Handyman Naperville IL takes on everything from repairing leaky faucets to de-cluttering basements. However, the success of your business depends on having the right tools and a solid plan for getting paid.

It’s also important to understand your state’s handyman rules and regulations. Doing so can save you a lot of headaches and fines from investigators and contractor boards.

1. Circular Saw

A circular saw is one of the most versatile power tools that can be used for a wide variety of DIY projects. Handymen often use this tool to make straight cuts in wood, plastics, metals and other materials like concrete or bricks. This tool is easy to operate and can be used on a table or floor. It can be powered by either a cord or a battery, depending on the model you have.

When using a circular saw, it’s important to properly prepare the material before cutting it. This will ensure that you get a quality cut and protect yourself from injuries. First, set the depth of the blade to be slightly more than the thickness of the material. This will prevent the blade from getting stuck in the material and causing a dangerous kickback. Next, clamp or screw the material in place and make sure that it’s as stable as possible. Some professionals even use a sawhorse to help keep the material steady and prevent it from moving as they cut.

Finally, make sure that the line that you’re going to cut is clearly marked. You can do this by marking the desired cut location with a framing square and then drawing a dark straight line on the board. It’s also a good idea to use a tape measure to check the accuracy of your marks.

Once you’re ready to start the cut, position the base plate of the saw over the mark and then slide the blade into place. It’s important to remember that a circular saw can only cut straight lines, so you should carefully guide it along the marked line. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could burn up the motor. Once the cut is complete, remove the blade and put the saw down.

1. Fish Tape

Fish tape is a tool that helps when you need to pull wires through walls, conduits and other tight spaces. It helps with electrical, data and even ethernet cable runs. There are several types of fish tape including fiberglass, steel and non-conductive varieties that can be used in different environments. There is also a range of lengths available from 50 to 200 feet, depending on your project needs.

Basically, it works by having a hook on the end that you feed into the wall or conduit. Then, you can connect the end of your new wiring to the hook and slowly reel it in. The tape will help to guide your new wires through the existing hole in the wall or conduit run. The most common type of fish tape is made from stainless steel and has a plastic reel that it is stored in, but you can find non-conductive fiberglass varieties.

A good quality fish tape is usually durable and easy to use. It can be used for many projects and is a must-have tool for any handyman to have. However, it is not indestructible and can get damaged by other materials such as insulation, firestops, pipes, HVAC ducts and other obstructions that can clog the hook.

When choosing a fish tape, the most important consideration is its tensile strength and length. Some have sequential foot markings that make it easier to pull wires and measure distance, while others have gripping handles with slip resistance for comfort. If you have a tough jobsite, a high-quality steel or fiberglass fish tape is a reliable choice. It is also worth considering non-conductive varieties for working around sensitive electrical systems.

1. Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is made to insulate and protect wires and other materials that conduct electricity. Handymen often use it to splice or connect electrical cords and cables, but it’s also helpful for other types of wiring jobs. Electrical tape is usually thicker than traditional tape and has a rubber-based adhesive that’s designed to hold up in extreme temperatures. It also has an elastic backing that allows it to stretch and conform to the object you’re wrapping, ensuring that all the edges are sealed and insulated.

When choosing electrical tape, it’s important to know what kind you need for your job. You can choose from a variety of colors, each of which has a specific meaning, such as black to indicate a ground wire or blue to mark high voltage areas. You can also find striped electrical tape, which is useful for identifying adjacent wires that supply separate power sources. Other types of electrical tape are available with spaces for marking numbers, which can help identify the voltage level and phase of a cable (also known as phasing tape).

The best type of electrical tape to buy depends on your needs. If you’re buying tape for a light wiring fix or moderate wire insulation job, standard vinyl electrical tape should work fine. However, if you need tape that resists moisture and extreme temperature changes, you’ll need to look for a high-grade electrical tape. Make sure that the tape you select has a polymeric or monomeric backing and is UL-listed or CSA-approved. Also, remember that it’s best to half-lap electrical tape when applying it, which doubles the thickness of the application and enhances its insulation. When half-lapping, start by winding the tape a little ahead of the point where the outer covering begins to split on an extension cord and continue around the cord, overlapping each new layer by half.

1. Tape Measure

A tape measure is one of the most essential tools that every handyman should have. It allows you to quickly and easily measure the length of an object or distance between objects. You can find a wide range of tape measures available in different lengths and designs, but all have similar features. Here are some of the key components of a tape measure:

The case, also known as the housing, is the holder for the coiled tape and can be made from metal, plastic or a durable rubber that’s been drop tested to ensure it can withstand rough use on the job site. The hook at the end of a tape measure (also called the tab, tang, latch or lip) serves several purposes. It helps you remove the tape from its housing, keeps it from disappearing inside when it recoils, and lets you take inside measurements without having to bend the tape.

Most tape measures display their measurements in inches on the blade with smaller divisions that represent fractions of an inch. The number of one-inch marks on a tape measure will depend on its length; for example, a 16-foot tape measure may have sixteen one-foot marks because 12 inches equals a foot.

You’ll also find that some tape measures have metric markings on the bottom of the blade, which are measured in centimeters and millimeters. The smallest line on the tape measure indicates millimeters, while the longest line indicates meters.

If you’re looking for a great gift for your favorite handyman, consider giving them this custom Handyman Locking Tape Measure from Promotional Product Inc. It features a locking mechanism that keeps the tape measure in place so it doesn’t retract accidentally and a belt clip on the back to help keep it handy. Plus, it’s proudly printed in the USA to support local jobs.

1. Cordless Driver

Handymen need a good selection of power tools to complete their work as quickly and efficiently as possible. A cordless driver is one of these essential pieces of equipment as it allows the handyman to screw in items without having to deal with a cumbersome drill and cable. There are a number of different types of cordless drivers available on the market, with some offering greater torque and speed than others. The most useful type of cordless driver for a handyman is likely a cordless combi drill which has a hammer action that allows it to penetrate tougher materials as well as drilling and driving screws.

Handyman images recur in popular culture, with many songs about the occupation recorded by artists including Elvis Presley and Del Shannon. There are also a number of television shows that feature handymen such as Home Improvement and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. A character on the children’s show The Smurfs named Handy Manny wears traditional handyman accoutrements, such as overalls and a carpenter’s pencil.

There are also a number of websites that offer a service whereby potential clients can be put in touch with local handymen within their geographical area. Handymen often work independently or as part of larger firms that specialize in providing this type of service.