Here Are Some Fun Handyman Facts

handyman collage of jobs completed in Reading

The Origin of Handyman

The term “handyman” dates back to the late 1800s and originally referred to someone skilled in a variety of small tasks. Today, it covers everything from minor repairs to full home renovations.

Duct Tape Isn’t for Ducts

Despite its name, duct tape is actually not ideal for sealing ducts! Studies show that it degrades quickly under heat. Professional handymen use aluminum tape or mastic sealant for proper ductwork repairs.

WD-40 Has Over 2,000 Uses

Handymen love WD-40, and for good reason! This multi-purpose lubricant can stop squeaky doors, remove crayon marks from walls, prevent rust, and even repel insects.

A Hammer Was One of the First Tools Ever Invented

Archaeologists have found evidence of stone hammers dating back over 3.3 million years, making it one of the oldest tools ever used by humans.

The Average Home Needs Over 100 Repairs Per Year

From leaky faucets to creaky floors, the average home requires over 100 minor repairs each year. A reliable handyman can save homeowners time and stress by tackling these issues before they become major problems.

A Good Handyman Can Increase Home Value

Regular maintenance and small improvements—like fixing trim, updating fixtures, and sealing cracks—can boost a home's value by up to 10%.

The Secret to Perfect Caulking? A Wet Finger

Professional handymen know that smoothing out caulk with a damp finger (or a plastic caulking tool) gives the cleanest, most professional finish.

The Secret to a Quieter House? Baby Powder!

Squeaky hardwood floors can be silenced by sprinkling baby powder into the cracks. The powder reduces friction between floorboards, stopping the noise.

Your Door Hinges Can Predict the Weather

If your door hinges start squeaking out of nowhere, it could be due to changes in humidity and air pressure, which expand or contract the metal and wood.

A Hairdryer Can Remove Stickers and Labels

Handymen often use a simple hairdryer to loosen stubborn price tags, stickers, or old caulk. The heat softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel off.

A Screw Can Replace a Stripped-Out Hole

When a screw hole becomes too loose, handymen use an old trick: inserting a wooden matchstick or toothpick with a bit of glue into the hole before re-screwing. This gives the screw fresh grip!

A Penny Can Save a Wobbly Chair

If a chair leg is slightly shorter than the others, a handyman trick is to glue a penny under it to balance things out.

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