residue upon removal or a softer adhesive for a more natural tear experience.
Most traditional electrical tapes have a black backing made of vinyl, rubber, or varnished cambric. The elasticity of the backing allows it to stretch out and around your wiring without being affected by current flow. This type of backing also resists temperature extremes and helps the tape hold up to abrasion, moisture, and damage.
Some electrical tapes have different colors to mark voltage levels and phases of wires (colored tape is sometimes called phasing tape). You can even find a special striped variety that allows you to label each individual wire with letters or numbers. These are great for identifying which wires supply power to adjacent outlets or appliances, as well as spliced wires that aren’t yet fully connected.