Handymen can help with a wide range of home repairs. Some specialize in specific areas of expertise, like clogged toilets or installing smart home devices.
Invest in high-quality tools to increase your efficiency and provide quality work for customers. A good tool kit includes a reliable measuring tape for precise measurements and pliers for a variety of tasks, including cutting drywall and opening packages. Click here to Learn More.
A staple in the toolkit of any Handyman, a circular saw uses a sharp rotating blade to cut through construction materials. These portable tools come in corded and cordless versions and can be used to make both cross cuts and rip cuts. They’re a popular choice among professional carpenters and DIY hobbyists alike, primarily because of their versatility.
When using a circular saw, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Before you begin cutting, always check that your material is stable and free of nails and screws that could cause kickback. If possible, secure the material to a workbench or sawhorse. In addition, be sure to wear proper eye and ear protection. Finally, be sure to properly set the blade before you start cutting.
To do this, unplug the tool or disconnect the battery. Next, remove the lower blade guard by turning the wrench counterclockwise to loosen and then extract it through the slot in the saw foot or base. Position the new blade to spin in the correct direction and then slide it up through the slot on the head of the blade shaft, resting against the outer blade washer. Install the blade stud and tighten it by hand in a clockwise direction until it’s finger-tight. Finally, lock the blade and use the included wrench to tighten it slightly (for example, 1/8 turn or to specific guide markings). Be careful not to overtighten.
Once the saw is ready to cut, grip the rear handle firmly with your dominant hand and place your non-dominant hand on the front handle for stability. Then, squeeze the trigger and push the saw slowly and smoothly down along your cut line. Remember to keep the “0” baseplate notch aligned with your cut line the entire time.
If you need to cut a bevel, first subtract the desired angle from 90 degrees and then adjust the blade accordingly. For the most precise bevels, consider using a miter saw instead of a circular saw. However, for standard bevels of less than 45 degrees, a circular saw can do the job quite well.
Fish Tape
A handyman uses a fish tape to run wires and cables through walls and tight spaces. This can include installing lighting and doorbells. The tool is also used to pull wires through conduit. A fish tape is available in different lengths, but the most common ones are 25- and 50-foot pieces. Typically, the wire snake is stored in a protective case. There are also powered models that can reel in the wire automatically.
Before using the fish tape, the worker should carefully map out the route for the cable or wire. This can help ensure the wire or cable goes where it needs to go without causing problems. It is also important to note any areas where the fish tape will encounter obstructions, such as stud bays or concrete blocks.
When ready to use the fish tape, the worker should unroll a portion of it from the plastic case. He or she should only pull out the amount needed to reach the conduit or wall. Then, the worker should gently push the fish tape through the conduit or wall. A wire pulling lubricant may be used to reduce friction and make the process easier.
The most common fish tapes are steel, but they can be made of fiberglass as well. A fiberglass fish tape is non-conductive and safer to use when working near energized conductors. However, it does not have the same pushing and pulling strength as a steel tape.
If the user runs into any resistance, such as a tight bend or an insulated wall, he or she should re-coil the fish tape to create a larger diameter loop. Then, the end of the fish tape should be covered with electrical tape to protect the bare end from accidental contact with live circuits.
Many electricians and information transport systems installers rely on fish tapes to snake wires through drywall and other closed spaces. Ideal Industries notes that some of the latest fish tapes include new improvements such as high-visibility glow tips and laser footage markings. These features improve visibility in dimly lit areas, helping users avoid obstacles and find the end of the tape more easily.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a common staple for Handymen, and not just because it is cheap. It is important for maintaining safety during electrical work, and it also helps to ensure that minor repairs are done quickly and correctly. Being knowledgeable about its types, uses, and application techniques can help you get the most out of this versatile product.
When purchasing electrical tape, look for a solution that is UL rated and CSA approved. Having this certification ensures that the tape is flame retardant and will not melt or break under stress. A quality electrical tape is also able to resist moisture, abrasion, and corrosion. Look for solutions with a minimum and maximum temperature rating as well. If you are working outdoors in cold conditions, it is best to use a cold weather variety of tape that provides better adhesion. For all other applications like indoor settings, standard electrical tape should be sufficient.
A good electrical tape will have a high level of elongation. This is a measurement of the amount that the tape can stretch before breaking, and it is important for making sure that the tape is long enough to cover your entire job. A low elongation may make the tape less reliable and could cause damage to your wires or insulation jacket.
Additionally, a good electrical tape will have a high dielectric strength. This is the amount of voltage that the tape can withstand without causing damage. The higher the dielectric strength, the more reliable and durable the tape is.
Finally, look for a tape that is easy to remove. This can be helpful when you need to move the tape to a different area or to remove it completely, and it will also contribute to clean up ease. Some tapes also leave no sticky residue, which can be an added bonus.
If you are looking for an electrical tape that is ideal for your next project, be sure to check out the Boshart online store. You can request free samples and download CADs to ensure that you are selecting the right solution for your needs. We also offer fast despatch, so you can be assured that your products will arrive on time and ready to use.
Miter Saw
A miter saw is a woodworking tool that makes precise cross cuts and angled cuts in boards, trim work, molding and other DIY projects. It’s also ideal for creating complex angled cuts such as bevel and compound angle cuts. It is used to cut wood and can also be used to cut metal, masonry and plastics, depending on the type of blade that’s used.
A typical miter saw consists of a table with a track where the blade sits, and a fence that sticks out from the table and holds the board against it. The fence has stops that you can flip up to create different angles, and it helps keep your cuts straight and accurate.
Most miter saws have a blade guard that covers the teeth when the tool is not in use, and they usually retract as the saw is lowered down to a workpiece. The saw’s blade should never be exposed when it is cutting, so these protective features are essential for safe use. Some saws also feature a laser guide that displays the desired cutline on a piece of lumber. This makes it easy to line up the workpiece with the blade, and is useful for making a more precise cut.
Another important feature to consider when purchasing a miter saw is its cutting capacity, which refers to the maximum width and depth of cuts it can make. A higher cutting capacity allows the saw to work with larger pieces of lumber and perform more complicated tasks. It’s also important to consider the power of a miter saw, as this will determine how quickly and efficiently it can operate.
In order to get the most out of your miter saw, it’s essential to use the proper blade for your project. Use a blade with more teeth for construction cuts and less for finer work, such as cutting moulding. Also, be sure to clean the blade regularly and inspect it for damage before using it again. If necessary, lubricate the moving parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, be sure to store the saw in a dry place to protect it from corrosion and rust.