The best way to find customers as a handyman is to network with people who are in handyman-adjacent sectors, such as real estate agents or rental property companies. You can also market yourself online, either through paid ads or on social media.
Before you start working, figure out how much you need to charge per hour to break even. This will help you create pricing structures that are competitive and sustainable. For help, contact Handyman Naperville IL.
From pulling nails to chopping wood, the hammer is a handyman’s most used tool. There are many different hammer designs, each with its own unique purpose. Understanding the difference between each type will help you choose the best one for your needs and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your tools.
The most common hammer is the claw hammer. This design has a curved claw that can be used to remove nails, pry boards that are nailed together, or lever up floorboards. Claw hammers are available in a wide range of weights, from ounces to pounds, and they may have a wooden (often hickory), glass-fiber, or steel handle.
Other hammers have heads with various other features, such as a tapered cross peen or semi-spherical ball peen, and they may also have a second face. Some have a magnetic face that can pick up metal objects such as nails and screws. These hammers are often used by maintenance and machinery workers for heavy-duty work.
For those who prefer a more traditional style of hammer, there is the dead-blow hammer. This design reduces bounceback and can prevent damage caused by accidental strikes. It is often used by machinists and maintenance workers for work that cannot be done with a regular claw or steel-faced hammer.
There are even specialized hammers for things like starting tacks. These hammers have a magnetic face that can hold metal items such as tacks and nails. The tacks can then be driven into place with the opposite striking surface of the hammer.
For those who use the power of candlesticks in their trading, a hammer pattern is an indication that there is strong buying interest in a stock or commodity. This type of candlestick pattern can be confirmed by a following candle that closes above the hammer. This confirmation can indicate a good time to enter long positions or exit short positions. It can also be used as a price target for new long positions or as a stop-loss for short positions. This can be particularly useful in volatile markets or for those who trade on a short time frame.
Level
A level is a handy tool for making sure that a surface is even and flat. It can also be used to indicate the correct height for a wall or other structure. Handymen need a level for a variety of projects, including hanging pictures and furniture, installing appliances, and laying tile. The best levels are versatile and easy to read, and many options include features such as shock-absorbing end caps or digital displays.
The most common type of level is the carpenter’s level, which is a straight-edge level with a reading range of 2–8 feet. This tool is ideal for a wide variety of tasks, and it can be used on drywall, wood, brick, or concrete. It is available in both traditional wood and aluminum bodies, and some come with 45-degree angle focus vials. Other useful features include adjustable vials and a magnetic base for easy attachment to metal surfaces.
For jobs that require a long, level line, such as digging slopes in trenches or building decks, it is best to use a line level (photo). This type of tool hooks directly onto a string like nylon mason’s line and has two small, liquid-filled vials, one horizontal and one vertical. The horizontal line indicates the level of the object when it is centered between the vials. The vertical line indicates the level of the object when it’s centered above or below the guideline.
It is important to check the level’s accuracy before starting a project, as environmental factors can affect its performance. A quick way to do this is to rotate it 180 degrees and take another reading. It is also a good idea to clean the level periodically to ensure that it is free of dust and debris. Lastly, it is essential to store the level in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these can negatively impact its accuracy.
Having the right tools can make all the difference for your handyman business, and it’s essential to keep them properly maintained. By taking the time to care for your tools, you can get the most out of them and help your handyman team succeed in any task. To learn more about how Smart Service can improve communication and efficiency in your handyman operations, request a free demo of the Smart Service Handyman software solution today!
Screwdrivers
There are a lot of screw fasteners in the world, and they’re all used for different things. Matching the right screwdriver to the job can save a handyman a lot of time and effort. The basic screwdriver has three main parts: the handle, shank, and blade. The handle is usually made of plastic or wood for a comfortable grip, and the shaft is constructed from firm metal to withstand torque. The blade of the screwdriver can be any shape or size, depending on the type of screw that you need to drive or remove.
A lot of handymen have several screwdriver sets, as they’re a staple tool for many jobs around the house. A standard set includes a variety of sizes of screwdrivers, including flat-head and Phillips. Many also include magnetic screwdrivers, which attract the screws and hold them in place so they can be removed with one hand. These are especially useful for tasks like removing or installing plate covers on outlets and switches, as they prevent accidentally turning off or reversing the power to something that could get damaged.
Other common screwdriver types include hex-head screws, which are used in doorknobs and towel bars, and hex key bits, which are needed for some mechanical installations. For more precise jobs, you might want a ratcheting screwdriver. Its ratchet design allows you to apply a certain amount of torque that’s regulated by the clutch, which helps protect the material you’re working on from damage.
Screwdrivers with magnetic heads are a great choice for small electronics, such as cell phones and watches. They’re often found in kits that contain a range of screwdriver sizes for specific devices, and they’re also useful when working with eyeglasses. These tools aren’t as strong as regular screwdrivers, but they’re a good option for quick fixes and repairs.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or an experienced handyman, this screwdriver multi-tool and carabiner are the perfect addition to any bag or belt loop. It has all the tools you need for everyday use, from Phillips and flathead screwdrivers to a bottle opener and a phone stand. It’s built from stainless steel to stand up to wear and tear and comes in a streamlined carabiner design that’s easy to attach to any belt or bag.
Chalk Line
A chalk line is a simple tool that can be useful for marking straight lines on surfaces for a variety of projects, including painting and shingling. It consists of a long, chalk-coated string that has a metal hook on the end that can be attached to an object. Once it’s in place, the string can be pulled across the surface and snapped to leave a mark on the surface. This process is known as “snapping the line.” A few tips can help you get the best results when using a chalk line.
First, choose the right color for the line. Red, black, and yellow chalk lines are permanent and won’t wash away, while blue is temporary but easily visible on a wide range of surfaces. Next, determine the length of the line needed for your project. Typically, a 25-foot line will be enough for most projects. If you’re working on a large area, try to find a chalk line with an extendable reel to increase its versatility.
Lastly, make sure the chalk line has a strong hook and is sturdy enough to hold up to repeated use. The best chalk lines are made of a durable material like aluminum or stainless steel and have a secure locking system to prevent accidental rewinds. They also have a high chalk capacity to minimize downtime when you need to refill.
If your chalk line gets wet, dry it as soon as possible to avoid damage and ensure it continues to work properly. Alternatively, you can replace the chalk line with a fresh one from the store. A good-quality chalk line can last up to a year before it needs to be replaced, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the condition of the reel and chalk line to ensure they’re ready for the job at hand.
A chalk line is a very easy tool to maintain and repair. If you’re working on a porous surface, like concrete, be careful not to overfill the chalk line. Powdered chalk can be hard to remove from porous materials and can stain them.
