First up the electrical tool kit we talk about some key tools for doing electrical work and comment on an article in Fine Homebuilding called An Electrical Tool Kit by Brian Walo.
Fine Homebuilding says (About Brian Walo’s article):

He recommends three electrical testers, a variety of drivers (Phillips head, flat head, nut driver, and Robertson drivers), pliers (side-cutting, crimpers, strippers, end cut, and needle nose), and materials (electrical tape, wire nuts, crimping sleeves, bonding screws, cable clamps, staples, and screws).

Well we discuss what a typical handyguy may want to have and share some of our own favorites in the podcast.
Below are some must haves.

Testers

Well, we think there should be several types of testers. Some simple, some fancier, depending on what you are testing. The three types each have different purposes.
First – A non-contact voltage Tester. This type of tester can tell you if you if a wire is “hot” without needing to remove a wire nut. Its a good first check but many recommend that you also use a true voltage meter to be positive the electric is off before you work on something.
Second – A tester that checks for correct wiring. These are simple devices that you plug into a receptacle and indicator lights tell you if its wired correctly. The one in our kit below also can test GFCIs.
Lastly – A voltage meter – A voltage meter is used to measure the voltage on a particular wire or for testing continuity. It can also test batteries and other low voltage circuits.
This kit from Greenlee includes all three at a good price.

http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000FCIMFS

Drivers

Screwdrivers are needed. For electrical work a number of different sizes and styles are needed. The Handyguys and the author of the Fine Homebuilding article all despise “standard” or slotted screwdrivers but they are a necessary part of the process. You couldn’t install a faceplate without one. Many of the older devices only have slotted screw heads. You will need two sizes of slotted, small and medium. Philips is pretty common these days and a decent #2 Philips is probably your most used size. Many of the newest devices use square drive or robertson tips. They give very good positive grip on the screw heads.
This set from Klein http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000MKMIH6 is top of the line and wont break the bank. It includes all the sizes you would need except the square drive

The square drive http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B00093D6YU can be bought separately. This square drive screwdriver also has a little hook right below the handle for bending wire. It really speeds up the job of putting in outlets and switches because you do not need to reach for your pliers to put the bend on the end of a wire you are going to terminate.

Pliers

Get the best pair of “linemans pliers” http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B0000302W6 you can buy. Cheap ones will dull, chip and generally frustrate you . They are used for many things from cutting, twisting, crimping and pulling.

Strippers – You can strip wire with a pocket knife or even your linemans pliers. A tool dedicated to the task will be easier and faster. http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B00080DPNQ

Miscellaneous

In the podcast we also go into a lot of other items such as wire nuts, screws, crimps, clamps, staples and so forth. If you want links to any of that just use our contact form and we will get them for you.

Tips

• Have some extra screws handy. 8/32 and 6/32 will be the most common size.
• For fishing wire the author uses a 10′ piece of pex tubing. Read the article for how that works.

When the power goes out.

The music provided at the beginning of this segment is from Mevio’s Music Alley. Check it out at music.mevio.com

When would you use a portable generator and when would you want a standby generator? The Handyguys discuss the options and pros and cons of different types.

Bottom line – when using a portable generator make sure you follow all of the safety rules provided in the owners manual.

In this show, The Handyguys detail the basic Handyguy Toolkit that every homeowner should have. We also have our first free giveaway contest. Listen to the podcast for details.

But first The Handyguys discuss a new Mantis Cordless Reel Mower. This new battery-powered mower weighs only 25 pounds and is powered by a 24-volt NiCad battery, which provides enough power to mow up to 2,500 square feet of lawn. This mower runs quietly and is environmentally friendly, according to the company.

But what do The Handyguys think of this product? We have to be honest, we haven’t used it and aren’t exactly sure how it works. However, when he was a kid, Brian used a traditional reel mower to mow almost an acre of grass at his grandmother’s house. Sure it was hard work, but he did not do any damage to the environment with it. (But what about those chemicals you spread on the lawn Brian?)

Check out the Mantis Cordless Reel Mower before spring, or check out this no-carbon producing reel mower to satisfy even the pickiest environmentalist requirements.

Since the grass is dormant in most parts of the country, we should be discussing tools, not mowers. The Handyguys tackle the job of listing the essential tools that should be in every homeowners toolbox.

Listen to the podcast for details.

The Handyguys starter toolbox:

1. Assortment of Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers
2. 16oz hammer
3. Bosch drill
4. Adjustable wrench
5. Pliers (needle nose, diagonal cut, regular)
6. Vice grips (Made in USA)
   
7. Alan wrench set
8. Tape measure (25′ )
9. Utility Knife
10. 2′ Level
11. Wonder bar crowbar
12. Leather gloves
13. Stud finder (Electronic) or (Magnetic)
    
14. WD-40
15. Flashlight
16. Bucket Boss
17. Duct tape!!! (or is it duck tape?)

Let us know what you recommend for the basic Handyguy Toolkit. We may mention it on our show.

Finally, the Handyguys have their first contest. We will be giving away something for free. All you need to do is listen to this podcast to find out what it is and how to enter our contest to win.