Handymen help make the home run smoothly by taking care of a wide variety of small projects. They can handle anything from repairing the hole in your wall to re-tiling your shower.
If you’re considering hiring a handyman, be sure to check their references and get an idea of their work history before giving them the green light. It also helps if they’re insured. Contact Professional Home Repair now!
A fish tape is a wire-guiding tool used by electricians to pull cable through enclosed spaces like walls and conduits. The tool is typically crafted from steel or fiberglass and stored in a circular plastic casing that allows for easy extension and retraction. It is available in lengths of up to 200 feet and can simplify cable installation, avoiding costly wall damage. Fish tapes are available as either conductive or non-conductive, with the latter being preferred when working near live circuits to reduce risk of electrical shock.
Most fish tapes have a metal head that connects to the wire to be pulled. Some of these heads have steel eyelets that are designed to pierce through drywall, while others are constructed with a flexible leader end to help navigate through tight bends and into junction boxes. The leader end also provides a convenient grip for reeling the tape back in, and many models offer an adjustable handle to accommodate various hand sizes.
The most common type of fish tape is made from stainless steel. This material offers a high push and pull strength and is durable enough to resist corrosion in harsh environments. Other types of fish tape are made from aluminum or polyester and have a higher tensile strength, while some have a higher level of resistance to chemicals. Some fish tapes are also insulated and can be used in flammable or explosive environments.
For electricians, fish tape is a necessary tool for a wide variety of applications. Some of these projects include pulling electric wire through conduit and into stud bays, running phone, data, and video lines in walls, or installing voice/data/video cables beneath subfloors or above drop ceilings. The right tool can simplify these installations and ensure that the job is done correctly and quickly.
To select the best fish tape for a particular project, consider factors like the type of environment where the work will be completed and how long the run needs to be. A basic, hoop-shaped steel fish tape may be adequate for a simple residential application, while professionals in more hazardous locations may prefer a fiberglass model that is non-conductive and safe to use around live circuits.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is an essential tool for a handyman, providing the ability to insulate wires and other items that conduct electricity. It’s also often used to make minor repairs to damaged wires, as it offers good resistance against moisture, abrasion and corrosion. It’s available in a range of colours and thicknesses, and different types are tailored to specific applications.
A quality electrical tape is UL Listed, meaning that it has been tested and meets rigorous standards for safety and performance. These tests revolve around factors such as backing strength, elongation and adhesiveness. The majority of electrical tapes also feature some form of a flame retardant property, making them safe to use in environments that may expose them to high levels of heat.
In general, a handyman will need a variety of different electrical tapes to perform a wide range of tasks. Vinyl electrical tape is the most common type, offering good insulation and a durable adhesive. Other types include rubber, mastic and varnished cambric electrical tapes, each with their own unique properties. These types are sometimes used for colour coding purposes, where different colours represent a voltage level or usage designation, helping electricians to identify wires in complex systems.
For more specialised jobs, such as wiring light switches or junction boxes, a handyman should consider using heat shrink tape or insulated tubing. These products are designed to offer better protection and additional insulation in a more compact package.
When using any type of electrical tape, a handyman should take care to follow the manufacturer’s directions for application. Failure to do so could result in a poor connection, which could generate excessive heat and cause a fire hazard. The use of proper application techniques will help to ensure that the tape provides a sound barrier against external interference and prevents unwanted shocks or current leakage.
Ideally, the use of electrical tape should be limited to situations that do not involve live wires. If a wire is exposed to the elements or is exposed to friction, it should be properly replaced as soon as possible to avoid a potential fire hazard.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is one of the essential tools for a handyman. It allows the user to make quick, straight cuts in a wide variety of materials. When used properly, a circular saw can save time and money on a project. In addition, it can help ensure a professional finish on your work.
Circular saws are available in both corded plug-in models and cordless battery powered versions. The latter are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer more versatility than corded models. For example, you can use them at home or on a construction site without being tied down to an electrical outlet.
Regardless of which type you choose, it’s important to keep safety in mind when using this tool. Wear a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris, and consider wearing ear protection as well. The noise from a circular saw can also be damaging to your hearing.
It’s also a good idea to purchase a pair of gloves, as they can prevent your hands from getting nicked or cut by the blade. Finally, you’ll want to have a pair of sawhorses or a table on which to set the material for cutting. It’s also a good idea to set the material on a piece of scrap wood, as this will help protect it from damage caused by the circular saw.
While the circular saw is a powerful and versatile tool, it can be dangerous if not used correctly. It’s important to follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines for use, as these can help you avoid dangerous kickback or splintering when sawing wood or other materials. Always unplug the saw or remove its battery before changing the blade or adjusting its settings. Additionally, you should never cut directly on concrete or other hard surfaces as this can cause severe damage to both the materials and your equipment.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a circular saw with a dust extract nozzle. These can be connected to a vacuum or dust collector and help minimize the amount of debris left behind after a project. Lastly, it’s important to use a combination square and a carpenter’s pencil when marking lumber for cut lines. This will help you achieve precise and accurate cuts every time.
Power Drill
A power drill is one of the most essential tools that every handyman needs, and it can also be one of the most versatile. It can bore holes, drive screws, and even sand, polish, and grind various materials. The basic mechanism of a drill is simple: a trigger switch activates an electric motor that spins a rotating chuck to either bore or screw in various types of bits. Today’s drills can come with a variety of features to improve control and performance, including high-capacity nickel-metal-hydride batteries, LED work lights, built-in levels, and variable speed triggers.
There are a lot of different options when choosing a power drill, but the best ones are those that fit well in your hand. It’s important to find a drill that is comfortable to hold for long periods, especially if you’re going to be using it for multiple projects in a row or doing something repetitive like drilling or driving screws. The ideal drill will also be light and balanced, so that it’s easy to maneuver around a project. It’s also worth looking for a drill that can stand up, which makes it easier to grab mid-project and less likely to mar delicate surfaces.
When selecting a power drill, it’s also important to consider the voltage. The lower the voltage, the less powerful the drill will be. For most jobs, a 12-volt drill will be enough to meet your needs. If you’re planning on doing more demanding tasks, however, a higher-voltage model may be necessary.
You should also make sure that your drill has a variety of different drill and screwdriver bits available. This will help you handle more of your projects. Also, be sure to keep it clean and dry between uses, as this will extend its lifespan.
Finally, a good handyman will also take care of his or her tools. This means making sure that the reverse switch is in the off position when not in use, and ensuring that proper safety precautions are taken when using the drill. It’s also important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves, when working with a power tool.
