Handyman Naperville IL can do many tasks – from fixing a leaky pipe to building a cabinet. However, their skillset doesn’t just involve aptitude and experience – it requires superior tools that enable them to perform efficiently and precisely.
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Often overlooked in favor of more complicated tools, electrical tape is the backbone of most electrical work. It offers insulation, protection and quick fixes for exposed wiring and splices. A quality electrical tape can be the difference between a safe splice and an accident waiting to happen. It’s important to understand the differences in tape grades, as they offer different levels of insulating properties, dielectric strength and weather resistance.
When you need to cover the bare end of two wires so that they don’t short with each other, will a few wraps of Band-Aids or duct tape do? While these options might be able to protect the splice from physical damage, they’re not designed to withstand the high voltage that an electrical tape is capable of. And while it’s tempting to save time by using what you have on hand, it’s never worth the risk of a potential fire or electrical shock.
In addition to basic general-purpose options, electrical tapes are also available in a variety of colors for phasing and color-coding jobs. It’s critical that technicians use the proper tape color to indicate a wire’s voltage level or phase, as misidentifying this could put them at risk of injury or death.
While a quality electrical tape will hold up well in most conditions, it’s important to check its minimum and maximum temperature ratings for cold-weather applications. This is because some types of electrical tape may lose their adhesive properties in cold temperatures. Also, while electrical tapes typically don’t have a specific expiration date, they will degrade over time due to exposure to heat, moisture or prolonged periods of inactivity. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that you have a reliable, durable and versatile tool in your electrical toolbox.
Fish Tape
When running wires, cables or pipes in walls and ceilings, Handymen often have to go where they can’t see. Whether they’re pulling wires into an existing panel or extending a cable to another room, a fish tape is essential to get the job done right. Fish tapes are also used in tight spaces like stairways, crawlspaces and attics.
Fish tapes are available in a wide range of sizes and lengths. They can be made of metal or fiberglass and come in non-conductive versions for use around live circuits. They’re also designed for use with different types of cable and wire. Handymen should always check for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approval and look for features such as tensile strength, ease of payout and retrieval, temperature ratings and more.
Depending on the application, some fish tapes have additional features that can help make the job easier. For example, some have a swivel ball to prevent the fish tape from twisting during pulling and can crimp eyelets into place for more secure connections. Others have lighted tips for increased visibility and can be used in dimly lit areas like overhead plenums.
To use a fish tape, begin by unwinding only enough tape to reach the conduit or wall. Then push the fish tape through until it reaches the other side. If needed, a wire-pulling lubricant can reduce friction and make the process even smoother. When finished, simply reel the fish tape back in and replace the case. Handymen should always wear gloves when working with metal fish tapes. They should also remember that metal is a conductor and turn off any electrical circuits before using the tool. They should also carefully open the case only when replacing the tape.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is a hand-held power tool used for cutting wood, but it can also cut other materials like metal or asphalt with the right blade. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIYer diving into power tools for the first time, you can learn how to use a circular saw like a pro. The most important things to remember when using a circular saw are safety and proper technique.
Always activate the saw’s power switch or trigger before making a cut. Then apply gentle forward pressure to guide the saw through the material. Avoid sudden movements or excessive force, which could cause the blade to bind with the material and stop the saw.
If you’re cutting hardwoods, use a blade with fewer teeth for better rip cuts. You can cut thicker boards and beams with a fewer-toothed blade than you can with one that’s more finely toothed. If you’re cutting masonry, look for a diamond blade. These are designed to cut through concrete and asphalt, and they come in a variety of sizes that fit most circular saws.
When making a bevel cut, keep in mind that most circular saws can only cut slopes up to about 55 degrees. To make steeper bevels, you can clamp or screw a block to support the base of the saw while you cut.
Besides ensuring that the saw’s blade is properly sharpened, check your circular saw’s specifications to find out its cutting capacity and other features. For example, some models include a guard that doesn’t catch on the edge of your workpiece, while others have an electric brake that stops the blade as soon as you release the trigger.
Screwdrivers
One of the most indispensable tools for any Handyman is a screwdriver. This tool is used in a wide range of tasks, from assembling furniture to repairing electronics. It is also essential for many types of carpentry projects. Several different types of screwdrivers are available, each with its own unique uses and applications. A comprehensive set of screwdrivers will allow a Handyman to tackle almost any job.
In addition to the flathead and Phillips screwdrivers that most households typically have, a Handyman may want to invest in an offset screwdriver or a multi-bit driver. A multi-bit screwdriver is an all-in-one tool that can accept multiple bits and store them within a central bit holder, allowing for quick access to the ones you need most often. It is a popular choice because it provides versatility and reduces clutter in a toolbox.
Another type of screwdriver that is ideal for many jobs is a socket-head screwdriver. This tool has a hexagonal section at the tip of the blade that fits a hex wrench or open end wrench for increased torque. It is particularly useful for removing or tightening screws that have a square-headed recess, which are generally found in electronics products.
Other tools that every Handyman should own are a utility knife and wire stripper pliers. The latter tool allows a Handyman to quickly and easily remove stripped wires from a cable without damaging the core. A utility knife can cut through a variety of materials, including drywall, cardboard and rope. It is important to regularly clean and lubricate these tools to ensure smooth operation. Also, a Handyman should keep them stored in a dry area to prevent corrosion.
Pliers
Pliers are an essential tool for any Handyman’s toolbox, as they have many uses. They come in different types, shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose the right pliers for each task. The tips of pliers can be pointed (long nose pliers), flat (combination pliers), or serrated (short-nosed pliers). The gripping surface of the jaws can be smooth or serrated, and it is often coated with plastic to ensure a firm grip. Some pliers have a spring-loaded mechanism that opens the jaws after each use, which can reduce hand fatigue. Others have a cutting edge that can be used to cut wire, metal, and other materials.
The body of pliers can be made from a variety of materials, but steel is the most common due to its strength and durability. They can also be made from alloys like chromium-vanadium to improve their strength and resistance to corrosion. The handles of pliers can be covered with plastic or vinyl, which makes them comfortable to hold. Some pliers have an insulated handle to protect the user from electrical shocks.
Other plier features include a locking mechanism that holds the jaws in place so they don’t open when the handles are released. Some pliers have V-notch jaws to allow them to grip round objects, while others have tongue and groove joints that can be adjusted with toothed slots in the upper handles. Battery clamp pliers have short, angled jaws that are designed to grip the bolts on car batteries and jumper cables. Other pliers feature a burner port, which is an opening in the jaw that is oval or round in shape. They can be used to melt or burn wire, and some have a lever that can generate more force than other types of pliers.