What Tools Does A Handyman Need? The Final Answer / Every. Single. Tool.

[@chaselarsen1361]

I recently received an opportunity to start a handyman business through a property manager I’ve been doing odd jobs for that now wants me on as an exclusive handyman. However, I’m being cautious and plan to work my day job as a truck driver, and do as many jobs for my business as possible for a while since owning a business is new to me and I don’t want to put all my eggs in that basket right off the bat, so lists like this are a huge help!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That sounds like a solid start!

[@unvatorandom1203]

Thats how I started too! Im 8 months in and has been good so far, currently Im trying to get more customers, because like you said dont put all your eggs in a basket!! Good luck out there and hope you are enjoying work as much as I am!

[@jameshyatt6044]

Band Saw brother! Cordless and amazing! Used for cutting metal for closet shelves or rails. You’ll thank me later. Swear!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@mikeneal4297]

I use my chisels ALL the time for doors. It's a must have for an handyman.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree, at least one tiny 1/4" chisel and one about the size of a thumb will get you through most projects.

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

WRONG!!! NUMBER 1 must have as a handyman, a MAJESTIC BEARD LOL Another awesome video, THANK YOU!!!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're awesome. Thank you!

[@cm1133]

I’m a USAF veteran. I knew I liked you for a reason.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I strongly believe that the Air Force really set me up for life. It was only 4 years as a young man, but the lessons I learned transferred to the civilian world seamlessly.

[@cm1133]

@@bulletproofhandyman I’m glad my son wants to be an Air Traffic Controller in the USAF. The best part about this military occupation is that hr will have a $100,000+ civilian job as an ATC waiting for him when he decides to leave the USAF. I have advised my son to retire from the USAF at age 38. Then, give the FAA 20 more years and retire from the FAA at age 58. He will then be fully retired seven years before the majority of his friends will be and have not one, but two government pensions hitting his bank account on the 1st and 15th each and every month until he dies. The best part is he won’t be burdened with any school loans!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Perfect!

[@joshuabennett7334]

One thing I do is tools I don’t use a lot I get a harborfreight and spend the money on tools I use a lot. If the tool doesn’t last I spend the money on a more expensive one.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Harbor Freight can be useful. Many of my tools came from pawn shops as well. Some tools just really need to be very high quality, but most don't. A screwdriver is a screwdriver and they're a dime a dozen.

[@LifeLift421]

Thank you for the video sir. I have been watching your videos as part of my research. I am so appreciative of your information.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@wayneboom8512]

Great, comprehensive list. Thanks!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@ExplorinDoranRBrown]

Love this!!! Can you do a video like this but for parts, and materials that you need on hand or recommend. I am a mobile bike mechanic and am struggling to make enough money, but Ive been telling customers I do handyman repairs too. So I have a few handy man clients now. I’m gonna set up the handyman biz and start advertising it. Hopefully get a full list of high quality clients and raise my labor rates on both.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That one will be a little different but I can certainly try. Unfortunately I don't have a properly managed inventory. It's all managed in my head and it ebbs and flows depending on what kind of money is in the bank. I'll see about starting to put one together because it is something that will be necessary to people who are just starting out full time, otherwise they are going to make a thousand trips to Home Depot in the first two weeks

[@Dean-Sala]

A little off topic sorry. Buy an HVAC screw driver tool! Very helpful. Has all the fittings to take apart an appliance(basic stuff, torx, 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 attachments). I have the niche of repairing appliances and you may too. Very lucrative if you can fix appliances. Just replaced a broiler heating element in an oven and made $200. Recently fixed an icemaker in a fridge $350 minus parts. Many more appliance repairs have made me good money. Lot's of appliance failures are pretty easy to fix. Start with dryers and washers. If you think you can, just go for it. You will learn fast how to repair and you will get tons of extra high pay jobs from property managers.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm going to look into that HVAC screwdriver it sounds interesting. I'm not sure I've ever seen one.

[@Dean-Sala]

@@bulletproofhandyman I discovered it about a month ago watching an appliance repair vid.

[@todaysnarrative879]

I recently bought a cordless pin nailer. Very handy

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Mine comes in a handy all the time

[@laneman8777]

I'm just getting started, so glad I found your channel.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Welcome!

[@The_Handyman_Can]

Not sure if you’ve watched this, but your written lists are partially hidden behind your face video from about half way through.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

My apologies. I didn't notice that. I'll be setting something up so that y'all can request the power point file to be sent directly to you..

[@jstephens11619]

Been doing odd jobs for years now and just recently got into the handyman business. Already have a wide assortment of tools but I really appreciate your comprehensive list for tools you use! Thank you again for the information!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome. That is literally every tool that I keep in the van or keep ready to load into the van.

[@ericamundson4700]

That kilted drywall guy. Yah I have learned a lot too. Been doing drywall for fifteen years as the main work but now branching off to handyman jobs. Great content keep it going man

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@MrVza101]

Great video. Your door strike tool list just got me off the couch to file away a problem in just 2 minutes. Great tip. I was avoiding re-setting the strike and fixing the wood behind.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

It is enough for me at least half the time, assuming the hinges are solid.

[@h.hernandez5356]

Thank You! I am pretty sure you have the best handyman education channel on youtube!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@HatleyReviews]

I appreciate you spending time to spread knowledge!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@kevindehart1392]

Thanks great

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome

[@detroitdale]

Do you ever have a helper, for instance hanging drywall on the ceiling and is that an add-on price?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I never have a helper, I just prefer to work alone. I have a lift for ceiling drywall. If I need some muscle I'll have my son swing by briefly. I pay him and add it to the bill, but not as a separate itemized fee.

[@thomasjefferson5727]

Non-contact tester is an essential. Get a Klein with the flashlight built in.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Not a bad idea.

[@corcoransullivan1562]

The kilted guy is really good, checked him out from your previous recommendations

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm watching a lot of Vancouver Carpenter too.

[@alonfn2]

we use an old 7 1/4 circular saw with a diamond blade work well cuts straight and is much safer

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That sounds great!

[@robertkerby2581]

Wow, Wow, Wow, an Absolutely Amazing "Handyman Tools List"!!!!!! I really enjoyed how you laid out and presented eaxh extenzive and detailed list to all of us Handymen! Well done!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@carlpedro1202]

Commenting to help you out! I dont have much specialized knowledge but I know how to use tools well and love solving problems. I work full time and want to start a weekend handyman business. Have a good day!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you! You too!

[@JaysonRay-g7q]

Gorilla has a 3 step convertible ladder that goes from 3 step to 5 step ladder or 10 step straight ladder. I work out of a HHR Panel wagon and this is the ladder that I take every where. For bigger jobs I put the large convertible ladder on my custom roof rack. I also have a 2000 watt inverter that I use off of my vehicle when my 100’ and 25’ extension cords just aren’t long enough. It is way better than a generator mainly because it don’t take up much space and my car gas tank is much larger than a generator gas tank. I have been a full time handyman for just over 2 years. I agree with your tool list.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I've got a ladder I'm looking into currently. I would really like to start running my handyman work out of a minivan so I'm looking at one that's collapsible.

[@krcoomer]

Great listen this morning as I worked. I would suggest adding at least one of the Gorilla platforms to your ladder list. They allow me to cut corners on ceilings, replace lights and other normal ceiling height work. It also makes a great bench or a place to sit and work.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I had one once, and I would still pull it out for full interior paint jobs every now and again. It's a great tool, but it takes up space. One of my big goals is to really whittle down what I carry to stay light and fast. Thanks for the advice!

[@dude480]

Thank you. You content helps and inspires me. I got my business up and running. Lots of work, rewarding!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's awesome!

[@jweeks1995]

Knipex pliers… specifically the pliers wrench, cobras, and twin grips. If you’ve never used them, you’ll think they’re just pliers, but the difference in performance very much justifies the cost. You will throw away all of your other pliers.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I've heard a lot about them. I'm probably going to have to try them soon.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Good excuse for some Spring cleaning too.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

It was definitely a bonus to get some clearing out done.

[@jimkane9832]

I always keep a box fan and 20 inch furnace filters with me. Put the filter on the back of the fan if you can't put the fan in a window to pull out dust.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Awesome!

[@Martin.Ferreiro]

Very comprehensive video!!!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you. I put a lot of time into that one

[@mssjoseph4888]

Thank you for all of your effort into making this video. I know nothing about this line of work but I can now look up these items and help my hubby organize.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's awesome! You run the admin side of the business?

[@mssjoseph4888]

@@bulletproofhandyman Yes, but I have so much to learn. He just started his business.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's awesome. I hope y'all succeed together.

[@carlpedro1202]

The video is in the way of the list that im trying to screen shot lol😊

[@bulletproofhandyman]

If you click on the link to download my business documents, which you should find in all of my descriptions for all of my videos, you'll find the actual PowerPoint available to download

[@dougschadel8094]

Thank you so much for the video and taking time. Such good stuff 🙌

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@iSilvernail]

Wow! I know this took a lot of time to put together, thank you!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're very welcome!

[@MrVza101]

To add to your list... i am a big fan of quick trigger clamps. Bessey is my go to. Great for an extra set of hands. I always use them in my woodworking shop / home renovation projects. I suggest getting multiple sizes. Some have a spreader feature (I have another brand but can not recall the name).

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree, but they stay at home unless I specifically know I'll need them. I'm always working on figuring out how to do more with less.

[@MrVza101]

Good point. I need to work on reducing what i want to bring to jobs. Side affect of inexperience. You have a great channel! Well done! I am a big fan of your advice.

[@ariellalocalwaves]

Appreciate your efforts for us

[@bulletproofhandyman]

It's my pleasure

[@dpv12345]

What about a grinder in place of those bolt cutters? Great demonstration 😂

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Most locks can eventually be ground off. Some are harder than others. The bolt cutters are always a 1 minute job without buying multiple cutoff or grinding wheels.

[@jasonbaxter5502]

I have about 5 to 6 k in parts. And about 3k in tools. Get good drills, good screw drivers. Preferably electrical one's., cordless everything. I say good tools because after you bust them hands up.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree there are good and bad tools

[@NateKline-c6s]

Thank you for sharring your ideas and knowledge.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@kevinhighsmith9728]

Great information been thinking about starting handy man business part time while working a 9-5 job your videos have been very informational aswell as inspirational thank you for giving great valuable knowledge 💪🏽

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome. I actually did put some real time into trying to get that one made.

[@paulharley-l3r]

Thankyou so much for putting this together it helps alot know you're busy and spend a lot of time doing this so thankyou

[@bulletproofhandyman]

My pleasure

[@Bluewater2043]

Great list, thanks

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@jameswaters3599]

Great knowledge!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks! I'll be putting out some more videos in this style over the next year. Any requests?

[@worknplay8477]

For a chainsaw, unless you are cutting very large or multiple trees quite often, a high quality saw like the Dewalt is great to have and just use whatever battery platform you have. I recently purchased a milwaukee m18 with a 12ah battery and a rapid charger. I already have 6-5ah and 1-6ah batteries with 3 regular chargers plus a string trimmer. 'Have many m18 and m12 volt milwaukee tool that seem pretty good. As far as a generator I use an old lincoln weldanpower 150 ac/dc stick welder/fenerator. It does not produce "clean" power, but it is 4500watt continuous

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I love to use a cordless reciprocating saw with a brush blade for small portions of trees. It works great for a whole tree too, but it can really wear down those batteries faster. If I know I'm going to be doing lots of tree cutting I'll bring the chainsaw but if I don't bring it, the reciprocating saw is still a great tool for the job.

[@worknplay8477]

@@bulletproofhandyman yessir, there great for branches, as I use mine too, and in fact better than a chainsaw for the smaller stuff imo

[@worknplay8477]

@bulletproofhandyman at that price point of just under $400, it sounds like you purchased the MS251. It's hard to go wrong with any stihl

[@bulletproofhandyman]

On my most recent camping trip, I cut down the equivalent of a full-size bed pickup load of oak (dead but still standing) using only one brush blade and probably three of my 5 amp batteries on my sawzall. Also, you're right, it's hard to go wrong with a Stihl.

[@IconMaintenance]

I'm watching all your videos and just finished this one. I steer away from larger tile jobs too, but when doing a rehab on a house in my neighborhood, I purchased a tile saw from Home Depot that is so much better than the Harbor Freight tile saw it replaced. I will see if I can find the model # for one that is similar to that one and available now. Thank you again Ray, for putting all this valuable information together and sharing it with us. :)

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you! Tile is usually pretty good paying work too. It would be a good field to go into for someone who wanted to specialize instead of being handyman.

[@Mhc841]

Very informative thank you

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome

[@ernestsantana449]

So far you missed spare batteries headlamp, light bar, stripped bolt and screw extracter, different size, types of nuts, bolts, nails and screws. Other then that, awesome list!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I don't carry any of those tools anymore, although they can be handy depending on what type of work you're doing. The nuts and bolts and screws are very necessary but they will be covered under an inventory video. That will be the longest video to make as inventory is the biggest way that I increased my revenue.

[@thomasjefferson5727]

Concrete =/= cement

[@The_Handyman_Can]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks for watching!

[@aiko_here.0_0]

Thank you for you time❤

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@tristankline6676]

Great video. I appreciate the work you put into these videos.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks! I'm trying to grow the channel to where I can put even more into it. For now I'm limited on time since I still have to work the business 7 days a week.

[@chicagohavoc]

This video was great! Thanks for sharing.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@malachiyulee741]

Great masterclass !

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Many thanks!! It definitely took some time to put together.

[@charlesviner1565]

That kilted Guy 👍

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's it!

[@Levi-x5u7x]

Love it

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Awesome thanks!

[@nannesoar]

I'm pretty good with roof stuff and compactness is a big thing for me first ladder I'm getting is definitely going to be a telescoping ladder👍

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I can't wait to get one. I think it's going to change a lot of the frustration I get when I realize I need to pull the ladder out.

[@nannesoar]

Heck yeah, seems the ergonomics would be good for your back in the long term, I live in a pretty rich part of town and done a lot of gutters and Christmas lights with big ladders. I like the idea of setting yourself apart with strength and technique, but have never managed to feel better after being the fulcrum point of an extendable ladder lol.

[@Plexus37]

Hi there, Still planning to start my handyman business. I have heard there is a severe shortage of talent in my area and I have leads already with no advertising. But, we just bought our new home here and it needs a complete renovation, so I am deep in getting our property liveable first. Its giving me a load of practice at almost everything. A lot of the work I am doing is Kitchen, and all floors. ceiling and walls with bathrooms to follow. With this in mind I notice in your tool list there is no Tile equipment, this is pretty much my highest level skill. Is there not much handyman work in tiling? If so why? cost of materials limiting job? Thanks for your feedback man.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Great news! Tile guys are in short supply! I'll be honest here, although I promote running a handyman business, you can honestly make insane cash as a tile guy. I recommend that you watch my videos about getting property managers and follow my system but instead of advertising yourself as a handy man who does tile you should advertise yourself to property managers as a tile guy who can also do handyman work. I'm always in desperate need of a tile guy and can never find a reliable one. Good Luck!

[@A._.A._.]

Thanks so much for this !!!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@mixedberries4937]

Thank you so much for the informative videos comma do you use a miter saw as well when doing your projects?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Very Rarely. Only if I need to cut precise 45 degree angles. Even then it can be done well with a circular saw with practice.

[@mixedberries4937]

@@bulletproofhandyman thank you

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I do still suggest getting one, you'll need it eventually, but I only use mine maybe once per month. You'd be amazed what you can do with a circular saw with practice.

[@saywhatnowfella]

Hey there. What are your recommendations on a main tool tote vs bag ? Im leaning towards a 20" husky open top tote but would love to hear your take. Also, do you wear a tool belt for your essential tools on site?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Currently I'm using the backpack. Totes get heavy and cluttered, for me anyways. However I think that's more of a personal choice as long as you have accomplished the goal of having most of what you'll need in one EDC. I never wear tool belts because they can scratch cabinets and walls and furniture if you're not careful, and also because they just feel bulky and unnecessary. I try to be fast and light as often as I can. I'm currently working on a system of kits for each common job so that I just grab the one kit and don't need to carry anything else at all besides the kit. That is a work in progress that will take the better part of a year to build out.

[@saywhatnowfella]

Sounds like I'll be taking a look at a backpack set-up for an option. Thank you Sir.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@A._.A._.]

kind of a very specific question but if I could only buy one at the moment, would you recommend a corded or a cordless SDS hammer drill (it would be Dewalt)? Taking into regard that I want it for drilling in walls but also mixing tile adhesive

[@bulletproofhandyman]

If you can only buy one then get the cordless now. Just make sure that you stop at a few pawn shops here and there to find a cheap corded one. The idea is just to have one corded hammer drill for bigger jobs so that you don't wear out the cordless too fast.

[@A._.A._.]

@@bulletproofhandyman Ah yes I get it good thinking

[@A._.A._.]

@@bulletproofhandyman thank you !

[@ligyron2835]

I personally wouldn’t recommend a dewalt hammer drill to anyone ever. I was a commercial pipefitter for 12 years using hammer drills everyday. For corded I’d look for a Bosch bulldog (even brand new they are cheap and last forever) and cordless I personally used the Milwaukee 7/8 SDS plus D handle. I’ve literally built 50 story buildings in Manhattan using it and it still runs like a charm.

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

So about 50K in tools, or thereabouts?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Of course, that all depends on whether you're buying every single tool from scratch brand new, or whether you already own some tools, or whether you already own some tools and the ones that you need to purchase can be purchased used as well. I would say $50,000 would be the high end if you had to purchase everything brand new and you only purchased high quality. I'm pretty sure I could take $5,000 cash and convert that into every tool a handyman needs over the course of a weekend visiting pawn shops and then one last trip to Home Depot. That might be an interesting video to make.

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

Good point. Waiting for my LLC to get approved. Appreciate your videos!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@ChapterfromWW3]

Hey brother I’m a bit confused on how I should price trip fees. Do I charge $125 for every job plus $100 an hour or just the $125? 21 trying to get into this business thanks a lot for your content!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Answered above. Thanks!

[@thomasjefferson5727]

Forget a paddlebit, get speedbores

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I only use a paddle bit maybe once a year, but I'll look into those.

[@MediumRareSteve]

Dope ass videos. thanks

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome

[@corcoransullivan1562]

That digging in your home town sounds horrible. Hard digging is so much tougher than easy digging.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Sure is!

[@walterbordett2023]

Death by PowerPoint.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

💯

[@jasonbaxter5502]

A good little chainsaw will work for many things.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree

[@shainehagee6937]

*Promo SM* 😪

[@bulletproofhandyman]

🤔

[@yanisaiah1673]

😪 *promosm*

[@thomasjefferson5727]

+1 for the algorithm

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@jasonbaxter5502]

Some of them are pointless.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

After doing this full-time for a year, I can say that I use every single tool that I carry frequently and I don't carry any tools that I don't use.

[@brasilianboyy]

worst videos you made; you could have balled out on this video but your knowledge on tools is out dated smh

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Send me the link to your video so I can take notes.

[@charlesviner1565]

👍📐🔨

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!