Not everyone is a handyman. This electrician shares the basics to help get the job done.
—
It pays to be handy. Sometimes, quite literally. But the self-satisfaction I feel when I see my project come together is priceless.
Being handy isn’t a skill set everyone has and there are times when you will need to pay a professional. But for the little projects like ready-to-assemble furniture, picture hanging, or even assembling that baby cot, why not handle them by yourself?
I tend to like to do things by myself. Often I’ve found myself a little—not ashamed, but hesitant to ask for help. My first time “on the tools” was when I was 15 years old as a work experience student. I was terrible, but I wanted to learn so I tried hard. A few months later, I went to school three days per week and worked the other two as a school-based apprentice electrician.
As an apprentice, I often wanted to prove myself, or at the very least not rely on others. So I wasted a lot of money collecting a number of tools. After spending the next few years on top of roofs, squeezing through ceilings, crawling under houses and in other tight places trying to bloody wire things, I learned what was essential and what I could get by without.
◊♦◊
Don’t make the same error I did. After all, you can have all tools in the world and they aren’t worth the expense unless you know how to use them. Learn from my mistakes and start with the essentials. Here are the 5 tools every man should have in his toolbox.
Flathead screwdriver
Because a screwdriver has many, many uses: It can act as both a chisel, knife, and scraping tool as well as occasionally tightening either a flathead or Phillips head screw. Nowadays some models are even specially designed for impact—so you really can use them as a chisel in a pinch.
Pliers
Preferably voltage-proof pliers – because I spent four years wiring houses. The truth is you never know who has worked on things before you. The simple fact that you cannot see electricity should be an influence in your decision making.
Pliers are kind of like heavy duty scissors that can be used not only to cut or strip wire but for a number of things like a small hammer, to grip screws, bolts etc, to cut through plastic (thin metal also), to shorten screws and much more. A little tip is to buy a pair of pliers with a scissor-like blade that cuts past the center rather than a pair with blades that meet at the center.
Tape measure
The reasons for having a tape measure are self-explanatory: What size bed are you going to get for your room? Will the lounge chair fit into that space? Whether it be for simple duties like measuring if the tall fridge will fit in that gap or finding the center of that room to install the fan, it’s a must-have for every toolbox.
Stanley knife
For cutting plastic, making stencils out of cardboard, stripping back cables or even cutting open that packet pie you have for your lunch. A Stanley knife will get you out of trouble.
Hammer
Whether you’re ripping out old nails, hammering in new ones, or even breaking down a wall, the hammer is your friend. Perfect for knocking things into place, out of place, or chipping concrete. Plus, how badass do you look when you hang it in one of those belt holders? You’re welcome.
◊♦◊
While these five tools won’t turn you into a Jack of all trades overnight, they will, at the very least, get you out of minor troubles so you won’t have to call the handyman as often.
—
—
Photo credit: Flickr/Daren
Great Read we have a Handyman Webpage in El Paso, Tx
handyman
Thank you for sharing such great ideas.
So being a handyman, i would like too add.
you would want a really good vacuum cleaner if you are dealing with dust or brick work! a normal one will break.
A hammer drill is a must if you fancy yourself as the handy man around the house. And look out for a multi tool kit.
Good list, but I’d go with a set of screw drivers, at least one Philips, on flat head. I’d suggest a multi head interchangeable, but of course, you can’t beat on them or they’ll snap. Maybe one of those and a separate chisel? Guys, and those women that enjoy DIY, should also continually build their tool set. Expand out to wrenches, sockets (for car or lawn mower repair). Rule of thumb is that when you need it, buy it. You will have it for the next time. Either way, every guy should have at least these basics. Like housekeeping, home… Read more »