Can You Identify These Handyman Tools in 7 Minutes?

Robin Tyler

Image: Wiki Commons via Simon Eugster

About This Quiz

No matter which way you look at it, a handyman is simply nothing without his tools, no matter how talented he is.

Now that is a fact, isn't it?

For every nail that needs to be driven into wood, every screw turned, every piece of wood cut into the right length and ever hole that needs to be drilled... well, there is a tool for that. There are so many tools that a handyman's toolbox could get a little big!

Although it might be nice to have all of those tools, a massive range is not that necessary if you have the basics. Those tools and pieces of equipment that can help the handyman get the job done on time, every time. 

And yes, there are the usual suspects that you will be able to identify quickly, but we have thrown a few curveballs at you in this quiz. Let's see if you can identify those essential tools of a handyman that you would not think he would need in his everyday job.

And you should be able to finish this quiz in just seven minutes.

Let's see how you fare!

Good luck!



It's all about protection with this first handyman tool. Name it, please.

To protect your eyes, a pair of safety glasses should always be in any toolbox, that of a handyman as well.

The piece of equipment pictured here is called what?

Our ears are sensitive and to protect them, especially when drilling or using power tools, one should wear earmuffs or ear plugs.

What is shown in this image?

Any good handyman knows that protection is paramount. Things can easily drop on your feet, and to protect them, safety shoes with steel toe caps are a must.

To get a little higher, a handyman would use this tool.

The perfect way to get to higher places, a step ladder is easily transported as well.

Used for turning in a certain type of fastener, can you identify this handyman tool?

Something you would use everyday as a handyman is a screwdriver. Make sure you have the right kind for the screws you intend turning in!

Used in electrical work, what are these called?

Does exactly what it says on the box - strips wires as needed. Don't buy cheap. You want wire strippers that will do the job first time! Of course, a handyman would not use this every day but it's an important part of a toolbox.

No self-respecting handyman is without one of these! Can you tell us what it is?

A tape measure of around 50 feet is a toolbox essential for any handyman! How else can you measure up?

A common tool, or is it? Do you know what it is called?

A range of pliers are important in handyman work, including the needle-nose.

This is an easy one. Be sure not to use the one in your kitchen. What are we talking about?

A pair of heavy duty scissors is never out of place in a handyman's toolbox. It is perfect for cutting pipes, rubber and other materials.

Here we have a _______?

Sometimes things need to be hit. That's where a hammer comes in useful. As an example, a tight bolt might need a friendly tap to loosen it.

Electrical work would need one of these. What is it?

A top of the range multi-meter can test a/c and d/c voltage, amps and temperature. Although not essential, a good handyman will have one of these.

Can you name this tool, used for tightening nuts?

A range of different sized crescent wrenches are always handy to have in any toolbox.

Mobile power, that's what you have in this image. What is this called?

An extension cord is a handy piece of equipment to have, especially when you need reach areas that have no power source.

This should be a tool for every handyman. What is it?

No toolbox is complete without a pipe-wrench, especially one belonging to a HVAC technician.

Having a pair of these can protect your digits. What do we have in this image?

To protect your hands, a pair of thick gloves should always be in your handyman toolbox.

Luckily, you don't need a license to fire this. Can you tell us what tool it is?

A caulking gun is used to seal piping among other handy applications.

Identify this tool, please.

For when sawing is the only option, a Sawzall can cut through just about anything.

Maybe not found in the toolbox but definitely on the belt of a handyman, can you identify this?

A multi-tool can come in very useful in many situations. No self-respecting handyman would be without one on their belt.

Not essential but useful to have, can you name this tool?

PVC cutters are the perfect tool to cut PVC piping.

No power necessary to make holes with this baby! What is it?

A fully-charged cordless drill means that you can work in areas that have no power points! It can also double as screwdriver if you interchange the drill bits with screwdriver bits.

Need to cut an iron rod... use this!

If a handyman is working with metal, the chances are a hacksaw is needed. This is the cheapest way to cut through metal rods, for example.

Used for turning in a certain type of fastener, can you identify this handyman tool?

Screws are not all the same. To turn in one with a Phillips head, you will need a Phillips screwdriver. Every handyman has one of these.

When a spanner won't do, use this!

One of the best things in a handyman's toolbox... a socket set! The easiest way to tighten and loosen nuts!

What handyman tool is shown in this image?

A range of pliers are important in a handyman's work including the flat nose.

Used for special fasteners, what is this called?

Never leave home without them! Many manufacturers use bolts with Allen key heads, so have a range of sizes is a great idea as well. Having a metric and standard set is what you should aim for.

Can you identify this cutting tool for us?

Side snips can be used to cut PVC piping, wires, thin pieces of metal. They are invaluable for a handyman.

Because you never know when you will work in darkness, you might need this. Tell us what it is, please.

A flashlight or headlamp is perfect for those dark places where you might work or when the electricity is off.

An accessory for another tool, what is shown in this image?

Always make sure you have the right drill bit for the job at hand. Some are for drilling into wood, others stone and still others, metal.

The tool shown in this image is a _______ and might be used by a handyman or plumber.

If you handyman work includes plumbing jobs, a leak detector is a great addition to a toolbox.

Want to hang something straight? You would need this. What is it?

A level is the perfect way to ensure that the shelf you just hung, is straight. All handymen have these!

No self respecting handyman would be seen dead without this.

Perhaps the greatest invention ever, duct tape can be used to faster anything!

Because every handyman job needs a new slap of paint, you would need this.

A good quality paint brush is all you need for the occasional paint job you might come across.

Great for woodworking jobs, what have we here?

Sandpaper comes in many different grains, perfect for rough or fine sanding jobs.

You should wear this while sanding wood. What is it?

Fine wood grains from sanding can play havoc with your lungs, especially if you are asthmatic. A mask is a great addition to the toolbox in this regard.

Identify this tool, please.

Sometimes, the drilling job is just too much for a cordless drill. In situations like this, you need a tough pneumatic drill.

Need to carry liquids. Use this!

A bucket is a useful thing to have, especially if you need to carry water from a tap to the area you are working in, for example.

This one's easy. What is it?

A pencil behind the ear... that's every handyman, right? When you don't have one, you will go mad!

This cuts wood easily into shapes but be careful of your fingers. What is it?

A jigsaw is a specialized saw that can cut any shape. A useful tool to have, especially for the woodworking handyman.

No self-respecting handyman should be without one of these.

A tool belt is a great way to make sure all those tools you need on your current job are in close proximity.

This will be very useful when woodworking. What is it?

A chisel is something that you would use often in handyman jobs that involve woodworking.

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

Explore More Quizzes