Handyman Lexington KY performs maintenance and repair tasks for residential and commercial properties. They often work as needed and can address issues like fixing a leaky faucet or repairing a broken door.
A reliable handyman should have insurance to cover any damages caused by their work. They can also recommend a more specialized professional for projects that require a license or certification.
Fish tape is a tool used by electricians to guide cables through enclosed spaces, such as behind walls or within conduits. It consists of a length of flexible steel or polyester wire, housed in a circular plastic casing that allows for easy extension and retraction. It is available in lengths ranging from 25 to 200 feet and can be used to pull NM wire, cable for phone/data/video, alarm or security systems, or any other electrical cables through a wall or pipe run without damaging the surrounding structure.
There are several factors that can influence which type of fish tape is best for a particular job, including tape length and tensile strength, case design, and if the tape is conductive or non-conductive. Hendrix noted that some types of fish tape can kink when running wires through conduit bends, so it’s important to select a type that is stiffer and more durable. In addition, a tape that has a low-friction case design can help reduce friction while extending and retracting the fish tape.
Another factor that can impact which fish tape is used is whether it is manually or electronically operated. Manual fish tapes are affordable and simple to use, but they can be labor intensive for longer cable runs or when dealing with multiple conduit bends. An electric fish tape, such as the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler, can significantly reduce physical strain by automatically extending and reeling in the fish tape with the push of a button.
Aside from minimizing physical strain, an electric fish tape can save time on long cable runs by eliminating the need to manually extend and retract the fish tape. Depending on the model, an electric fish tape may also be compatible with interchangeable cartridges that can be switched out to suit the specific needs of the job. For example, a steel-lined cartridge is ideal for live wire applications, while a fiberglass cartridge can be utilized for jobs where flammability is a concern. In addition, some models feature an ergonomic handle for user comfort and balanced weight distribution for improved handling in tight spaces.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a must-have tool for any electrician or DIYer, offering secure connections and insulation to wires. It’s made from stretchy, hard-to-tear vinyl or PVC material that provides a snug fit around electrical wires and cables. It also comes in a variety of colors to help identify different wires.
When used correctly, electrical tape can provide protection, organization, and identification for a wide range of applications. It can help protect against abrasions and weather damage, as well as reduce downtime caused by common electrical failures. The best electrical tapes are made of high-quality materials and designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Before using electrical tape, make sure to turn off electricity to the area you are working in. This will ensure that you do not accidentally receive an electric shock while binding wires. If you are unsure whether the power is off, use a voltage tester to check. You should also always prioritize a product that has undergone testing by a recognized organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Besides providing insulation and protection to wires, electrical tape can also be used for cable bundling and sealing. It’s a great alternative to heat shrink tubing and wire connectors, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install. In addition, it can also be used to mark wires and provide strain relief.
When you’re working with electrical tape, be sure to apply it slowly and evenly. You should try to avoid creases and bubbles, as these can lead to poor insulation and increased resistance. It’s also important to remember that electrical tape is only effective when it’s completely sealed to the wire or cable. Otherwise, it will be susceptible to moisture and corrosion.
While electrical tape is a necessary tool for any electrician, it isn’t foolproof. In order to reduce the risk of electrical shock, you should always wear rubber gloves and use a voltage tester before applying any type of tape. If you’re not comfortable with working on electrical wiring, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional for the job. They’ll have the right tools and expertise to complete the task safely and efficiently.
Circular Saw
The circular saw is one of the most versatile tools that any handyman can own. It is capable of cutting wood, metals, plastics, brick, and cement block, making it a handy tool for countless home improvement projects. A good quality circular saw is lightweight and easy to handle, and it will make short work of any project. When buying a new saw, you should consider the types of projects you’ll be doing to determine which size of blade and model is best for you. The most common sizes are 5 1/2″, 6 1/2″, and 7 1/4″. The difference between the blades is their diameter and number of teeth. The more teeth a blade has, the finer the cut. The diameter of the blade is also important as it will affect how far the saw can be slid along the material to be cut.
It is also important to keep basic safety equipment like a pair of safety glasses and dust mask on hand while working with this power tool. A basic tape measure and a tri-square can be useful for marking and measuring, while a pair of work gloves will help to protect your hands from the sharp blade.
When using a circular saw, be sure to read the user manual and follow all of the safety instructions printed on it. The most important thing to remember is to never let the exposed blade come into contact with anything other than a wooden surface. This can cause splintering, kickback, and injury. Also, be sure to always keep a firm grip on the tool while using it and never leave it unattended.
Circular saws are great for ripping wood to size and cutting drywall, but they can be limited in their ability to create straight cuts. This is where a guide rail comes in handy, as they can be used to create precise and accurate straight lines while cutting. This makes them a handy tool for creating things like shelves, jigsaw puzzles, and furniture. Another accessory that can be useful for a circular saw is an adjustable angle stop or jigsaw table, which allows the user to make angled cuts with the tool.
Drill
A drill is a hand-operated or cordless electric tool that creates holes in solid materials. It can also be used to screw fasteners into the material. A standard drill has a chuck that holds bits for drilling or driving screws, and a switch to change the direction of rotation of the bit. Some models can hammer, which allows them to break through concrete or brick by pounding the bit into the surface. The tool is used in woodworking, metalworking, construction and machine tool fabrication.
If you’re new to this kind of work, it’s best to start with a small cordless model that has variable speed settings so you can learn how to use the tool. Depending on your level of experience, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful drill or other power tools.
The tool is important for a handyman because it can be used to complete many different tasks, from assembling furniture to making minor home repairs. If you have a lot of different projects that require drilling, consider buying a cordless drill with a variety of bits (screwdriver tip types including slotted, phillips head, pozidriv, torx and security T).
There are some other tools that handymen use regularly that can make your job easier, such as a jigsaw for cutting detailed shapes in wood, a circular saw for long straight cuts, a miter saw for angled cuts, and a reciprocating saw or drywall saw for cutting sheet goods. These are more expensive than a basic drill, but they’re worth the investment to get the most out of your tool set.
Before you use your drill, make sure it’s clean and that the chuck jaws are positioned correctly before tightening. It’s a good idea to use some sort of protective gloves while working, especially if you haven’t been doing this kind of work for a long time. Make sure you’re using the correct drill setting, which is usually clockwise for drilling and counterclockwise to remove a screw or bolt. There is sometimes a dial around the chuck that indicates torque settings; make sure it’s turned to the lowest number for driving screws, and higher if you’re drilling.