Tools for a Handyman Business

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Renting equipment is typically how handymen get started if they need something expensive. But if you think you are going to be using a piece of equipment any more than five times, it may be worthwhile to just buy it (provided you have the money upfront... buying it on a credit card can add 20 to 30% of the cost of the machine if you carry a balance).



Of course, once you've bought the machine, you can then lend it out to people you know and trust. That makes for nice favor-swapping, and will come in use down the road.

Now that we've covered the issue of buy, borrow or rent. Here is a basic list of tools and supplies you can expect you'll need. Depending on what kind of work you are doing, you may want to have these items with you when you are out on jobs.

POWER TOOLS

Circular Saw (cordless if possible)
Portable Table Saw
Miter Saw
Jig Saw
Reciprocating Saw
Sander
Router
Planer
Cordless Drill
Staple Gun (with staples)

HAND TOOLS

6' Ladder
Stud finder
Hammers
Set of screw drivers
Razor knife
Pen knife
Carpenter Square
Drywall Square
Pliers
Vise grips
Tin snips
Heavy-duty Scissors
Bolt Cutters
Glass Cutter
Pipe Cutter
Caulking Gun
Drill Bits
Saw horses
Tool belt
Cat's paw
Long and short levels (48" and 12")

PAINTING KIT

Set of brushes
Rollers with replacement heads
Tarps / Drop cloths (at least six)
Paint rags
Paint thinner
Paint remover
2 gallons or more of primer
Sanding paper
Sanding block
Masks
Latex gloves
Paint pan (several)
Plastic cups for trim painting
Paint can opener
Tape (for delicate and tough surfaces, at least 3 rolls)
Wallpaper remover
Stripper
Paint Scrapper
Razor blade
Airless sprayer
A complete set of color chips/sample paint colors

ELECTRICAL KIT

Continuity Test / Circuit Tester
Volt/Amp Meter
Electrical Tape
Extension Cords
Work Lights
Flashlight
Socket Set
Electrical wire (several kinds)
Soldering set
Switches
Fuses
Cover Plates
Light bulbs (exterior and interior)

PLUMBING KIT

Faucet parts
Toilet parts
Plumbing fittings
Adhesive
Tile cutter

YARD WORK KIT

Shovels
Rakes
Large Buckets
Change of clothes
Spade
Hand Weeder
Hand Pruners
Large Pruners
Pressure Washer
Trimmer
Chain saw
Weed Wacker/Eater
Lawnmower
Heavy duty garbage bags with ties
Pick axe
Crow bar
Heavy-duty gloves
Hose (100 feet)
Caterpillar spray
Weed killer
Wasp killer


ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

Glue and adhesives
Exterior stain/ UV protectant
Picture hangers
cleaning supplies (paper towels, rags, hand wipes)
pencils
paper
Hat
Sun screen
Extra bottled water
First aid kit
More trash bags
Safety glasses
Drywall mud
Drywall tape
Nails
Screws
Bolts
Twist ties
Door lock replacement
Wall anchors (several weights)
WD-40
5 gallon or larger empty buckets
Clamps
Radio
Chisel set
Extra job forms
Extra business cards
Whatever spare pieces of wood might fit in an odd place in your truck
Portable fan
Shop vac

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How To Advertise a Handyman Business

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Choosing a Name for a Handyman Business

Record Keeping Basics for Handymen

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Getting Paid Upfront: Deposit Policies for Handymen

How Much To Charge Per Hour

Should You Charge by the Hour, or by the Job?

Insurance for Handymen

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