handyman
Jack of trades
A handyman is someone who does small repairs and maintenance tasks, typically around homes or buildings.
The work ranges from fixing leaky faucets to patching drywall to assembling furniture.
A handyman handles jobs too minor to call a specialist for: We hired a handyman to fix the fence and install some shelves.
The term implies competence across many trades without mastery of any particular one.
Multiskilled non-specialist
- generalistOne with broad expertise
- all-rounderMulti-skilled person
- multiskilledCapable in various domains
- do-it-yourselferSelf-reliant home repairer
DIYer · odd-jobber · self-sufficient · adaptable · resourceful · practical · problem-solver · fixer
Tool for striking nails
- screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
- wrenchTool for turning fasteners
- pliersHinged metal gripping tool
- drillHole-boring device
saw · level · toolbox · ladder · sandpaper · multimeter · workbench
Improvise temporary repair
- tinkerMender of metal household wares
- cobbleWorn stone for paths
- bodgeCrude temporary repair
- patchMaterial covering damage
kludge · hack · make-do · rig · workaround · stopgap · band-aid
Water system tradesperson
- electricianWiring installation specialist
- carpenterTimber construction tradesperson
- mechanicVehicle maintenance professional
- painterOne who applies pigment
welder · roofer · tiler · mason · glazier · locksmith · drywall · HVAC
Clever, original thinking
- adaptabilityAbility to adjust readily
- clevernessMental quickness and skill
- inventivenessCapacity for original creation
- practicalityQuality of being useful
problem-solving · self-reliance · handiness · know-how · savvy · thriftiness · scrappiness · improvisation
Ongoing preservation effort
- servicingPerforming routine maintenance
- tune-upRoutine vehicle maintenance
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- cleaningRemoving dirt and mess
lubrication · adjustment · weatherstripping · caulking · touch-up
jack-of-all-trades
Multiskilled non-specialist
- generalistOne with broad expertise
- all-rounderMulti-skilled person
- multiskilledCapable in various domains
do-it-yourselfer · DIYer · odd-jobber · self-sufficient · adaptable · resourceful · practical · problem-solver · fixer
hammer
Tool for striking nails
- screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
- wrenchTool for turning fasteners
- pliersHinged metal gripping tool
drill · saw · level · toolbox · ladder · sandpaper · multimeter · workbench
jury-rig
Improvise temporary repair
patch · kludge · hack · make-do · rig · workaround · stopgap · band-aid
plumber
Water system tradesperson
- electricianWiring installation specialist
- carpenterTimber construction tradesperson
- mechanicVehicle maintenance professional
painter · welder · roofer · tiler · mason · glazier · locksmith · drywall · HVAC · installer
ingenuity
Clever, original thinking
- adaptabilityAbility to adjust readily
- clevernessMental quickness and skill
- inventivenessCapacity for original creation
practicality · problem-solving · self-reliance · handiness · know-how · savvy · thriftiness · scrappiness · improvisation
upkeep
Ongoing preservation effort
- servicingPerforming routine maintenance
- tune-upRoutine vehicle maintenance
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
cleaning · lubrication · adjustment · weatherstripping · caulking · touch-up
plumbing
Water and waste infrastructure
- electricalInvolving conducted current
- carpentryWood construction trade
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
masonry · tiling · painting · soldering · welding · patching · caulking · grouting · sanding · wiring
- facility workersjanitor, custodian, maintenance worker, building superintendent, building super
- repairmenappliance repairman, mechanic, auto mechanic, HVAC technician, HVAC tech
- repairsrepair, fixing, mending, patching, repairing
- tradespeopleelectrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, bricklayer
- helpersnurse, helper, volunteer, aide, assistant
- neighborhood charactersbusybody, gossip, nosy neighbor, mailman, dog walker
handymanklutz
Awkward, graceless person
bungler · incompetent · botcher · butterfingers · blunderer
handymanlicensed contractor
specialist · master craftsman · master electrician · journeyman · craftsman
handymanwhite-collar worker
Non-manual professional employee
desk jockey · pencil pusher · office worker · intellectual · theorist